Living in Merida

Merida, capital city of the State of Yucatan and economical and social center of south-east Mexico, is a first ranked tourist destination. Known as "White City" due to its large use of white limestone and white paint, this traditional city depicts much of the splendor of Colonial Mexico, coexisting now with modern buildings and international fashion that can be found everywhere.

It was founded by the Spaniard conquerer Francisco de Montejo in 1542 on the remains of the ancient Mayan settlement called Ichcaanzih? and was named Merida in reminiscence of a city of similar name in Spain. The sacred stones of the native temples were used to build houses and buildings for the conquerors, as well as for temples of the Christian faith.

Left in seclusion for many years because of the difficulty of traveling to Merida, the people of this region have cultivated a distinct contemporary society that is unique in Mexico. Merida is a safe place to visit and the people are warm and friendly. Being such a close-knit society violent acts of crime are simply not committed here that often because they are more or less one big family, "there is no place to run".

If you come from winter-like places you better be prepared, coldest temperature here is no less than 16C in winter (most likely in January) and can rise up to 40C in summer (May is the worst). September is a rainy weather month, and also hurricane season, however, even people and government are aware every year of these natural phenomenas, hurricanes are not so often here. Traffic has become a problem, specially in downtown. Taking local bus can be a total adventure if you don't speak Spanish. The majority of the streets are one-way and the bus routes wind all over the place and if you are not on top of things you can end walking more than you expected.

The traveler can find a whole range of possibilities walking the streets and visiting points of interest such as museums, parks, markets, malls, boutiques and stores selling typical clothing - once you get familiar with the street (calle) numbering system, getting lost is unlikely. Outstanding regional dishes and traditional music and dances local to this region can be found in restaurants, theatres and shops housed both near Plaza Grande (main plaza) and in palatial mansions and open-air cafes along Paseo de Montejo (a boulevard fashioned after Paris' Champs Elysee). On Sunday you can stroll in search of fine pieces of traditional artwork and enjoy a series of free public events in downtown such as "serenatas" (local guitar based songs), concerts, or folkloric dancing shows. The University of Yucatan offers free folkloric regional dancing on every Friday night at calle 60 by 57. Merida is near key points in the region, only about 300 Km from world class beach of Cancun (30 minutes flight), 30 Km from progreso (north main commercial harbor in the region) and world famous Chichen Itza and Uxmal among other archeological sites are only few hours away by bus. You can also be witness of a splendor spectacle of Flamingos flying in a beautiful evening sunset, go and dive in deeply "cenotes" (underground caves with lakes across all the region), visit ancient ruins in Dzibichaltun or stop, sit and kick-back to enjoy the fury of the sea in Chelem beach, all these sites only less than an hour away by car LOCAL ATTRACTIONS Plaza Principal. Also known as Plaza Grande, is the main plaza where you can find the Cathedral (a colonial building, main church of the state), Palacio Municipal (Merida's town hall built in 1735), Casa de Montejo (former home of the conquerer of Yucatan) and Palacio de Govierno (hall of the state government). Casa de Montejo.This building is an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture. Contruction on this grandiose home of the founding fathers of Merida started in 1549. Cathedral. This magnificent cathedral is known for the murals depicting the meeting between Montejo and the Mayan King Tutl Xiu. Its construction began in 1561. Palacio de Gobierno.The Governor's Palace houses 27 wall size murals illustrating the somewhat violent bloody history of Yucatan plagued of local and civil wars. The artist spent his entire life working on these paitings. La Ermita de Santa Isabel.A quite relaxing place with beautiful gardens and statues. It is located just outside of the city wall. Paseo de Montejo. Historical boulevard fashioned after those found in Paris, France. Statetly homes, shops and quaint restaurants. Regional Anthropology Museum. Home to many original stone carvings from nearby Mayan sights. This museum also contains rare objects made of brass and copper [who says the Mayans did not use metal]. YUCATECAN CUISINE The culinary delights of a typical Yucatecan kitchen come from a mouth watering mixture of European and Mexican flavors. Dishes are typically spicy and the use of the "chile habanero" (a so hot chili) is a common practice.

Pollo pibil.Chicken marinated in achiote. A dish you should definitely try for lunch or dinner. Not spicy.
Sopa de lima. A delicious soup made with shredded chicken, bits of fried tortilla and lime juice.
Frijol con puerco.The Yucatecan version of pork and beans. A regular Monday dish in most Yucatecan homes. Accompanied with chile habanero and tomato and onion smashed sauces.
Panuchos and Salbutes.Pre-cooked tortilla with shredded chicken and garnished with lettuce and onion. The difference between Panuchos and Salbutes is that the first has refried beans inside the tortilla.
Poc chuc.Tender slices of pork marinated in sour orange juice and served with a tangy sauce and pickled onions.

ARCHEOLOGY

Chichen Itz? Located at 120 km from Merida, it was the most important region's capital of this mayan area between 750 and 1200 A.C. The first buildings were made following the Puuc style of the Mayas, however, Chich¨¦n itz¨¢ was built using a unique style. One of the most notable features of this style are the feathered snake columns in the temple of the pyramids.

Dzibilchaltún. Mayan name that means "the place where there's writing on the stones". is located at 15 km from Merida at north coast of Yucatan. It is one of the main settlements of the mayan culture on Yucatan (and of the entire Peninsula). In the central part of the settlement it is found the Xlacah cenote, word that means ¡°old town¡± wich was explored by divers between 1957 and 1959 descending over 100 feet without being able to determine its depth.

Uxmal. Its name means "thrice built" and it is situated 48 miles at the south-west of Merida. The most outstanding structures are: The House of the Fortuneteller, is one of the most extensive and tall structures. The House of the Governor, it contains masks of god Chaac and serpents complemented with symbols of astronomic nature. The House of Turtles, its decoration consists of stone columns and turtles in the cornice, animals associated with the rain by local believing.