On Thursday , two days ago the four of us took an excursion to go visit the ancient Mayan ruins of Chicken Pizza, aka Chichenitza.
We were up before the chickens to catch the shuttle for the main transportation area where we caught a large tour bus. The bus ended up being very full with no empty seats left. Our tour company was Cancun Bay. The main tour guide, Hector, was very knowledgeable on Mayan culture and spent nearly 2 hours describing in great detail, everything he knew in both Spanish and English. He also described in great detail how the bus has a toilet in the back but to use only for number one, to not use it for the “poo, the doo, or the number two”; using many other slang words describing the process; that if the number 2 was necessary, Miguelito could stop the bus and we could take the Machete into the jungle to “cut the flower”.
We got lessons (many lessons) in Mayan math and Mayan language. He was very knowledgeable but I think talked uncontrollably. We certainly got a snootfull.
The bus stopped twice on the way. Our first stop was a little dirty spot where we dropped off and picked up passengers. Our bus was full. Here we ate breakfast. Breakfast was a buffet type meal where we went through the line and picked out things that we thought were good to eat.. I can’t remember exactly what I had but I did have a few scrambled eggs and one sunnyside up. The fried egg was cold, pretty much like the coffee.
Soon, we were back on the bus listening to more Mayan history from Hector. I believe it was along this stretch of the road that he pulled out a large pad of paper and a black marker. He begin showing us how the ancient Mayans figured out multiplication.
Our next stop was at a small Mayan village. We were introduced to the village chief and said hello in the Mayon language. A few more words from Hector completed our introductions and we were herded toward a souvenir shop , encouraged to support these poor Mayans. Inside we were greeted by native Mayans who presented us their homemade items that they had apparently crafted themselves. There were many things made from Obsidian. There were wafers of Obsidian that were translucent enough to look up and see a small light in the sky which was the sun. There were various shapes of apple size Obsidian stones that were used as massage stones; some with handles. They were also Mayan calendars on leather, hats, keychains and a myriad of other things one could buy.
We were not yet able to go explore the Cenote because the oath was gated. The closest gate was ironically placed to cause you to enter and exit through this one souvenir shop, both coming and going. Cancun Bay tours were really pushing us to buy from this shop! Eventually we were allowed to walk down a gravel pathway towards the opening of a subterranean swimming hole.
This was a natural cave, called Cenote. Daylight came in through a hole in the cave ceiling where, apparently, some poor unfortunate man accidentally fell through years before and discovered this cavern. We do not know his circumstance. I am sure his breakthrough discovery was a screaming experience.Apparently, there are many of these limestone caves in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Following the cave swim, we returned along the same path and were, once again funneled into the gift shop before we were given two drink tickets for lunch. We were escorted to a large room like a cafeteria, where we sat down for lunch. The food was served cafeteria style. I thought our lunch was a good meal. The food was certainly Mexican and was still hot. Our drink tickets allowed us a variety of soft drinks in the bottle.
Following lunch, we got back on the bus. Our next stop would be at the Mayan ruins. Hector decided to give us a break from his talking and gave us an hour of quiet time in case some old timers needed to take a nap.
No doubt, the Mayan ruins were impressive. These huge structures were hewn from the limestone by the Mayans using tools of Obsidian and other natural resources as iron was not yet part of their culture.
I heard that these ruins lay dormant for 600 years. During that time the jungle enveloped these massive structures, covering the pyramid with climbing vines, trees and bushes. One could tell the stones were damage by the roots
Because there are no mountains in the Yucatán the ruins which stood high enough on this flat land to be noticed, covered with vegetation, was investigated by treasure seekers. Later on, the government took possession, cleared off the vegetation, and brought visitors to this Wonder of the world.
A few years ago, tourists were allowed to climb the 92 steps to the top of the pyramid, but that got stopped after a female Codger fell off and died.
As we walked along the pathway from one structure to another, we were continually hounded by people selling trinkets and souvenirs of all types. Most of them seemed to have the same things with a few exceptions. You could hear phrases from them like, “nearly free”, “only one dollar” and other words trying to entice you to buy their wares..
During our bus trip, our tour guide, Hector, emphasized to be cautious if buying anything from these hundreds of small shops. He told us that much of their items were made overseas, not by local crafters, that they would try to cheat you in some way, perhaps giving you change made from counterfeit pesos. His advice to us was such that we should not even make eye contact with these vendors.
I did notice that many, many people paid no attention to
these vendors. It got me to thinking of why? I came to the conclusion that because our tour company emphasized buying from the Mayon village that the participating tour companies are probably making money from the sales at the Mayon village. It is possible that because many of these shops along the ruins trail are independently owned, there was no way they could make a deal to get money from them. I think that’s why they emphasized to us not to buy there. Just my thoughts. But it does make sense. Tour companies are out to make money whatever way they can. I might be mistaken.
Our long ride home was uneventful except for the drunks on board our bus. But, that’s another story.
Our flight from Houston to Cancun International was an easy 1.5 hour flight. Customs was quick and easy without the scrutiny like we received in Saint Petersburg, Russia, for sure! Our traveling companions, Ron and the lovely Nancy Pinkerton were once again sharing the week with us in this luxury 5 star resort. Nancy had arranged our accommodations through a travel deal she made. She also arranged to have a shuttle pick us up at CI after our arrival.
The half hour ride was non-scenic along the thick jungle type vegetation that grew along the highway. A large stone entrance marked the Vidanta complex, a thousand acre chunk of real estate teeming with resorts, restaurants, water features, swimming pools, roads lined with jungle vegetation and a myriad of electric carts to transport vacationers to their various resorts.
We stayed at a building called the Jungle in the Grand Luxe Riviera Maya. We and the Pinkerton’s each had our own one bedroom, two bath condos complete with kitchen, dining room, living room, bedroom with king bed. We had maid service daily with evening turn down and chocolate on the pillows.
This place exists to sell time shares so we prepared ourselves for the coming pressures, and come it did three days after our arrival.
