Today started out bright and early. Our 7 am wake up call was greeted with a smile since the sun was shining and we were on our way to Chichen Itza! We headed to the lobby where we were picked up in a big ole' bus that we shared with 2 dozen other enthusiastic people. Our team - Luis the driver, "Tony" the operations guy and Carlos the tour guide. Tony provided us with some drinks and a lovely continental breakfast as we made our way to the Mayan ruins that date back to 1500 BC.During the 2 1/2 hour ride we were introduced to the Mayan culture, rituals and their way of life. Our first stop was a Chichen Itza market filled with handmade goods such as carvings, smocks and all the silver jewelry one could need. After a quick bathroom break we were on our way to the archeological site.
Upon de-boarding the bus we were introduced to the 1 negative of the excursion - VENDORS. They were EVERYWHERE trying to pawn their goods on us silly tourists. What was so amazing was that everything was just $1. :) We headed into the site following our trusty tour guide Carlos. He shared with us interesting tid bits about the various temples and customs. The architecture was amazing and the Mayans were brilliant! After about an hour and a half he let us ro
am the grounds on our own. We did the best we could to hit each area, but with the blazing sun beating down on us we headed for some shade. :) We did manage to find the "Cenote Sagrado" which is really a big sink hole with some really nasty water. The reason - it was used as a burial ground where the Mayans made human sacrifices.At 2:35 pm we headed for the bus and to our lunch spot. The buffet lines were long, but the food was worth it as was the entertainment. We were treated to a ritual Mayan dance which included a portion where the dancers balance bottles of Corona on their head. Now how authentic is that?!
It was back to the bus for our final stop before heading home. This time we headed to another cenote or sink hole, but this time, no human sacrifices. It was GORGEOUS! We had the opportunity to take a dive into the crystal blue water, but lamed out and just watched all the others enjoy. After another 40 minutes it was back to the bus for a siesta during our long journey home.
We arrived around 7 pm and headed straight for our room to wash off the stink that had developed during the very hot and sweaty day. We headed our fot dinner and drinks and enjoyed the "Circus Show" complete with acrobatics and the greatest hula hooping skills I have ever seen. The mud slides and strawberry daiquiri's were flowing big time leading to an early night in the room (wink, wink, nudge, nudge).
All in all it was another great day in Cancun. Tomorrow - rest day and romantic dinner on the beach!
P.S. Here is a link to some of the video highlights we have so far: http://www.flipshare.com/view.aspx
