Tuesday, 31 January 2023: Yaxcopoil

Happy birthday to Justin!

We got a phone call from our new Medicare advantage team yesterday.  The gentleman was kind enough to exclaim when I told him Justin was on top of a ladder painting.  Since he knew Justin’s birthday was today, he also knew Justin was 72 years old and up on top of a ladder painting.  Later in the conversation when Justin revealed he was not seeing a specialist of any kind and that he takes no prescription drugs, again, the guy was savvy enough to honor Justin’s state of health.  Just the kind of guy insurance people like to cover.

So, healthy and happy, we headed to Yaxcopoil today.  Less than an hour south of Merida, this hacienda is also home to Mayan ruins.  The Casa Principal and the grounds have been refurbished and are magnificent.  They have one habitacion for guests and I was able to make reservations for tonight to celebrate with the birthday boy.  A traditional Mayan dinner was served al fresco and breakfast will follow in the same manner tomorrow morning.  When I made the reservations I asked about Gemma.  They said of course she was welcome as long as she didn’t sleep on the bed.  Are you kidding me?  Of course she will not sleep on the bed!  Who would allow such a thing?
Mario, our “concierge”, suggested that we have a quincineta celebration for Gemma on her next birthday — now that’s a good idea.  She will be 15 after all.

Saturday, 28 January 2023: Castillito Kiin Nah

We've been hosting Pilates three or four days each week.  But, today it is time to celebrate Peter’s birthday.  It was a much smaller crowd than in years past.  A little dancing, a little food, lots of laughter and smiles. 

Friday, 20 January 2023: Merida and then return to Casa Colibri

Steph left today after a weeklong visit.  I so enjoyed catching up with her.  She is embracing retirement — who doesn’t!?!  The Mexico experience might have been a bit much for her but I sure am glad she came. (Spoiler alert: Celestun is not The Villages)
Highlights of the trip included flamingoes, of course, hanging out together, eating good food, massages, and chatting all day long.  Her visit ended with a night at Los Aluxes, shopping in Merida, and brunch at the Hyatt.  Yes, we will need to go back there.

Julie left on Wednesday to go to San Francisco for the weekend.  Mali was presenting her research and invited her mom to join.  How cool is that!  Julie had a bit of an upset stomach going into the flight so I do hope she wasn’t just miserable.

We got home to stone!  We’ve decided to go ahead with building a garage.  Hugo says about 6 weeks.  Here we go.

Saturday, 14 January 2023: Casa Colibri

The last few weeks have been filled with workers in the house, sunset swims and trying to eeek out everything we can from a day in paradise.  

Stephanie arrived yesterday. The first thing she said was that she’d forgotten her brush and she needed to stop at the BX. For us, that means Walmart.

And then we were done…Football season ended abruptly with the Packers falling to the Lions.

Sunday, 1 Jan 2023: Mérida

After a long, leisurely morning we enjoyed breakfast on the grounds.  The dining room was still decorated for Christmas.  When we were here a few weeks ago with Dave and Susan, I asked about buying a sisal Christmas tree.  I was told they were not for sale.  Today when I asked, they said sure, in the gift shop.  So we are now the proud owners of a sisal Christmas tree.  I swore I would not start collecting Christmas ornaments in one more country, but here I go. We will need to fabricate a new frame that is collapsible. For now, we managed to fit it into the trunk and we were on our way into Mérida for the 3:25 game against the Vikings. 

Like Gemma, I’m fine with these roads for a while. The pot holes are big enough to swallow you and your car… enough already! 

I might have just found my new favorite drink … Mango Chamoy.  It is a beautiful drink to look at.  Savory and sweet and salty all at the same time. Kind of like a daiquiri; kind of like a margarita; kind of yummy!!!

Saturday, 31 December 2023: New Years Eve at Sotuta de Peon

Our 9th anniversary!  On the road by noon, as planned.  As we have been driving this season, weve seen lots of evidence of the building of the Mayan train.  The route will circle the entire Yucatan peninsula.  For now, progress is being made despite lots of pushback.  AMLO wants this to be his legacy.  We will see...I want to ride on that thing.  

For today, we headed first to Oxkintok, a Mayan ruin site just south of Mérida. Bill had recommended the site and today was the day. Each time I visit a site I am prompted to read and learn more about these ancient peoples but then I get back to the day to day and the surge subsides. Maybe this time…

We’d visited Sotuta de Peon twice before but this was out first time to spend the night.  Our room was awesome. A separate little bungalow with private dip pool.  This may be the first time I ever went skinny dipping in the daylight.   Check in time was three we got there right at 4pm but our room wasn’t ready yet.  
Walk and a nap before dinner and dancing and ringing in the new year. 2023… my oh my!