Katy, Memo, y Los Padres

My parents made the trip from Morgan City, La to Ciudad del Carmen, Mexico to visit us! The last time Billy and I had seen them was our trip home in September, so needless to say, I was excited. This has been our longest uninterrupted time in Mexico, and although I know it's only been a few months, I was starting to miss my family. I didn't quite realize how much I missed them until they left yesterday. Once they left I started to get a little sentimental. We had such a great four days, rushing around the Yucatan. I never had a second to stop and soak in the moment. I guess this all goes back to the post reminding everyone to be thankful for their loved ones and to, as cliche as it sounds, tell them you love them every day. 

Mom and Dad,

I had a wonderful trip. Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedules to come see our new home. We really had a wonderful time from Tortugueros to Merida to Uxmal. We made memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you for always being supportive of this adventure that life has chosen for us. I'm happy that even if just for a few days, you could experience it with us. I'm glad that you're home safely, and we will see you before you know it! 

Now that we've gotten the mushy stuff out of the way, let me tell you about our adventures. Thursday was a low key day. Anyone that has flown from Louisiana to Carmen knows that you have to wake up at the crack of dawn and are basically out of commission for the rest of the day. Friday we started the morning with a walk to the school where I volunteer. It was fun to show all of them my classroom and where I spend my days. It was Billy's first time seeing it all as well. Next, we headed to the fish market where we buy fresh seafood every Saturday. It is located downtown near the square with the unique yellow church. We ended the day at our happy place, Tortugueros. We relaxed by the waves and enjoyed the sunshine. Billy did pelican impersonations which was rather comical, and of course posed like he was in a Corona commercial. Family, sunshine, and quality time. What more could a girl want? 

Saturday we packed up the car and headed to Merida. It's a really neat drive along the coast for the first few hours. Merida, or the White City as it is commonly called, is a beautiful colonial city on the Yucatan. It's our halfway point to Cancun. This was our 3rd trip to Merida, but we had yet to see a crucifix that Monsignor Torres who married us had insisted that we see. It was fun to see it for the first time with my parents. The backstory of the cross (let's see if I can get this right) is that it was being made for a much bigger cathedral in Rio de Janeiro, but the Pope for one reason or another got mad at the cathedral in Brazil and sent it to Merida. The cross is almost too large for the space in the cathedral in Merida but stunning to see. The outside of the church is gorgeous as well. I prefer it at night when special lighting gives it a unique accent. After seeing the crucifix and walking around the square, we returned to our hotel via horse and carriage. How fun!

While in Merida, we stayed at Rosas y Xocolate. Rosas y Xocolate is a charming boutique hotel located on the main avenue, Paseo de Montejo, in Merida. The property was transformed from two old haciendas that were remodeled into a hotel and restaurant. Most of the hotel is pink and brown to keep with the theme rosas y xocolate. We were able to buy some delicious Mexican chocolate from the gift store downstairs. The property also had a nice gym, a tequila display, and a wine library. One cool feature of the suites was an outdoor bathtub complete with chocolate soap. I wouldn't advise eating it. :p Saturday night we went to dinner at the on site restaurant which was phenomenal. We don't get such delectable meals in Carmen, so we definitely indulged. After dinner, it was a no brainer to head upstairs to hear some live jazz music at their rooftop bar. We finished the night relaxing on our terrace overlooking Paseo de Montejo. 

Entry way to Rosas y Xocolate.

Wine display in the wine library.

Some of the yummiest chocolate I've ever tasted.

Billy and I being silly while my mom tries to take a nice picture.

Sunday after a wonderful breakfast, we ventured to the Mayan ruins named Uxmal (oosh-mal).  This was exciting for Billy and me because we had never been there before. The first structure that you see, The House of the Magician, is gigantic. I wanted so badly to climb it, but in the last few years they have roped it off. It is breathtaking to see in person. I didn't have high expectations because the only other ruins we have seen were much smaller. We spent hours climbing around the rest of the structures at Uxmal. We even climbed up another one nearly as tall as The House of the Magician. We stopped 2/3 of the way up to take a breath and gain our composure. It's such a rush when you're that high. Climbing down the structure was even more intimidating because it's so steep. It's especially cool to me to see the Mayan ruins because I studied the Mayan culture in a lot of my Spanish classes. It's fun to imagine what their lives were like. We finished the day with a late lunch on the property. We got a late start heading home, but Billy was a trooper and navigated us all the way home. 

Billy and I climbing one of the tallest structures.

My parents in front of the Governor's Palace.

Some of my favorite people.

Wearing our Mexico hats.

As you can see, it was an action packed weekend. To anyone that has the chance, I highly recommend seeing Uxmal. I am very fortunate that I get to spend my days climbing buildings from 500 B.C. and experiencing new cities with the people that I love the most.