Heaven on earth

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Yucatán Peninsula
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by a morning exploring the ruins of another former. Maya city clawed back from the vegetation. Arrive at Uxmal and enjoy a guided tour of this UNESCO - listed World Heritage Site that rises into view above the jungle canopy. Unlike other Maya cities, Uxmal was devoured by the rainforest after the Spaniards had arrived. The most famous structure is the 35-metre-tall Pyramid of the Magician, towering over the remarkably well-preserved Nunnery Quadrangle with its ornately carved interior and exterior walls. Across the central plaza, just beyond the ballgame court, is the Governor's Palace. At the southern end of the main complex is the Great Pyramid, of which only one side has been excavated with the other three still unclaimed from the bush. After this, visit a Cocoa Museum where the plant and its importance for the ancient Mayans will be explained. Then return to Playacar to your extension hotel, where the tour ends.
Happy Valentine's Day, not the best of sleeps last night as it was cold! But hey, I am getting later at waking up. Luckily the showers were hot today, not sure I fancied another cold shower. Packed up and ready for breakfast by 7am like good girls. Red neck looked like he was suffering and then decided to share with us that he'd had a terrible night and was up with the shits for most of it. The man is an absolute knob. The option for breakfast today was have it or not, it was fruit followed by eggs whatever way you wanted them cooked - scrambled with cheese was my preference. We left pretty much on time even though the les beans and gobby Aussies came to breakfast relatively late. Once the mini bus was loaded with bags and people we set off on our way to Uxmal with just a little put stop to check the tyre pressure. Travel to Uxmal took about 90 minutes so Daniel stopped at an old hacienda so we could have a quick walk around the grounds. There were quite a few mangie dogs who vegan lizzie wanted to take home, I'll be quite pleased to get away from some of these people as there are quite a few that are so nice and do goody that it makes me sick - no one is that nice. There was a little communal area at the front of the hacienda entrance where there were a few woman working out, you've got give them their due, they where quite big but they could do slut drops a treat. Back on the bus to Uxmal. 
Uxmal is home to some of the most magnificent Mayan ruins in the world. This ancient archaeological site, located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, has exceptional architectural design and intricate stone carvings that highlight the advanced civilization of the Mayans. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Uxmal is recognized for its outstanding cultural and historical significance. Its well-preserved structures, such as the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s palace offer a unique glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization.  Uxmal is renowned for its intricate Puuc architectural style, characterized by elaborately carved facades, geometric patterns, and decorative elements. The attention to detail and sophisticated craftsmanship displayed in the buildings at Uxmal is truly . One of the most striking structures at Uxmal is the Nunnery Quadrangle. This complex features a series of interconnected buildings adorned with intricate stone mosaics and unique roof combs, showcasing the architectural mastery of the Mayans. The Great Pyramid at Uxmal - Legend has it that the pyramid was built overnight by a dwarf who was believed to possess magical powers. The Mayans were skilled astronomers, and Uxmal served as an important center for astronomical  observations. The position and alignment of various structures at Uxmal are believed to have been carefully planned to correspond with significant astronomical events, such as equinoxes and solstices. Uxmal features an impressive ballcourt known as the Juego de Pelota. This sporting arena, where the ancient Mayans played a sacred ball game, showcases intricate carvings and depicts scenes from the game. A unique feature of Uxmal is the alignment of several pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Magician and the Governor’s Palace, along a straight east-west axis. The purpose and significance of these alignments is unknown. 
After the tour around Uxmal we left the site and went by the hotel where the tree fell in on me the last time I stayed, they still have the metal mariachi band at the front, and onto the chocolate museum. There is a little bit of a zoo in the museum which made vegan lizzy cry as she hates to see animals in cages - she’s only been a vegan for 3 years! We were shown how the mayans worked the beans to produce Choctaws and then invited to try some hot chocolate made with dark chocolate and water. My god it was bitter,  on one that you would have as a nighttime drink. After purchases were made by some of the group we got back on the bus and went for lunch.
Lunch was a set menu and it was chicken soup, followed by slow cooked chick and pork, followed by fruit and washed down with a cocktail shot of tequilla - tequilla, coffee liqueur and soda water, the waiter banged the glass on the table 3 times and then you had to down it followed by a quick shake of the head and the a pat. It tasted bloody lovely. After lunch it was time to say goodbye to all of the Aussies and head back to the beach, I had asked Daniel to have a word with the driver so we could be dropped off first unbeknown to all the others that were off to Cancun. Well, you have to chance you arm and it was a 5 hour journey. The mini bus was much more comfortable and it had music and videos all the way. The les beans said that the bus would go to Cancun first and that we would probably be last drop off but what did they know - hahaha.
Finally, we got to Playacar and after a slight detour and back track we got to our 5 star hotel and got checked in relatively smoothly!!!
The room is 2317 and we overlook the tennis court, I wonder how many times we use that? We unpacked and went for a little walk around to try and get our bearings for the morning. We had a couple of glasses of champagne and then a bite to eat before a nightcap and off to bed - goodnight.

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2025-02-10

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