We finally did it! The Great Escape happened, while the kids survived solo, and we explored yet another of Mexico's miraculously surprising lands. Previous trips to Mérida over the years amounted to mere long weekends. These gave us a sense of the place. Mérida's wonders are regularly touted in expat blogs, travel mags, and those professing to showcase a "real" Mexico experience. But all this did little to prepare us, and gave us a sort of false "I know Mérida" confidence upon arrival.
A month long house rental was secured by scouring the internet and we plucked from cyberspace a one-bedroom, one-bath colonial remodel with private pool, a/c, and access to the downtown core. The trip was meant as a working vacation: stay on top of our evolving Mexico training business while expanding our horizons and getting some "cara a cara" time in an exotic setting.
We came expecting to relax, explore, shoot fotos, and engage with meridanos, mayas, and the majesty of the land. Along the way, we discovered some real treasures to share with our Magic of Mexico followers.
La Casa de los Venados
Before we even arrived in Merida Jane had set up an appointment to enjoy a tour of the private home and art collection in Valladolid, belonging to a Chicago couple named John and Dorianne Venator. I had seen a breathtaking video of their home on www.yucatanliving.com and was able to contact John and schedule a tour. Click here to see the video. Valladolid is conveniently located just 1:45 minutes from Cancun and 2 hours by bus, from Merida. The town was recently awarded “Pueblo Magico” or Magic Town status by the Mexican Government and had a total make-over. Cables have been buried underground, all large signage has been removed, facades have been painted, streets have been repaired. There is lots to see and do in this small gem of a town of about 70,000 people. Casa de los Vendados (House of the deer) is located right next to the cathedral off the main square. John and Dorianne probably have the largest private collection of Mexican Popular Art in the world. Not only are they anxious to share their home and collection with visitors, but they have arranged to donate the house and art collection to the city of Valladolid, to run as a museum. In the meantime, Dorianne is a Certified Meeting Planner and the house has been constructed to be the perfect venue for group events, weddings and celebrations. If you think you might be interested in setting up a tour or event you can contact John or Dorianne at javenator1@gmail.com
Rosas & Xocolate (pronounced shoh-coh-LAH-tay)
A new boutique hotel opened last November on Paseo de Montejo, Merida’s Champs Elyses. Although the sign is small and unobtrusive-the hotel can be easily identified by it’s bright pink color. This gem of a property brings a new level of luxury to downtown Mérida. It’s much closer to the historic center than the Hyatt Regency, Fiesta Americana and Presidente Inter-Continental hotels. The food is exceptionally good, and the setting is luxurious and serene. Mr. Carol Kolozs, owner and General Manager is on hand at all hours to greet guests, give personal tours, answer questions and solve problems. Travel agents get 10% commission. Just go to the hotel website www.rosasandxocolate.com and book online or contact Alicia Villegas at aliciav@rosasandxocolate.com
Mexicachica Getaways
A few of the most memorable treats include Greg's now favorite city park in all of Mexico: Parque de las Americas. Built in the 1940's with an indigenous revival styling, the park consists of four adjoined squares with plenty of shade, a library, enormous Mayan-inspired fountain, a concha-shaped amphitheater, and small monuments to salute the nations of the Americas (yes, even the USA and Canada are honored). A jardin de niños fittingly rounds out the park's appeal to all generations.
Greg also found swimming next to the Mayan pyramids at Dzilbilchaltún an unforgettable joy. Busy on weekends and almost deserted during the week, the cenote sits tucked behind a pyramid at the site's remote corner. Many don't even see it -- yet along plunge in for a cool dip while gazing us to the adjacent temple. Quite an experience!
