Travel Journal: Mexico
through a weekly festival that featured traditional
performances, artisan crafts, and delicious food—
including mouth-watering fruit cups!
On a lighter note, a little day-to-day update. A routine has most certainly emerged, but it's not dominating our time. We always find new adventures that Mérida has to offer. Since our visit in Ticúl, we have ventured to the yellow city of Izamal. All of the buildings are painted yellow, including the church known for sporting the second biggest atrium in the world (second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome). We finished our day in this magical city in horse-drawn buggies and enjoyed paletas (popsicles), this time dipped in chocolate.
Four other students and I have joined the people of Iglesia Nacional Presbiteriana Del Divina Salvador (National Presbyterian Church of the Divine Savior) for Sunday morning service the past two weeks. I've never shaken so many hands or been welcomed so openly without even having to move from my seat. One of the elders introduced himself before service and asked us general small-talk questions. The next thing we realize, during the service’s announcements, the entire congregation was informed that there was a group of students visiting from Danville, Kentucky.
Fruit on the street is in close competition to the coco paletas that seduced my taste buds with such fervor. Mango, watermelon, cantaloupe, and more—drizzled with honey and dusted with granola, all for less than two dollars.
As I've said before, I'm continuing to be enchanted. Mérida is a thriving city bursting at the seems with Yucatecan pride and excitement. Even if I have to be a “Gringa,” I'll most certainly accept the name in order to continue to be drenched with the rich Mexican culture that surrounds me.
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