Hangin' Around Town

We decided to spend our fourth day in Merida to take care of some housekeeping and see the local sights. There was some rain forecast for late afternoon, but the morning was beautifully crisp and clear, so off to a good start. At least this morning, Jenn didn't hurl a breakfast pastry at my head like she did the previous morning (she CLAIMS she was swatting away an insect, but I know whether to believe THAT one).

Our internet connection went down, so we headed to the Merida English Library which is a handful of blocks away. There you can use the computers for online access, plus Jenn wanted to look for a Mexican cookbook she read about. The kids enjoyed looking at books in the children's room, and we happened to run into Cherie again, who was there for the internet as well.

We picked up our laundry at the lavanderia and flagged down the water truck as he passed down our street. 40 liters of water for just $2.78 US. Another bargain.

Then sandwiches for lunch and siesta time for all. Lukas must have been exhausted; he slept for more than 2 hours.

After naps it was pool time as the storm clouds rolled in right on schedule. Not very long and it was a full downpour, so the kids had a blast swimming in the rain.

Dinner out at Pancho's, which was nice although a bit touristy... every patron in the place was a gringo, so we weren't really feeling the authentic Mexican vibe as much. Jenn had informed the kids that Pancho Villa was a bandit, so every time the busboy came out to clear tables (wearing a bandana on his head) Lukas called out "the bandit!"

Afterwards, the rain had stopped so we wandered around to visit some shops and hear some music. Saturday nights, they close some of the streets for vendors and artisans to show off their wares, so there was lots to see. Plus, every other block has a monument, park, or cathedral, which are lit up nicely after dark.

We wrapped up the night with tasty tropical sorbets: mango, mamey, and guanabana. Jenn had the best of the night; it was an intriguing blend of vanilla, tropical fruit, and rum. Mmmmm! We'll have to go back and get more so we can find out what flavor it was.

So, certainly not a wild and crazy day today, yet pleasant all the same.