Ek Balam ruins, Mexico

A few weeks ago we went to visit the Ek Balam ruins just outside of Valladolid in the state of the Yucatan, Mexico. It’s only a couple hours from Playa del Carmen.

You see our friends from Vernon, B.C. came to visit and we figured it would be a fun day trip. I’ll recount the fun for you incase you would like to repeat it with your friends.

First you borrow a Honda Pilot from your buddy so that all eight of you can squeeze into one vehicle. Now go pick up your friends from their resort at 8 AM and hit the road! First stop bank machine – teach all your friends how to read a Spanish bank machine and collect cards and PIN codes as you go (HeeHee). Also shuffle around so those that feel car sick can sit in the front instead of being squished in the back.

Next stop for gas … shuffle around again so those that feel squished can sit in different spots. I personally like the coziness of the furthest back corner.

Next stop in Valladolid for breakfast at Hotel El Meson de Marques, a tour of the square, some leather shopping and photo ops. Now on to Ek Balam! Bring water to drink.

After the trek up the pyramid at Ek Balam you will want to cool off so you can visit the cenote advertised right there like we did. It is several Kilometers further in the jungle so you can rent a bike or have a fellow bicycle you in on his trike (each trike takes two people – lucky driver). Try to get a young man as you will end up feeling really bad for the older fellows as they puff you along. Don’t forget to wave to your friends on bicycles as they speed past you.

The cenote will feel cool and delightful – I guarantee it. It is well worth putting that old fellow through the hassle of biking you in. I am sure he likes all his tips and his exercise.

Bike out and head for lunch at Genesis Eco Oasis which is owned and operated by Lee, a lady from Calgary, Canada. Don’t miss the tiny town of Ek Balam or you will miss seeing the most beautiful hammocks being made and the fun of counting all the dogs, pigs, chickens and roosters running loose on the street!

Now drive back for a couple hours to return your friends to their resort at about 8 PM.
A delightful day had by all. I am sure the cramp from being squished in the truck will pass. Go ahead and come try it yourself. Do you want our buddy’s number for the Honda Pilot?


(Pictures on FaceBook)

Enjoy life's adventures!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My ebook: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/.

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – http://www.onestopmc.com/.

Help a Mexican community - buy a bag or two!

I just read the following on Tulum Living’s blog and I had to share …

The project is that of Ariane Dutzi. Ariane lives here in the Yucatan and has started a line, Dutzi Designs Inc., to help the communities of the Yucatan. As a former fashion editor from New York and Paris, she moved to Mexico where she is making an impact in the beautiful community that she is now a part of.

When the Swine Flu scare erupted in Mexico last April it created a mass exodus of tourists in the Yucatan and the communities of the area really suffered. As the “infodemic” spun out of control, a whole bunch of totally healthy people sat in the deserted towns of the Yucatan and then found themselves without people to sell their handiwork to. Ariane has since developed the Dutzi Design Rescue Bag. Complete with a label befitting of the project, a small outlined face of a pig, these bags are as eco-friendly green as they are well made and beautiful.

The whole project really is something special. As a way of helping the Mayan community that lives in the areas around Valladolid, about 70 women as well as some men make each and every bag. The project is not only a means for so many women to help provide for their families, but also helps preserve the beautiful culture of the indigenous Maya. With all of the proceeds from the sales of the bag going directly into the project, this community of women continues to be able to help sustain themselves.

For more details: www.TulumLiving.com or www.DutziDesign.com

Enjoy the Adventure!

With great love, Suzanne

Suzanne Marie Bandick
Live your Dreams Life Coach

P.S. My book: Only in Mexico You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico is available now on my site http://www.onlyinmexicoyousay.com/

Would you like help to visit or live in Mexico? Visit http://www.liveyourdreamscoaching.com/

Are you looking for a way to earn money so you can live in Mexico? Maybe these ideas can help.

Would you like to own property in paradise for only $40,000? This is my husband's development in Bacalar, Mexico http://www.losflamboyanesbacalar.com/. We are planning a house there.

My husband's Playa del Carmen Real Estate office – One Stop Real Estate, Playa del Carmen, Mexico