I decided to take classes in the Tourism department while i was here, for one, they were freshman classes and previous requisites were not needed, so in theory it would be easy for me to understand-- Unlike my archeology class, where i had serious brain fart the whole time. but, all in all, the classes were fun, i am happy i took the level because i made some great friends, which probably wouldn't have happened if i didnt take the two classes that i wanted. For my Geografía class, we had to participate in the Salida de Campo of the Yucatán....Yucatán as in the state, not the peninsula. The trip was three fun filled days of no sleep...due to the fact that i couldn't breath inside the tent...yes that is right, tent! My first camping trip in Mexico!!!
Día 1: Sabacché, Yaxunah, and Ek-Balam
After waking up bright and early, i made my way to the facultad for our departure. The first stop was in Sabacché, where we had breakfast, learned about ecotourism with hospedaje rural--similar to cabins, and swam in a cenote!!
After swimming and lunch in Sabacché, we made our way to Yaxunah, my second time there! the group was given a tour of the museum and the cenote. I, of course, was having issues with my class registration in the states, so unfortunately couldnt participate with them =/ We then left Yaxunah for Ek-Balam, where we set up camp for the night. We had dinner, Panuches, in one of the local family's homes--which is a type of business very common in the rural/touristic areas--families cook for travelers, but instead of a restaurant, you eat in the family´s home, which is usually the traditional mayan house very similar to the cabin above.
Día 2: Ek-Balam Ruins
After breakfast at the campsite, we traveled to the ruins in Ek-Balam.
After an hour, we headed to Tizimin, where one of our classmates invited us to his ranch for a BBQ and a show--he and his horse performs in competitions with bulls...not entirely sure of the name, but it was interesting! I also got on a horse again for the first time in over 10 years.
When lunch was over, and two hours later, we made it to San Felipe, a natural park reserve. Here, we set up camp again, had dinner, and boarded some fishing boats called lanchas to see crocodiles in the mangroves. Fortunately, we were able to see a baby one!
Día 3: San Felipe/Ría Lagartos
One yummy breakfast and 30 minutes later, we made our way to Ría Lagartos to clean the mangroves, or Mangles in Spanish, a natural barrier for the ocean that collects and traps trash so it doesnt pollute the water. We divided up into groups to pick up anything that wasn't natural, like glass and plastic bottles, shoes, etc. And naturally, I was covered almost head to toe in mud by the time we were done
After viewing the garbage deposit of San Felipe and a presentation, we had lunch at a local restaurant and spent the rest of our time in San Felipe at the beach, where i walked along the beach, possible found a flamingo feather, and stumbled upon the chest piece of a turtle...poor little guy. Then, back to Mérida..sigh..but a night sleeping in my own bed was much needed.
