Sounds of Havana

Apologies for extended absence and lack of updates! Internet in Cuba is expensive and difficult to access. This has its benefits, though... We have been able to experience things like this, for example, instead of wasting time (which I've realised just how much we do when internet is at your fingertips).

Here I am embarrassing myself with a poorly played maraca made from a plastic bottle, sand and stones. This was on one of our first days in Cuba. We were wandering along the Malecon by the bay and these guys asked first if we'd like a photo with them, and then of course if we'd like a song, and then before we knew it, well, see for yourself!

And here are the same charismatic gentlemen, serenading and entertaining us as the sun sets over Havana.

Isla Contoy and the Tale of Unfortunate Sea-sickness

On our last day in Isla Mujeres we went on an ill-fated boat ride to Isla Contoy - also colloquially known as Bird Island (because thousands, including pink flamingoes, nest there) - for some snorkelling and beach action. Sadly, poor little Clairey received an excellent dose of sea-sickness and spent a good while vomiting (violently, some may say) at the rear end of the shipping vessel we were aboard. Luckily, once on solid (powdery white sandy) ground again, Claire re-established her balance and quickly began to enjoy the destination. 

Adorable friendly stingray! Was a little alarmed at how close people were getting to this creature until I realised it was actually just hoping to be fed... Beautiful thing. People were able to touch it as it swam up to them to check to see if they were going to gift it some nibbles

The aftermath... Preparing for some more vomiting :( 

(Btw how awesome is my super sun-smart swimming gear??!!)

Lagoon and the ocean - just look at the colour of that water!

And fully recovered :)

Abdul (not Claire) swims off with the crowd for some snorkelling on the way back to Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres

We decided to end our Mexican journey at the beach, so we chose Isla Mujeres (translation: Island of Women... Still not sure why). It was a beaut choice - gorgeous white sand beaches and the water is an indescribable unique blue colour. Great place to relax!!! 

Boarding our surprisingly sophisticated ferry (Abdul conspicuously rolling the blue and red suitcases  with black backpack in front... You can't see me rolling the red one - it doesn't appear that many people take as much luggage as us to an island for the weekend...)

We are on the ferry and excited!  

 

Claire being sunsmart. Forgot to cover the feet, though

Mexican Cuisine

It must be said - Mexican food is pretty damn good. Here are some highlights (well, the ones we remembered to take a picture of, anyway).

 

Me eating fresh tacos in San Cristobal de las Casas, Abdul having finished his plate of something or other

Molletes - these tasty little babies are cheap and found just about anywhere there's a roadside food stall. We munched on these in Oaxaca. I also think this is where I managed to pick up a stomach bug. They were still yummy. 

Preparing tortillas

At last I am able to try mole!!! (Pronounced mo-lay). I am not kidding, this one was called "Subcomandante Marcos" (which may mean something to those who know a little about revolution in Chiapas). It was delicious. We ate it at a favourite restaurant in Oaxaca which had more than just a little revolutionary zest, sporting posters for just about every political hot topic on the planet you could name... Also where we found a lino-cut print on the wall in bahasa Indonesia!!!

Evenings in Merida

A little slice of the good life in Mexico - it all happens (well, a lot of it anyway) in the evenings. Here are some snaps taken while we were in Merida. The best part? It's always free (and sometimes spontaneous) - so there are always plenty of people to join in the fun :)

Yucatan folk dancing...

... and the crowd enjoying the show

Some gentlemen dressed up to re-create what the ball game might have looked like... No human sacrifices involved, however

The ball was hit with the hip, knees, elbows and shoulders

Receiving a blessing before the game (which was considered sacred)

Looking fearsome

And... let's light the ball on fire and use some hockey sticks...?

People lining up for traditional healing after the ball game

Time for a little dancing in the street! 

Uxmal

Uxmal, where iguanas now rule what was once (yet another) hugely important city, and yes, also Unesco World Heritage listed. This place was allied with Chichén Itzá for a period of its history, to the extent that roads were built connecting both buildings at the site, as well as with Chichén Itzá. It was another large place with many buildings, dominated by a pyramid now known as the Dwarf's Pyramid, or Magician Pyramid/House. Why? Because a well-loved and long-ruling king happened to be both a dwarf (they even had to re-build the steps so they were small enough for him to climb - the first attempt made them too far-spaced apart), as well as a talented herbalist and astrologer, hence people believed he had magical powers. 

Magician's temple

Abdul at the Nunnery Quadrangle. Can't recall why it was given this name (the contemporary name since nobody knows the name it was called back in the day). However I do recall that facing inwards are four buildings, representing North (royalty), East (priests), South (the community), and West (warriors/soldiers). Each building is decorated and was used accordingly.

Pretty little yellow bird I saw and couldn't resist snapping

A later ruler (from another Mayan tribe) took over Uxmal and because he wasn't so popular, he constructed this newer building on top of a hill so that he had a safe vantage point from which to make sure he was not going to be attacked by the people he had just overthrown