I enjoyed reading your beautiful post, Jeanine. Your words and photos quickly transported me and helped me see Merida’s beauty and history. I didn't know about its rich agave history. Gracias for also alluding to the harm early Spanish conquistadores caused. I read their devastating journals decades ago in college.
Hi Luna, Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Because you’re into the history of the Spanish invasion I’ll dm you my article on Caste War of Yucatan. Thanks again!
Merida during the holidays is one of my favorite spots. It's the cooler time of year, and Merida really knows how to decorate. There's also a decent foodie scene if one knows where to look.
Of course, I love this! Makes me homesick for Merida! Beautifully presented, love the photos, all that fascinating history and reminders of all the wonder and charm of Merida. As mentioned before, I'd love to spend a few months there in the winter to really have time to explore and wander. I believe the Plaza Grande was recently redesigned? Any insights on the end results of that project? Thank you for this!
I immediately noticed the pyramid shape to the face of the grand Montejo home--then read that a Mayan temple had been torn down and the home built using the bricks from the temple. It struck me as how brazen he was to incorporate a pyramid into the facade of his home. That's history though examples of the clash of cultures can be seen everywhere if only we look close enough. That seems to be the key to everything. Appreciate the beauty, the graceful architecture, art and culture while looking close enough to acknowledge the past. It is truly a beautiful city.
Hi Lucinda, yes, talk about appropriation. It’s a wonder it took the Maya 300 years to revolt. The first time I saw Montejo’s villa we were with a yucatec friend. He said to look closely at the architectural motif that flanked the length of the building: it was a Maya man on the ground with a hacendado’s foot firmly planted on his neck!! I was rightfully horrified. And that was duplicated the length of the building. I should probably re-post my Caste War article again. I’m getting riled up just thinking about it.
Really informative and fun to read post, Jeanine! I think I told you before that we almost moved to Merida. We fell in love with it during covid and we're certain it was the perfect city for us. And then we went. And while we didn't hate it, we certainly didn't feel welcome. Particularly when I got many comments on my posts about planning to move there from the locals, telling me to go back to where I came from. The city did have a lot of charm, but for that reason I could never live there. I have heard that when I was there it was a particularly tumultuous time though.
Have you noticed any of that during your visits on recent years?
Wow. No, but we know our way around the city well. Saw business people as we bought books there for the bookstore. Stayed at the same 2 hotels, used the same parking lots, had breakfast at a fave haunt, so we probably just seemed more part of the woodwork. But—during Covid the US had the president who’d called Mexicans horrible names, was politicizing the border etc. what I do notice is any time there is a hiccup up north, Mexico responds in kind, with their intense and horrible experiences of wars and countries invading them, it’s amazing they are usually so open to tourists and foreigners now. Around the time you were there Airbnb was taking off too, and driving up rents and taking homes for long term rentals off the market and somewhere in that timeline digital nomads ‘discovered’ the Yucatán and it’s reasonable prices, etc. Probably all that was the reaction you received. So sorry.
I have always wanted to visit Merida, and I am thrilled to discover that it is still an authentic part of traditional Mexico. Thank you for the lovely tour, Jeanine.
Thanks for restack Dawn.
Thanks for restack @Gretchen
Thanks for the restack @Gretchen | Adventure Travel
Wow Jeanine! As a Yucatecan I can truly say what a great piece this is! Thanks for praising our lovely city so.
Oh, I LOVE your fair city, Cristina - my pleasure.
Appreciate the restack Daniel!
Merida looks and sounds magical. You definitely have it poetic justice with this article, Jeanine!
Gracias Daniel!
I enjoyed reading your beautiful post, Jeanine. Your words and photos quickly transported me and helped me see Merida’s beauty and history. I didn't know about its rich agave history. Gracias for also alluding to the harm early Spanish conquistadores caused. I read their devastating journals decades ago in college.
Hi Luna, Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Because you’re into the history of the Spanish invasion I’ll dm you my article on Caste War of Yucatan. Thanks again!
Cool. Gracias! I look forward to reading more of your writing. I appreciate your lens and insights, amiga.
Very welcome and thanks!
Merida during the holidays is one of my favorite spots. It's the cooler time of year, and Merida really knows how to decorate. There's also a decent foodie scene if one knows where to look.
Definitely a foodie scene. They’ve ebbed and flowed over the years, but always enjoyable. And fun too to be in a city.
When it’s not August, agreed.
Even then, there’s a lovely air-conditioned mall. 😳
I love the rich history and architecture of Mexico! Interesting read Jeanine!
Thanks so much Marlo.
Of course, I love this! Makes me homesick for Merida! Beautifully presented, love the photos, all that fascinating history and reminders of all the wonder and charm of Merida. As mentioned before, I'd love to spend a few months there in the winter to really have time to explore and wander. I believe the Plaza Grande was recently redesigned? Any insights on the end results of that project? Thank you for this!
I immediately noticed the pyramid shape to the face of the grand Montejo home--then read that a Mayan temple had been torn down and the home built using the bricks from the temple. It struck me as how brazen he was to incorporate a pyramid into the facade of his home. That's history though examples of the clash of cultures can be seen everywhere if only we look close enough. That seems to be the key to everything. Appreciate the beauty, the graceful architecture, art and culture while looking close enough to acknowledge the past. It is truly a beautiful city.
Hi Lucinda, yes, talk about appropriation. It’s a wonder it took the Maya 300 years to revolt. The first time I saw Montejo’s villa we were with a yucatec friend. He said to look closely at the architectural motif that flanked the length of the building: it was a Maya man on the ground with a hacendado’s foot firmly planted on his neck!! I was rightfully horrified. And that was duplicated the length of the building. I should probably re-post my Caste War article again. I’m getting riled up just thinking about it.
Please do repost that article. We must stay riled up at all times! hahaha
That’s what I most love about you Lucinda!!!!!!!
Thanks for restack bernardette!
Really informative and fun to read post, Jeanine! I think I told you before that we almost moved to Merida. We fell in love with it during covid and we're certain it was the perfect city for us. And then we went. And while we didn't hate it, we certainly didn't feel welcome. Particularly when I got many comments on my posts about planning to move there from the locals, telling me to go back to where I came from. The city did have a lot of charm, but for that reason I could never live there. I have heard that when I was there it was a particularly tumultuous time though.
Have you noticed any of that during your visits on recent years?
Wow. No, but we know our way around the city well. Saw business people as we bought books there for the bookstore. Stayed at the same 2 hotels, used the same parking lots, had breakfast at a fave haunt, so we probably just seemed more part of the woodwork. But—during Covid the US had the president who’d called Mexicans horrible names, was politicizing the border etc. what I do notice is any time there is a hiccup up north, Mexico responds in kind, with their intense and horrible experiences of wars and countries invading them, it’s amazing they are usually so open to tourists and foreigners now. Around the time you were there Airbnb was taking off too, and driving up rents and taking homes for long term rentals off the market and somewhere in that timeline digital nomads ‘discovered’ the Yucatán and it’s reasonable prices, etc. Probably all that was the reaction you received. So sorry.
Yes I think so too. Good to know it's not a normal thing!
Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of Merida! It's a very fascinating city.
Very welcome Bernardette! And thank you for reading.
Thanks for restack Denise!!
I have always wanted to visit Merida, and I am thrilled to discover that it is still an authentic part of traditional Mexico. Thank you for the lovely tour, Jeanine.
Oh thank you, Clarice! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes, it still has the flavor, has morphed through things but it's still intact!