Puerto Morales

We chose to end the trip at a smaller and less touristy fishing village in the attempt to find more authenticity and cheaper prices.  Unfortunately, the prices were the same as in Playa del Carmen.  The world is getting smaller, and the locals know what Americans will pay.  When the entire village conspires together, we had no choice but to pay up. 

We stayed at Posada Amor, the cheapest hotel in town.  Radek informed me that "There are ants everywhere."
"Where?" I asked.
"There are two.  One in the sink, and one on the wall."
I looked around for the ant infestation, but didn't see any.
"They must have left."

We did find some free activities such as strolling the beach and enjoying the sand art. 

We spent several lazy days stretched out on the sand underneath this palm tree, watching the birds hover over the Mexican families who were laughing, playing, and eating.  Constantly eating.  We bought a deep-fried soy football shaped concoction topped with onions and hot sauce from a passing vendor, and we both found them really tasty.  Our stomachs; however, did not like them. 

Chichén Itzá

Radek has been complaining that I haven't updated my blog in what I agree is an unacceptably long time.  I'm sure I would work more quickly if he paid me to write like everyone else.  Just throwing that out there.  ;)

Chichén Itzá was the cultural and historical high point of our Eastern Yucatan adventure.  It is, by far, the most iconic and best preserved Mayan site, and after seeing the image of El Castillo's staircase on so many postcards, t-shirts, and coffee mugs, we were finally standing before it.  It was an amazing sight and lived up to it's fame.  The temple, like most other Mayan structures, is aligned with the summer and winter equinoxes.   On these days, a the sun will create a shadow image of a snake which appears on the staircase. 

Proud of their numerous defeats over the enemy, the Mayans carved skulls into a rather long wall.  I'm thinking about making a similar wall for myself, only this one will include all the insects I've murdered.

Although there are several cenotes in the area.  The largest,Cenote Sagrado, was the people's main well. 

The Mayans may have disappeared, but the iguanas are thriving!

The observatory is called El Caracol.  You can really picture all the ancient nerds determining which day to hold the corn planting ritual.