The shortest ride of our trip to the most famous archaeological site of our trip - the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza. Out early from the hotel, as per usual, to take advantage of the cool temperature, low traffic and for today - the morning lack of tourist crowds at Chichen Itza. For 2 hours we sped quickly along the very gently undulating terrain through Yucatan jungle and little Mayan towns. All of us are a little sore from the first day of riding, so lots of shifting in the saddles. But since no hills we've come across are greater than a 10 metre climb, the road goes by fairly quickly.
We had breakfast at a tourist hotel, complete with a begging duck (see pictures below). Then into Chichen Itza. Tim and Dad went first while I watched the bikes - I knew I'd be quick at the site, having been to similar sites before (Tikal in Guatemala and Teotehuacan near Mexico City). By the time it was my turn the parking lot was full of vehicles, and the din of many languages being hollered by the tour guides dampened the experience somewhat. What can you do - we're only a 2 hour bus ride from the coastal resorts. Anyways, Chichen Itza was interesting, but the throngs guaranteed that no one was allowed to climb any of the structures, which makes the experience a further bit less than complete (for me, anyways!). Tim and Dad thoroughly enjoyed it.
We had the best meal of the trip today - and also the cheapest!! 4 big pieces of freshly-barbequed chicken with tortillas, rice, etc, and 3 Cokes - 100 pesos ($10) - split 3 ways. Whenever we come across someone barbequeing at the side of the road it'll be a stop for sure.
Tomorrow will be Dad´s longest ride of the trip - 112km from here to downtown Merida.
Action shot!
"Quack": Food please
Our breakfast spot. The duck was the only one using the pool.
Sun lotioning-it-up for Chichen Itza
A very dark undertone to ancient Mayan culture
Chichen's famous pyramid/calendar
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