Yucatan Gringos

Merida is a cultural gem. . . a truly magnificent and pure blend of Mayan history, Spanish domination and modern influence. . . It houses the oldest cathedral on the American continent - the Cathedral of San Idelfonso (1561 - 1599) that was constructed of stones from the Mayan pyramids the Spaniards demolished. .  . Massive Spanish mansions and palaces are preserved in place upon its streets. . and modern architecture, businesses and shopping abound. . Merida is known as the ‘White’ city for several reasons, one being that the abundant white limestone in the area is used as a main building material, the other being that the general population is proud of their city and keep it clean. .

Mayan influence still dominates the people and arts, as over the years Yucatan geography hindered influence on the lifestyle from the rest of Mexico . . The people there speak a ‘Mayan’ dialect a bit different from the typical Spanish . . .yet one does not need to know the language to get by. . . It has become a popular tourist town and permanent destination for many. . .

As has Progreso, which started out as a small fishing village on the coast and has grown to a port town of about 50,000 people . . Approximately a thirty minute drive (today, upon the modern four lane highway) from Merida, this coastal village served as cooler summer get-a-ways for many from Merida. . and has grown into a popular port destination for cruise ships and vacationers. . . The weather is a balmy 87 degree average. . rainy seasons in June and September. . and maybe a cold front (sweater weather) November to April. .

The Yucatan sits on a limestone shelf that gradually slants out to sea. .(perhaps a result of the meteor crash in history here that is thought to have been a cause of the dinosaur extinction) . causing the pier in Progreso to be built exceptionally long for a depth that allow ships to dock. . The waters are tranquil - no currents or tides - due to this limestone shelf. . making this an inviting swimming area. .

Mayan ruins are sightseeing destinations that attract many visitors. . . (Thank goodness the Spaniards didn’t tear them all down!). . and are listed at many local hotels as tours. . . A nature preserve is close by and is a five minute boat ride away from Progreso. .

The coastline of the Yucatan is littered with sleepy little fishing villages, slowly being awakened by the influx of Americans, Canadians, and others. . . It is one of the last frontiers for that dream lifestyle or vacationer’s paradise. . and the Mexican government is well aware of this and has allotted huge funds for the beautification and improvements in this area. . .It is our hope that we will be able to view, first hand - in the very near future, the growth and progress of this part of Mexico from our little ‘home on the beach’. . .