Doing my best to be true to myself.

13 July 2008

Mérida Segunda Semana - Part Four (Cenotes)

The following morning was our first day to sleep in and it was magical. We rolled out of bed around Noon and decided to head out to see some of the cenotes – underground sinkholes filled with water: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenote & http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-cenotes.htm).

Christián and his friend, Rodrigo – one of the greatest persons I´ve met here – took Maia, Lauren, and I to the three cenotes in Cuzama. After driving from Mérida, we rode a horse-drawn railroad cart (literally 4 metal poles, 4 wooden planks, and 4 wheels) through the jungle to swim in the cenotes – a ride definitely part of the "experience".

Lauren and Maia looking very skeptical of our transportationMaia & Lauren over the shoulders of Rodrigo & ChristianDonkey RailroadMe & Christian - always find the Bruin fan!

The formations are amazing and the water is incredibly blue, clear, and mineral-filled. The furthest cenote is generally regarded as the most beautiful - the overhead hole is about 5 feet in diameter and has a wooden ladder going straight down onto a wooden platform that´s raised above the water level. DSC00415DSC00416

It´s a crazy scary trip down but somewhat exhilarating.

P7051008

The other cenotes are a little easier to get to and almost as beautiful.  We took advantage of the opportunities for a couple quick dips.

Cenote #2

P7051041

 

  Lauren and Christian climbing the walls        Rodri and Maia underwater Rodrigo dives right in

ChristianMaia 

After a late night and a long day, once we had visited all three cenotes, we headed home in a torrential downpour.

   We're sleepy - it's time to go homeLluvia FuertisimaMaia and Rodri huddle up to avoid the rain on the bumpy ride back

No comments: