One of the coolest animals we saw today were these iguanas (we're still not sure if that's what they are). I was so stunned to see then just sunbathing so close to us I could barely get the words out to point them out to Greg. Mary Carol, you would've loved to see these.
GREG: I'm not sure if you can see the confused look on my face in the above photo, but I haven't been able to quite get my bearings in Merida. The street numbering system seems easy enough -- odd numbered streets going east/west and even numbered ones north/south, but Ive sent us off in the wrong direction several times. So we've been paying close attention to the street signs, and one interesting homage to the past are signs with symbols or icons instead of written street or place names -- done this way, we've read, because of low rates of literacy in the region at the time. Here's one of many we spotted today:
As in many other Mexican cities, in Merida you are constantly reminded of the past in all its contradictions. You walk into a beautiful cathedral, but then remember that it was built largely with stones from the destroyed temples of indigenous people. Or you walk by an impressive colonial-era building only to notice the sculpture displayed above it: A conquering Spaniard with his foot literally on the heads of two Maya.
But there is beauty all around here, 
and that's what we notice the most --the vibrant colors, the people, the flowers. Have to get to bed now as we'll be up early to catch a 6:30 bus to Tulum.
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