Adventures in Yucatan, Mexico

     A week ago today, we went on an adventure through the city Cathedral. Our guide led us up to the "high choir" and the bell tower. We saw the names of the steadfast bell-ringers scrawled along the walls of the small chamber where they lived. We learned that during the Mexican revolution it was shot with cannons and ransacked, leaving the walls barren of the adornment that they once contained. We were even able to observe the arced ceiling from below and from above when we were lead out onto the roof for a stellar view of the city! A view of the interior from the high choir that houses the German organ with over 2 thousand pipes! Jay conquers the roof! The bell tower View of the city We started the tour at 4pm, so by the time we reached the roof, the sun was dipping low in the sky  View across the central park to the municipal building

     Our students were able to experience a different kind of New Years' Eve where midnight doesn't mean the height of the party, but rather signifies the beginning of it! Many Yucatecan families eat dinner between 10pm and 12am, and at the stroke of midnight there are a number of traditions that are performed simultaneously. I spent the night with the families and extended family of two students. Right at 12:00 everyone was given a glass with twelve grapes and champagne or sparkling cider. The twelve grapes represent each month in the new year.      It is also a custom to give out dried lentils in small silk bags. If you keep them with you all year you will always have money.      At midnight in Merida, don't be surprised to see many people wheeling their suitcases around the manzana (block). The farther you walk with your luggage the more traveling you will do this year.      There were also quite a few explosions heard! It is a tradition to burn a figure o

     Just yesterday, we spent the morning working with an archaeologist at one of her dig sites, helping to clear the debris from the ancient foundations of Mayan houses. Here is a brief look at what the work consisted of!