Merida= awesome. Mexico City = bad.
Perhaps I expected a lot from the Merida raves, or that my idea of “nice” and other people’s is extremely different. Because I just did not enjoy Merida that much compared to Mexico City, which is my favourite place in Mexico (to date).
So where is Merida?
It’s in the state of Yucatan, about 35 km away from the coast of Gulf of Mexico. It’s considered one of the safest cities in Mexico.
we arrived in Merida mid-day flying in from Mexico City. Weather in Merida was sweltering hot. And this is a pretty big statement from someone like me who loves summer and thrives in tropical climate.
It was just hot And dry when we were there. And the little wind that blew was hot as well.
After we checked in the hotel ( post on that later), we headed to the “downtown” area aka the plaza or Zocalo. Then we hopped on a tourist hop on hop off bus. Ok the number one reason why I didn’t seem to enjoy Merida that much? It felt like a ghost town. Wonderful and beautifully made buildings, but it was Too quiet for me. I don’t like noise, but when I say quiet, I mean that there are no bustle and activity around. It was as if the whole town was in siesta mode the entire day.
I’m not exaggerating when I say we were the only people in the bus plus the driver, and the recorded voice over information on the stops, which was in Spanish anyway.
Merida really is pristine compared to Mexico City. They have kept modern buildings to a minimum so the whole city has a very historic vibe (sort of like Vigan in the Philippines).
A-ha! gotcha. Burger King in an old building. Nah, we didn’t get any burger King. We had lots of local Yucatan food in Merida which is a bit different from your usual Mexican cuisine.
Anyway, this is my favourite part of Merida:
This is actually very large in real life very impressive. Amidst all the Spanish influence, the Mayan heritage stands loud and proud. And I like that about Mexico. They are proud of who are/were before the Spaniards came. They embrace their pre-hispanic history with great pride.
Merida at night on the next post…
You probably didnt see anyone because you went out in the middle of a hot day. Meridanos tend to stay inside when its hot. Go out at night and the city comes alive!
Who said Mexico City was “bad?” I love Mexico City but I will probably live in Merida one day.
You were there off season – that has a lot to do with the lack of visitors on the double decker bus.
Paseo Montejo, the beautiful road you drove up with the museums and circles (with the monument you liked) is always sort of quiet – it’s the beginning of the rich, exclusive area of Merida.
Maybe you picked the wrong hotel? If you stayed at Luz or Las Cascadas, you would have met other guests to confer with about restaurants, nightlife, etc.
Mexican food is very regional; while you get some stuff everywhere, it’s always best to eat the Yucatecan food in the Yucatan; mole in Puebla or Oaxaca, etc.
Merida’s a pleasant city to visit for a week or 10 days – longer if you want to enjoy the beach, pool or cultural activities.
Summer afternoons are too hot for most people to be out. Nights are never hot.
Merida’s considered an excellent place to live but a terrible place
to find reliable workers.
“…and the recorded voice over information on the stops, which was in Spanish anyway.”
OMG, how outRAgeous!! The tour was not done in English??
To Eve and Working Gringa –thanks for your informative comments yes I think we were there on low season –I prefer that over a very crowded heavy tourist season anyway – I loved the local yucatecan dishes it reminds me of home cooked food where I came from.
To Lynette-yes I said that as a factual observation not a complaint. It did not have an English translation as opposed to the hop on hop off bus in Mexico city. English is my second language and I love learning languages, Spanish most of all. I state all facts as they are , so I’m sorry to disappoint you but I’m not the dumb tourist you’re trying to insinuate me out to be ( in a very cliche and unoriginal way too) . You are too defensive , relax yer tits !