We love road trips, short or long, it doesn’t matter. It’s all about the adventure. One of our favourite road trips is to a small Spanish colonial town - Izamal - between Cancun and Mérida.
Monastery under restoration. |
We were the subject of much curiosity and gawking as our Canadian car slowly navigated the “topes” (speed bumps) and narrow shoulder-less roadway. I'm sure our friends were convinced we had absolutely no idea where we were headed as we squinted at the windshield, muttering "I don't remember this. I don't remember any of this." We just hadn't realized that there were two different exits off of the main highway.
Marketplace in centre of Izamal |
Eventually we arrived at the centre of Izamal, a lovely little town settled in the early 1540’s by the Spanish. During the time of the Spanish conquest of Yucatan (1527-1547), Izamal was one of the largest and most beautiful cities on the peninsula. The city was considered by the Mayans to be the home of Kinich Kakmo, a manifestation of the sun god, and of the god Itzam Na. Following the capture of Izamal by the Spanish, the local population was ordered to dismantle the top of the enormous pyramid in the center of the city. Upon the flattened pyramid, at the place where previously had stood the sanctuary of the god Itzam Na, the inhabitants were then directed to erect the new monastery and the church.
For decades many of the building including the market, colonial buildings and the monastery have been painted a lovely golden egg-yolk colour. The cobble stone streets, the iron lamp posts, and the clippity-clop of horse-drawn carriages give the town a tranquil old-time ambiance. The site is undergoing a massive restoration with state, federal, and UNESCO money.
Our car, and a horse-drawn carriage at Kinich temple |
Wow! Was it cool! The Restaurante Kinich (named after the Mayan Sun God Kinich Kak Mo) is about a block off the city square, with a pretty entrance, and a large cool palapa-covered interior. Delicious smells wafted out of the kitchen. Inside the restaurant was a smaller hut with three traditionally dressed Mayan ladies sitting on large rocks, hand-making tortillas over a very hot wood burning fire. The food was fabulous. It has become our favourite place to have lunch on our road trips to Izamal.
Ladies making tortillas inside Restaurante Kinich |
We have returned to Izamal several times with friends, and every time it is just as enjoyable as the first time. Road trips! Love 'em.
Restaurante Kinich - our favourite place! |
Lynda, Lawrie and Sparky
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Kitty-kitty likes reading about Sparky,
the hero of the Isla Mujeres Mystery series!
Kitty-Kitty reading about his friend Sparky. (Tony Garcia photo) |
New! Dan Greenwood reviewed Tormenta Isla: Murder and mayhem on a tiny island in paradise (Isla Mujeres Mystery)
Isla lovers, these are a great beach read! June 21, 2018
Anyone that loves Isla Mujeres will enjoy this series. The author makes it fun to recognize familiar places,
The mystery of each book is also captivating! I suggested buying all three books at one time, as you will want to continue reading!
The mystery of each book is also captivating! I suggested buying all three books at one time, as you will want to continue reading!
Available as e-books on Amazon, B&N Nook, iBooks, Kobo and more.
Available as paperback copies on Amazon, Jenny Penny Beach Boutique, Isla Retreats and the me, the author.
2 comments:
Love your blog!! And Izamal is my favorite city off Isla. So much to see and do. LOVE the folk art museum there and Restaurante Kinich! Thanks for taking the time to write so that those of us who aren't fortunate enough to live on Isla can experience it vicariously!
The Mayan culture is considered as one of the best civilizations in terms of technology. And it's a great thing that their ancient cities still stand out today. Your road trip certainly made you more interested in the Mayan culture.
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