Want to Know What an Ancient Mayan Market Looked Like? Try Playa del Carmen

Have you ever wondered what an ancient Maya market looked like?

 

Sure, there are “modern” Mayan markets in the Yucatan Peninsula – they are only “modern” in the sense that they exist in the present age.  But we all know that things have changed over the past 500 – 1000 years.

 

Fortunately, the Mayan’s ancient civilization was well documented, and combined with archaeological research as well as the culture’s own tradition, it has been possible to set up an ancient Mayan market, in Playa del Carmen!

 

Xcaret, a theme park just on the south edge of town, hosted the event.

 

I had the chance to go! Take a look at the pictures:

 

Notice the ancient Mayan garb of the vendors:

 

These are almost hairless dogs that the ancient Mayans and Aztecs kept:

 

If you ever get the chance, go to a market like this one – it’s quite the experience!

 

-by Bea Lozano

 

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Mayan Pyramid Bulldozed – But Not in Mexico!

This is a a sad, sad situation.  I friend sent me a BBC article about a a 2300 year old Mayan pyramid that was recently bulldozed!  That means the pyramid is several hundred years older than even the famous ones at Chichen Itza!

 

I guess a construction crew was looking for road fill and decided to bulldoze this “mound.”  The government officials say it was impossible not to know  that it was a Mayan pyramid – I’m guessing because of the shape, and, if you look at the pictures, it’s more than obvious that it’s a structure that they’re dismantling.

 

Can you imagine that??? A 2300 Mayan pyramid for road fill!

 

Where Was This Atrocity?

But here’s the catch; this was NOT in Mexico.  This was in Belize, the country that borders Mexico, just south of the Mexican Caribbean, starting where serene, quiet and virtually unknown Costa Maya area ends.

 

The article says that this is pretty common in Belize.

 


In Mexico, this Wouldn’t Happen

Some Americans have been looking towards Belize and similar places for their new warm-weather home.  While I’m not going to get into comparing different Caribbean or Central American destinations, I will say that I’m glad to live in a country that protects its history.

 

Here in Playa del Carmen, for example, we have 2 small, minor pyramid sites right in the city.

 

  1. One is in the heart of downtown, just behind the storefront on Fifth Avenue.  It was incorporated into the development so people eating the restaurant can enjoy views of it.
  2. Another is in Playacar, a gated community right next to downtown. They made the area surrounding the pyramid a park, preserving a good deal of vegetation, helping to make the community greener with another park area, protecting the Mayan pyramid and allowing people to enjoy seeing it.

 

Out the jungle there are also many Mayan sites which archaeologists are constantly visiting.  Many have been uncovered and are being planned for tourist visits.  Even in non tourist area (I’ve been to quite a few) the pyramids may not get much investment to make them pretty for visitors, but at the very least they are left alone and no one bulldozes them.

 

Sure, many Mexicans may not be as knowledgeable of their history as they should be, but at least they respect these artifacts.

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

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Meet Tequila’s Older Sister, Mezcal

Retirement living MexicoWhen the Spaniards arrived in Mexico, they discovered fermented drinks the Aztecs and other indigenous people drank, notably “pulque,” a thick, sourish drink made from the agave cactus plant.

 

The Spaniards, familiar with the process of making liquor by distilling, soon discovered how to produce a stronger distilled liquor from the same plant, specifically the maguey agave; the Aztecs gave the drink the name “mezcal.”

 

Retirement living MexicoOver the next few centuries, an important region emerged in the production of mezcal, made from the blue agave instead of the maguey, with a cleaner, easier flavor.  This newer, distinct form of mezcal was given the name of the valley in the state of Jalisco where it was invented and is still is primarily produced to this day: “tequila.(Jalisco is the state where Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are located.)

 

The Differences

While it was the tequila variety of mezcal that gained the most popularity throughout Mexico and the world,Retirement living Mexico other forms of mezcal continue to be produced on a large scale.  The most significant region for production of the older form of mezcal is Oaxaca.

 

Even though they are simply two forms of the same drink, people simply call the older form “mezcal” and the one from Jalisco “tequila.”

 

Anyone who has had tequila will also notice the difference in flavor as well.  Mezcal has a fuller, smoky flavor.  People say it’s stronger, this refers only to the robust flavor; commercially produced mezcal and tequila have the same alcohol content.  Some varieties are sweetish.

 

Retirement living MexicoTypically, from what people have told me, those who enjoy whiskey will usually enjoy mezcal.

 

The Worm

In the U.S. and Canada, people often associate the worm in the bottle with tequila.  In reality, this custom was started in the 1940s as a marketing gimmick for mezcal, and not tequila.

 

Mezcal, however, goes a few steps further, and you can find bottles being sold with a scorpion in it!  Now, they say you’re supposed to drink the worm – but what about the scorpion?!?

 

If you like hard liquors, especially stronger-flavored ones, I recommend trying mezcal.  It’s not very common north of the Rio Grande, but it’s becoming easier to find.  Here in Mexico, you can find it in most liquor stores and souvenir shops.  In places like Playa del Carmen, they also have some mezcal bars, right on the main strip so they’re easy to find.

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

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Do You Know What Mexico’s Favorite Tacos Are?

Food in Mexico

While most of us have seen tacos in the U.S. with ground beef on them, this would be unheard-of in Mexico.  People who have lived in areas with a Latin community may be familiar with something more authentic.

 

Here’s interesting question; do you know what Mexico’s favorite and most common kind of taco is?

 

From my experience, and according many of my friends who know our country well, the favorite is a very distinct type of taco that northerners are likely never to have seen back home, but are ever-present virtually where ever you go in Mexico:

 

Tacos al Pastor

If you see how these tacos are made – on a large rotisserie with the meat shaved off the spit – the first word that will probably come into your mind is “shawarma” or “doner kebab.”  And, in fact, they have their roots in the shawarma introduced to Mexico by Lebanese immigrants in the mid-twentieth century.

Food in Mexico

 

The name, “al pastor,” means “shepherd style” and refers to the lamb from which shawarma is made; tacos al pastor, however are made out of pork.

 

The pineapple on top of the spit of meat helps to soften the meat.

 

How are they served?

As you see in the picture above, they are usually served on small corn tortillas; on top of the meat, only cilantro and chopped onion are served.  Sometimes a thin slice of the cooked pineapple is added. Many people will add thinly sliced radishes and hot sauce.  Mexicans will almost always squeeze lime juice onto their tacos.

 

People enjoy them with just about any kind of cold drink (beer, soda, natural fruit juices, etc.)

 

Food in Mexico

Where, when, how much?

While they have their roots in central Mexico (where the Lebanese settled mostly) they now seem to be available throughout the country.  They are served in a variety of locations, ranging from something that looks like a hotdog stand on the street corner to taco shops.  They are usually only available in the evening.

 

They are always cheap.  I have seen anything from about twenty five cents a taco to about sixty-five cents, depending on how big they are, what region of Mexico you’re in, and how nice the place is where you’re eating them.

 

Here in Playa we have quite a number of good taco shops to find this tasty food, including quite a number on Fifth Avenue.  One good and popular location is El Fogon (pictured above) on the corner of 30th and Juarez.

 

-Bea Lozano

 

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Find Real, Secret Mayan Ruins – In a Theme Park in Playa del Carmen! (Part 6)

Last week, I said that I had finished the posts on Xcaret. However, looking through my pictures, I noticed that I had missed something important; in Xcaret, there is a site of ruins of ancient Mayan pyramids – authentic pyramids that existed on the site chosen for the park.

 

Take a look at my pictures:

 

Mexico Retirement Travel

 

Mexico Retirement Travel

 

Mexico Retirement Travel

 

And finally, in the middle of the agave field (agave is the cactus used to make tequila), where one of the re-enactments takes place, there is a beautiful little statue of the Virgin Mary (Our Lady of Guadalupe) – very Mexican!

 

Mexico Retirement Travel

 

Now, this will really be my last post about Xcaret, at least for a while!

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

You’ve Never Seen Mexico’s History Like This – I Can Guarantee It!

Things to See for Mexico RetirementUnless you’ve been to Xcaret, then I’m sure you probably haven’t seen anything as spectacular as this.  And the word “spectacular” is so appropriate; it both reflects the Spanish name for “show” or “spectacle” which is the title of the show – Mexico Espectacular – and also the impression the show has left on me every time I’ve seen it!

 

The show follows Mexico’s history from the Mayan and Aztec civilizations up to the modern day in spectacles of dance, costumes reflecting each culture and era, music and fire!

 

Now, I have to admit one thing; it’s really hard to get good pictures because it’s in the dark with bright lights of different colors and lots of movement.  The pictures do not do the show justice.  Like the other shows at Xcaret, it draws you in and takes place all around you with the action moving up into the aisles of the benches.  Although the pictures look small, you certainly don’t feel that way when you’re there.  You see the action unfold beautifully in front of you on a huge stage.  For that reason, in addition to my own pictures, I’m also sharing some pictures from other sources below.

 

First, my own, in a slide show:

 

beatlo's Main Show - Xcaret album on Photobucket

(If you can’t see the slide show, click here.)

 

Now, just so you get a better idea of some of the details, here are some pictures from other sources (some of which I’m sure were professionally taken by people working for the park):

 

beatlo's Main Show - Other Pictures album on Photobucket

(If you can’t see the slide show, click here.)

 

I hope you enjoyed the pictures of Xcaret as much as I did taking them, and, whenever you’re in Playa del Carmen or Cancun, be sure to set a day aside to get an excellent taste of Mexico!

 

-by Thomas Lloyd

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

 

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Experience Mexico’s History and Culture, First Hand at Xcaret (Part 4)

One of the most exciting parts about visiting Xcaret is seeing various scenes from Mexico’s history and culture acted out not only right before your eyes, but all around you. Today, I am going to share a few pictures of the various shows which take place throughout the park at various points in the day.

 

(For the intro post on Xcaret, click here; for pictures of the architecture and art, click here; for pictures of the wildlife, click here.)

 

To start, let’s take a look at a the magnificent horse-riding show I saw:

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

Next, here are some shots of life in an old hacienda (notice the agave cactus plants, used to make tequila):

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

Finally, at one point in the park, what seem to by Mayan statues suddenly jump to life and put on a fabulous show of ritual dance and firework:

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

Activities for Mexico Retirement

 

These shows are not merely “staged” in front of you; they take place so much in your immediate presence – and sometimes right around you – that you really feel that you’ve stepped into a different time and very different place.  They allow you to really experience Mexico.

 

Tomorrow and Friday, you can look forward to some pictures of the main show which takes place at the end of the day.

 

by Thomas Lloyd

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

Discover Mexico’s Culture and History at Xcaret (Part 2)

Activities for Retirement in MexicoOn Friday, I gave an introduction to the beautiful eco theme park call Xcaret, giving an overview and sharing some pictures.  (See In Xcaret, Mexico Comes Together in One Place – Part 1 – Intro.)  Today I’m continuing this little series on Xcaret to share pictures about Mexico’s culture and history in this park.

 

The park presents a wide variety of aspect of country’s history and culture ranging from the old estates to the Mayan hut villages, to a traditional cemetery.  Take a look.

 

Throughout Xcaret, you will find traditional Mayan homes and architecture:

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

… Mayan artifacts and artwork:

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

… colonial and traditional Mexican architecture:

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

… and finally displays and reenactments of traditional lifestyle:

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

Activities for Retirement in Mexico

 

Tomorrow, we will see pictures of wildlife in Xcaret, followed by a couple of posts on the various reenactments and shows.

 

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

 

Mexico Real Estate Testimonials

In Xcaret, Mexico Comes Together in One Place – Part 1 – Intro

Travel for Mexican retirement.I’ve pointed out before that contrary to Hollywood’s depiction Mexico is full of variety in food, culture, music, art, climate, biospheres and many other points. If you wanted to take a tour of even a brief taste of some this country’s variety and beauty, you would be looking at spending a couple of thousands of dollars and a few months of your life. It would most certainly be well worth the time and money.

 

However, there is another option.  Go to Xcaret.

 

How to See Mexico in a Day

Within a day, you can get not only a “glimpse” but also a real taste of Mexico as a whole.  Mind you, it is a very long day.  To fully enjoy Xcaret I always suggest going back for two visits; but most people who have been there have no issues with going back for a third or even fourth.

 

Travel for Mexican retirement.

Xcaret is a theme park with a focus on Mexican culture, history and nature.  This is done through museum-like displays – but much more interactive – , workshop-style stations and shows which take place in a very real setting that envelops you and draws you in more than just being on a stage to be seen in front of you.  The entire park, along every path has something not only to see, but also to do.

 

Culture and History

Travel for Mexican retirement.

Everything that’s not nature in Xcaret is a very authentic reconstruction of a certain era in Mexican history or a region of the country.  This covers everything from the hut villages of the Mayans to the grand “haciendas” (plantation estates) where most of the items Mexico is famous for were produced in the past.  There are colonial-style buildings and even a reconstruction of a traditional Mexican cemetery.  There are items which you can see accurately re-constructed that you may not even have access to in travel.

 

Nature and Wildlife

Travel for Mexican retirement.The park is full of nature.  It was very carefully designed to preserve the majority of the the sub-tropical jungle which defines the Yucatan Peninsula.  Within this setting, a large variety of wildlife has been introduced which can be seen first hand, such as colorful birds and wildcats.  It’s kind of like a zoo, but you don’t feel like you’re walking by animals that have been “boxed in.”  On the contrary, you feel like you’re the one who’s stepped out of your world and into theirs.  It’s truly sensational to see such beautiful animals so close-up, so first-hand.

 

The Shows

Travel for Mexican retirement.Throughout the park there are little reenactments of everything from day to day life in secluded villages, to the production of common goods, to ancient rituals.  These happen right before your eyes in reconstructed buildings and scenes which you can enter and move around in; you feel you are more a part rather than just seeing it on a stage.

 

There is also the “grand finale,” the main show which offers a overview of the history Mexico, starting with the ancient migrations and rituals, through  the Spanish Conquest, Independence, the Revolution and the modern century.  It includes music, costumes and dance from each era, spectacular lighting and re-enactment of important historical events and turning points.

 

Travel for Mexican retirement.

Relaxation

Xcaret is also a place ideal for walking and relaxing on the beach.  Which so much to see and do in a day, even if you arrive early in the morning, you might not feel you have much time for this.  Yet, at the end of the day, after walking so much and experience so much, you might jsut be ready for a nap on the hammock before going to see the main show (which takes place at sunset, just before the park closes.)

 

But is it the real thing?

Some people turn up their noses at the fact that the whole park is re-enactments and re-constructions.  However, there are three points to remember.  One is that they are amazingly good re-enactments and reconstructions.  The “real thing” is hardly better.  Secondly, as I said, to see all of this traveling around Mexico, you would need a few months and a few thousand dollars – just to see the same amount – not even more.

Travel for Mexican retirement.

 

Finally, many of the items you simply wouldn’t see.  For example, seeing an authentic Mayan ritual (not a re-enactment by middle-class Europeans) is very difficult.  They exist, but not in the places where most travelers can easily get to (or would want to go to.) And these enactments are by people of real Mayan and other indigenous decent.  Xcaret is both easily accessible and as close to the real thing as it gets.

 

What’s Next …

This is such a brief overview of Xcaret, it is like peaking your head into the gate for 5 minutes and stepping out again.

 

Although it still won’t do the park due credit, I’m dedicating the next week (starting Monday) to sharing pictures and descriptions of the various aspects mentioned here.  I hope you enjoy!

 

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

 

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Discover the Mystery of Coba’s Pyramids in Pictures – Gallery #2

Yesterday, I posted the the first set of pictures from my recent trip to Coba, focusing on the main pyramid. Today, I’m going to share some more pictures of this beautiful and mysterious pyramid site.

 

It’s incredible to imagine that the excavated part that we can see is only a tiny portion of the 80 km2 (about 20,000 acres) that the ancient site occupied!  Enjoy the pictures.

 

You’ll remember in my posts about Chichen Itza that I mentioned the ball court, where the very well-known and very wide-spread ball game of ancient Meso-America was played. Coba likewise has one:

 

Pyramids in Mexico

 

Pyramids in Mexico

 

Pyramids in Mexico

 

Pyramids in Mexico

 

Two more pictures of various structures and scenes:

 

Pyramids in Mexico

 

Pyramids in Mexico

 

This is one of several large lagoons on the site, adjacent to the pyramids:

 

Pyramids in Mexico

 

Whenever you get the chance, be sure to visit Coba! I’m excited to see what archeologists discover in this enormous site and to visit again in the future!

 

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely

 

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