Calakmul and Balamku, Campeche, Mexico

There are many Mayan historic sites that are easily accessible from the town of Campeche. We hopped on a van to tour Calakmul and Balamku which are southeast of the town for a long day trip.

Calakmul is located in a lush tropical forest. For about 12 centuries ending in 1000 AD, Calakmul grew to be a major urban center. Over 1,000 major structures have been uncovered so far.

 

After climbing to the top of the pyramids, the view from the top is breath-taking, looking across a sea of green.



 



Balamku is a smaller site a bit north and to the west of Calakmul.

 

Campeche, Mexico

What a tranquil, beautiful section of Mexico! Not overrun with tourists. Not everyone shares my likes/dislikes, thankfully. But, if you like historical sites with Mayan pyramids, local markets, and artisan crafts, Campeche is here for your enjoyment. Campeche, the state, lies just southwest of the more touristy Yucatan state, but still on the Yucatan peninsula.

Campeche, the capital of the state of Campeche, is a UNESCO-designated World Heritage site. This beautiful port city on the Gulf of Mexico was a historic port that guarded itself against pirates by building a wall around the city. Much of the historic center inside the formerly walled area has been restored.

There is a wonderful local market.

There is a pleasant Malecon along the Gulf of Mexico to view the spectacular sunsets.





The museums are definitely worth checking out.

The botanical garden is modest but worth a visit:

 

Campeche is a lovely town and it was not a challenge to find a phone booth for the obligatory photo op.

 

 

Tao, the harmonious path

In Argentina, baby names must be on the "approved" list or parents have to petition for permission to have a name approved. The federal law is to meant to ensure that a child isn't saddled with an unfortunate name, a name that is gender ambiguous, or a scandalous foreign name.

Surprisingly, Tao made it to the list of approved boys' names. What a lovely name for a precious, sweet, peaceful, wise baby. And, of course, his proud baachan (grandmother) was thrilled to meet him.

Here is his hand mudra for balancing sleeping, eating, and clean diapers.

Three generations of strong, earthy personalities: Baachan (Taurus Ox), Ma (Libra Ox), Tao (Taurus Goat)

Family walk to the river

Enjoying a granny-made quilt in progress.

Bye for now. Hasta pronto!!!

Yuyal in the woods

Welcome to Yuyal in the woods outside of San Marcos Sierras.

This is Alisa, Guille, and Tao's home in the making.

 This is the main living area with a basement that will be a cool refuge during the hot, hot summers. The walls are being constructed of adobe.

Here the unfinished adobe wall is sprouting wheat plants.












To the right is the kitchen.

 This is the unwinterized sleeping area.

Here's the well.

The greenhouse produces herbs and veggies.

The compostable toilet efficiently processes waste using pleasant smelling wood chips.

The solar-powered bathtub/shower provides comfortable bathing.

Much progress has been made and soon the family will be moving back to Yuyal.

Argentinean pilgrimage

Who can resist an invitation to meet a newborn grandchild? Plus the added benefit to see Alisa and Guille, their home in the woods, and the desert oasis of San Marcos Sierras. I'll start with San Marcos and environs, then cover the home in the woods, and end with the amazing Tao.

The trek to San Marcos started by getting to JFK airport, then 15 hours of flying from NY to Sao Paolo, Brazil and then to Cordoba, Argentina. There Alisa, Guille, and Tao met us at the airport and we drove three hours to their home (due to a road closure the normally two-hour drive took a little longer).

While their house is being completed for winter living, they are renting a little cottage nearby.

It is winter in San Marcos Sierras but the area has had a wet spell so this desert community is quite lush. The daytime temps were in the 60s but several evenings dipped below freezing.

The nearby rivers were higher than normal for this time and vehicles entering San Marcos needs to ford the river. I needed a little help crossing the river farther down the road as the river which generally is a trickle at this time of year was flush..

 

The town of San Marcos is quiet but alive.

We went to the Friday market where Alisa used to sell her yogurt, dulce leche, jams, and other treats. We ran into one of her midwives who was selling delicious knishes.

 

And, of course, this hippie town has a Museo Hippie and phone booth.

 

Also, an overlooking hill with great views.

Forty miles away from San Marcos is another destination town, Capilla del Monte which is famous as a destination for UFOs.

Enjoyable environs!!