Day 32: Not The End Of The World, But The End Of An Era

Fri. 14th September 2012

Firstly, some sums Mayan style (I prefer sums to words!!)

1 Bakton = 394 years and 13 Baktuns = 1 Era

So 1 Era = 394 x 13 = 5,126 years

And the last era began 13th August 3114 BC

13th August 3114 BC + 1 Era = 21st December 2012, apparently.

Therefore according t0 the Mayan calendar an era will end on 21st December 2012, and there will be a “New Beginning”, not the end of the world.

I  had time to reflect on the information given to us by the guide on our morning walking tour of Merida, as it was a long 2 1/2 hour bus journey stopping at every village between Merida and Chichen Itza.

The very interesting walking tour, not only improved our knowledge of Yucatan History but also our Spanish, as the guide said everything twice once in Spanish and again in English.

Each of the carvings on this tower of the Casa de Montejo were pointed out by the guide, using a broken piece of a mirror which he produced from his pocket, and reflecting the sun onto the statue being explained!

It took 1 1/2 hours to walk around the main square admiring the architecture – you would have loved that Sheila, and also the changes to them over the years. Also it was good to be able to walk into the courtyards, past the uniformed guards to see the interior too.

There is Spanish and French influence in many of the buildings and structures in Merida. I loved these seats which originated in France and excellently modelled by our guide.

Before the streets were numbered signs were put on each corner with a picture as well as a name for those who could not read. It is much easier to get around town now that the streets are all numbered.

It was then time to say goodbye to Merida and walk the 30 minute return journey to the bus station. The second class bus did not have the reserved seats, individual air conditioning controls or Shrek 3 in Spanish – the donkey was not the same without Eddie Murphy, which we had on the ADO premier service!