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TREASURES OF THE DECEMBER 5 – 14, 2008
Aside
from being a charming, friendly, and exciting city, Mérida is also the perfect
place from which to visit many of Yucatán’s most interesting sights. I have
planned several trips throughout the region, including a day spent dipping
our toes in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico at Celestún Nature Preserve, home to thousands of
flamingos and other tropical birds, another in one of my most favorite
kitchens in Mexico in a cooking (and sooo much
more!) class with Chef David Sterling at Los
Dos, and yet another that includes a dip in the freshwater swimming holes
of the region known as cenotes. No visit to Yucatán would be complete
without viewing Maya ruins, and we’ll do our share. We’ll tour the striking
site of Uxmal one day, and on an overnight side trip,
visit Chichén Itzá with a stop
along the way in the beautiful “yellow city” of Izamal. Visits
to many of Yucatán’s renowned haciendas are also
planned. Created by the Spanish in the 16th century as cattle ranches and
farms, by the 19th century most were growing agave to produce henequen fiber, or sisal, once known as
the “green gold” of the Yucatán. Henequén
production generated untold wealth for the landowners and the grandeur of
their haciendas grew to match. French and Moorish architectural features,
antiques and treasures from around the world, and luxuriously planted grounds
all contribute to the grandeur of these estates. Political and practical
changes brought an end to the era of the hacienda in the early 1900s and most
fell into ruin, untended for decades. A recent resurgence of interest has
brought new life to these fading manses, many of which have been lovingly
restored, allowing us a glimpse of their storied past as we visit the inns,
restaurants, museums, and private homes created by their current owners. Back
in town we’ll sway to the sounds of the live music and dancing that goes on
under the stars every night of the week in December 5 – 14, 2008 To register for this tour please send a deposit of $500
to Please contact me if you need more
information
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