Tag: CENOTES

SOLO TRAVEL FOR WOMEN by oldbirdtravels

CENOTES AND CAVES OF REBIRTH.

OR, MY CHANCE AT SHRUGGING OFF PHOBIAS AND GETTING DARK AND DEEP.

Cenote, from the incorrect Spanish pronunciation of the Yucatan Mayan word ts’ono’ot (dzonot) or “well with water”. However these underground and sometimes over ground places (leading to the underground) were venerated magical and sacred sites used for ceremonies. Their Underworld was a place for death and life or xibalba, evoking the type of rebirth that I clumsily have tried to express, where you can grow your consciousness and overcome all the negative that has swamped your soul in the earthly realm. Where the Mayan Gods dwell.

Look at top of photo, only a thin amount of rock separates cave and house above

I love you all, my naughty old birds out there, let’s get to some more happiness and actually bravery on my behalf, a harsh climb down into the bowels of the earth to a magical cave without fairies but a whole bunch of mystical energy. You’ll have to use your imagination a whole load as it was too surreal for belief, and didn’t tolerate photos well. The fancy pics I’ve seen have been heavily doctored and certainly taken with a better camera than my dirty old phone one. It’s better for you to imagine this small cavern complex and derive the same chills and fierce energy through words and imagination.

Continue reading CENOTES AND CAVES OF REBIRTH.
SOLO TRAVEL FOR WOMEN by oldbirdtravels
Read More

HAPPINESS IN HOMUN!

OR DAZED AND AMAZED AS I FIND A NEW FAMILY!

Mi casa es tu casa bitches!

My collectivo van from Merida was finally simple to get and oh what heaven to escape from the sad remnants of that fine city of Merida. I squeezed on the very busy little bus with my bags half on my lap and half under my legs and basically in the way wherever I squidged them, but at least I was on my way. The tourists aboard seemed terribly excited to escape also, it seems that I wasn’t the only person crushed with disappointment with Merida’s recent unpleasant and frenetic transformation. We bumped along merrily for an hour on boring roads and motorways until suddenly we turned off and the scenery completely changed. We were on the extensive reserve of Homun. An oasis of cenotes and ranches and a place to escape to. Instantly I felt calmed and we tourists were hushed. The locals gradually got off in their various villettes for a normal days work and we waited to also be disgorged from the bus for more glamorous escapades.

Palms and unmade roads on the way to my tucked away heaven

My stop was on the main road before the centre and involved a short walk dragging my case up a small road away from civilisation. I finally felt at peace and knew in my heart that I was coming home. This dusty track was leading me to happiness and would soothe my soul.

Upon arrival just ‘Hostal’ sufficed and the mummy dog seeking shade

The hand painted signs periodically nailed to trees announcing ‘Hostal Oro Verde’ kept my spirits up as I left the tarmac and was on a single path leading into the countryside. Cows mooed, dogs barked and birdies sang, but above all my path was strewn with butterflies that would be disturbed by my footfall and fly up in clouds of glorious colours. Mostly orange but also yellow and some mauve. It was then I noticed the heady aroma of grass and wild herbs and it was then that I knew I would finally be able to rest my weary head, for this indeed was paradise.

At sunset before it gets really nippy

AT LAST, HOME SWEET HOME.

My table outside so I could monitor all who went by like a good nosy neighbour
Continue reading HAPPINESS IN HOMUN!
SOLO TRAVEL FOR WOMEN by oldbirdtravels
Read More

IN TULUM,MEXICO COUNTING MY BLESSINGS.

OR, MY FIRST WEEK BACK IN MEXICO AFTER OVER THREE YEARS.

Just think what’s ahead of you when you arrive!

Long trip from London, little did I know I’d be travelling for over twenty hours. Harsh work indeed!

THE FLIGHT AND JOURNEY.

The flight over was truly dreadful, long very cold and boring. BA sure has changed and taken a nosedive in many ways! That can count literally as they have a fleet of the now infamous Boing aircraft (bits didn’t fall off our plane I don’t think) , however the food, service and general vibe was awful, a kind of Easyjet with fangs. The crew had no manners and there is no leg space at all. I was lucky my lucky dip seating had given me an aisle seat. I would suggest taking your own food as theirs is inedible. They served pretend chicken for both meals that I wouldn’t feed my dog.

Just checking the wing hadn’t fallen off!
Continue reading IN TULUM,MEXICO COUNTING MY BLESSINGS.
SOLO TRAVEL FOR WOMEN by oldbirdtravels
Read More

CENOTES THE ROUTE TO THE UNDERWORLD.

OR , DON’T BE SHY, JUST JUMP IN TO MAGIC ICY POOLS

Fabulous water and entrance to the underworld under the lip of the pond are the caves

FROM LAST YEAR, A LESSON IN SHAKING OFF THE BLUES

Although I lost my mojo for a few days, I gave myself a sharp talking to. I was beginning to get depressed. I think it was after being chased by the troupe of dogs in this neighbourhood which has now made me walk the long way round to my local shop. Add to that a lot of drunks and crack heads suddenly started to congregate around my street. This meant I couldn’t really go out after six unless I asked Charlie for a lift. I hate being beholden to people so this was getting me down. However all is well again with a few tweaks, I’m nothing if not adaptable.

Continue reading CENOTES THE ROUTE TO THE UNDERWORLD.