Cafe Internet Santa Lucia
Mérida, Yucatan - Mexico

What a whirlwind! We've been to three sites in as many days, and we're not stopping there. Each of them has been profoundly moving in distinctly different ways... I feel as if I carry a piece of each of them with me.

As my last Log had to be cut short due to bus departure time concerns, I will continue with the ruins at Tulum:

I found the energy of Tulum to be very similar to that of Delphi, in Greece- there was an impression of grace and harmony, and of people walking peacefully along flora-lined paths, with a real emphasis on spirituality. Granted, all Maya sites could be said to have an emphasis on spirituality, though this was more contemplative, less "My temple is bigger than your temple!" More... feminine, if you will. (Of course, this could be due to the fact that I was female in an incarnation there.) I felt like a wanted to walk with utmost reverence on the Earth.
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Cyber Planet
Tulum, Quintana Roo - Mexico

When we left off, we were waiting for the over-nite bus to Chetumal. That was another interesting experience in nocturnal travel. I don’t know whether it was because we were in the very back of the bus or because all Mexican drivers share a certain affinity with Speedy Gonzalez, but there was an alarming amount of swaying and lurching. It was so severe that ultimately, Marlon concluded the only way to prevent involuntary body propulsion would be shoulder straps! In fact, the more we discussed it, the more we wondered why shoulder harnesses should be limited to baby car seats and astronauts, when there are so many scenarios in life where one might desire a little extra torso support...

As our main objective for coming to Chetumal was to catch another bus, we were pleasantly surprised by its charm and a laid-back attitude we attributed to the Caribbean. (Although, as the city was largely devoid of residents- we assumed for Semana Santa, the Mexican spring break- that may have contributed, as well.) One thing we were really excited about in Chetumal was checking out Museo de la Cultura Maya, which is organized into three levels, mirroring Maya cosmology: the main floor representing this world, the upper floor the heavens and the lower floor the underworld.

Anonymous Internet Club
Palenque, Chiapas - Mexico

We are in our fourth hour of "passing the time" until our bus departs (only nine to go). Alas, I shall catch you up.

We arrived in Palenque around 7pm Tuesday. Due to the spring equinox and an alleged music festival, it quickly became apparent that all of the recommended places- and then some- were booked (no one takes reservations). Eventually we found two available cabañasat Michol’s, though as Portia relevantly noted, they more closely resembled tool sheds than sleeping quarters- in fact, they put the "rust" in "rustic". We were out of other options however, and "adventure" was, after all, our objective!

The good news was that Michol’s was a lot more subdued than the other hotels, all of which seemed to have perpetual Hippie Happy Hour. Nonetheless, said Happy Hours were still audible and my cold, cinder-block-ensconced outdoor shower was accompanied by an interesting symphony of crickets, bird calls, and- techno music.
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Cyberclub
Villahermosa, Tabasco - Mexico

"There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open."
-Jawsaharal Nehru

Hola!

Well, once again it started in Limbo (aka LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal). From there we embarked on a journey that was not even half the distance but nonetheless managed to surpass our infamous Air India flight to Athens in overall exasperation and discomfort. (We took heart, however, in that previous experience has proven the gnarlier the departure, the better the trip.)

Functioning on only two hours of sleep or not, we arrived in Villahermosa ready for adventure and highly anticipating the sight of Portia and Ben's familiar faces. After some very special one-on-one attention from the customs agents (we were the only international travelers on the flight from Mexico City), we emerged into the clinging heat and into the welcoming embrace of my soul sistah and her equally soul-ish lovah (if you will)! Having arrived in Villahermosa a few days prior, they were able to spare our sleep-deprived brains the exertion of decision-making, saavily negotiating a taxi back to the hotel and a good spot to enjoy some yummy, authentic Mexican cuisine.
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