One type of "Reality" TV Experience

I watched one of the recent House Hunters International the other day. Guess what! It was filmed in Merida, Mexico, so I had to watch!! Since I've watched that real estate market for so long, I'm always curious if they'll show one of my favorites. Sure enough, two of my all time favorites were given the chance to shine.

The first one shown was in the more modern area of town, in the outskirts. That area I never did a lot of perusing because I love the colonials; plus, it was on a golf course - no interest. The second one was none other than "The Hidden Street." Always fun to see, and I liked hearing the couple's reaction to this rather eccentric place. Our reactions were similar - it's fun but too spread out. I always told Brian we would have to get walkie talkies to ask each other a question if not in the same room, or to find each other with ease. This couple sells sofas so I thought it was rather funny to take them to this place which has a sunken, cemented in living room furniture! They talked about jackhammering out the seating! It was only selling for 565K so why not jackhammer! Although actually I'd seen the place selling online for a mere 495K earlier in the year.

Lastly, they showed the couple Casa Chablis. Yes, if I had the money this place would be our number one choice. Amazing! As anyone would (if they had that kind of money) they picked this stunning place. But speaking of money, "that kind of money" definitely went up for the show. Too bad this couple hadn't done some earlier homework. Just like the Hidden Street which had gone up in price so had Casa Chablis. On HHI they were selling it for 450K, a bargain for those who had a budget of 500K. However, I had never seen it online for that price. I can't remember the highest I had seen it for but I saw it go as low as 365K. It appears this couple "negotiated" the price down to 439K. Truly a bargain for them but if only they had a little more information behind them. In the end, they are happy and certainly do have a wonderful home. I'm just not in their league so all that money as a gift seems a bit excessive!!

Coffee and the Expat (?) Process

As is my usual procedure, I discuss the locale's coffee situation wherever I travel. However, I have been unable to complete my sampling -- until I got home! Merida, in the end, did rise to suitable standards, despite the disparaging beginning of Nescafe instant. :( There was a very nice specialty coffee place, selling hot, iced, and blended coffee drinks, along with sandwiches and treats -- La Boheme. Some of the coffee drinks were too high in other flavors and over the top in calories, but I didn't have to order them! :) At a couple of other restaurants I received very good espresso, and as you know, learned how to order it with just a little milk -- "cortado."

Although, I had to wait until home before I could make some specialty coffee that I bought there. It is called De Olla and it is particular to the Yucatan, as I understand it. It comes ground with cinnamon and sugar. While chatting, I shared some with a friend. I have to say it was suspect even upon opening the bag -- the mixture was not remotely dark and rich as I like my coffee beans. Sure there is cinnamon added but... Neither one of us would really call it a coffee drink, even though there was a hint of coffee. There was a very pleasant sweet and spicy flavor that was really more tea like, in my opinion. So not objectionable but definitely not coffee!

We are so glad we finally made it to Merida after all the research we'd done. Even before going though, we had pretty much decided it would be too hot for us. Assumption confirmed! We loved the city and the people, so warm and welcoming. Unfortunately Brian did not feel well most of the time we were there. :( It's virtually impossible to know why, exactly. However, the experience alone spoke volumes to both of us. When this happens, and it will from time to time, do we want to be in a foreign country struggling to communicate, or just without our little conveniences that make life easier?

We really thought Panama was next on the list. Now we are looking within the boundaries of "home." Although, nothing is settled until we are settled. We are still in no rush to make a decision, but we hope the house is ready to go up for sale by the end of April. It's still an adventure even within the States. We just don't have to do it in another language.

Parting Shots!

The trip has come to an end. So often I have mixed feelings as I'm heading home. I absolutely love traveling but the bed is never as comfortable as my own, restaurant food can get tiring (and expensive); plus, the familiar is settling. On the other hand, I love adventure, trying new things, and new surroundings are stimulating - both creatively and by challenging my perspective. I guess I can appreciate the combination of it all.

Here are some parting shots - just a random collection that caught my eye.

Built In Flash Cards

We walked in to the downtown area this afternoon to get a little something to eat and a coffee for me. (Remember, Brian hates the stuff so it was quite magnanimous of me :) to marry him anyway.) All of the waitstaff we have encountered have been very kind, patient and helpful in regard to our seriously lacking Spanish. I learned the word for olives (aceitunas) and the way to order my espresso. I like espresso but with a bit of milk. To say, "espresso con leche" is possibly incorrect, not colloquial or just plain lame. It's hard to tell which category it falls in, as the subtleties of the language are WAY beyond me. Anyway, I should say, "espresso cortado" or at least that's how it sounded to me. I repeated it back and he nodded so I'm going with it, a very valuable phrase to learn in my book.

Even our walk around the central district in Merida gives us a Spanish lesson. As I understand, the story goes that pictographs were used to mark intersections. This was useful for both citizens and visitors, in days gone by, who could not read. In this way, they could know where they were and could arrange to meet at a certain intersection, like the intersection of "La Palma." Then, they didn't have to know the street numbers or have to read them.

Our Spanish "lesson" as we walk ranges from the basic to a bit more advanced. For example, the basics:

The Tortoise

The Lemon

The Palm

The Lion

The Ball

These are pictures and concepts that any age can recognize and understand. Then there are the ones that could challenge a bit more. For the intermediate level we have:

The Theater

The People (says Google)
I would say - The Village

The Hawk

The Vineyard

For the following ones, it's a good thing we have a camera so we can check google translator when we get back to our B&B. These are for the advanced. One of these, perhaps two, I think verge on the obscure. Can you pick which one(s)?

Prosperity

The Muscovites or
The Residents of Moscow

The Cane (says Google)
I presume - The Sugar Cane

The Duchess

In my opinion, the Muscovites is a bit obscure. Although they did a great job showing the typical cold weather clothing for Moscow. The Duchess is also a bit difficult to get from the picture. However, in those days it might very well have been extremely easy to understand. At any rate, my Spanish is improving! Of course it's at such a level it could only get better.

Along the Way - Doors of Merida

Although Merida has almost a million people, it doesn't seem like such a big city. Each neighborhood has it's own little or bigger park with an accompanying church and a flavor of it's own. We've stayed in three different B&B's to get a feel for some of the various areas of the city. We are in the third place now and this part of Merida is quite different than what we've been in previously. It's closer to the central square or Zocalo, busier streets and a greater mixture of building functions, like hotels, auto shops, police station, ruins and houses.

Along the way, we walk by so many glorious facades. Some of them have definitely seen better days, and some are wonderfully restored. I find I'm surprised by nearly every turn of the corner. I don't always have my camera with me so ... not everything is captured for others to see. Below is a small representation of just the doors we pass as we explore this amazing city.

 

 

These doors help in part to convey the variety of the city. It's fascinating and all kinds of worlds lie beyond these doors. I'm intrigued. There is no doubt this city can pull at one's heart. It does mine.

Only Two Seasons in Merida

As described by one of our guides, "Those two seasons are - hot and hotter."

Brian, who loves the heat, actually finds himself a little over-toasted here at times. Please bear in mind, this is only the "hot season." I wish I could have found an equivalent clip art picture of a girl, but this was the best free one so Brian takes the limelight! :) I'm definitely melting right along with him. We try to avoid walking anywhere around noon because there is no shade on either side of the street when walking north or south. The shade is a must. We knew it would be warm but the experience of it took us to another level of realization. Why I brought anything with long sleeves is beyond me! "You know, it might be cooler at night." HA! Well, it is cooler but still no need for anything like that.

One of our afternoon excursions was to the anthropology museum. As I've mentioned before I'm not big on typical tourism, which includes museums. In this case, it was in a beautiful old home/mansion. (In Europe you might think it was a consulate building or something.) Part of the draw for me on a hot afternoon was the coolness of the building - in both the literal and figurative meanings of that word! It was our guide at this museum who so succinctly described the seasons here.

"Tony" was his name and he was 5" 2' and a hair...maybe. His English was outstanding and I'd guess his age to be somewhere between 70 and 120. His almost toothless smile was engaging and compelled me to smile right back! Tony made that place fascinating. He was so knowledgeable, fun and funny. I learned a lot and it was enjoyable doing so. That's how learning should be. :) It was well worth the little extra we paid for a guide.

Home and Garden Tour

A realtor in conjunction with the Merida English Language Library (at least that's where we met) does a tour of three renovated homes once a week, during the tourist season. I realize it's an opportunity to try and sell houses but I still wanted to go inside some of these homes! So Brian and I along with 50 to 60 others (tourists!! ;-o ) heard a bit of Merida's history, and then, did a brief walking tour. I know the houses chosen can change but I was hoping to walk the interior of La Calle Escondida - the house which sucked me into Merida's real estate, Spanish colonial architecture, and was a big part of The Process. That was the first house!

Much of this house in not colonial at all, in contrast, parts are whimsical, others thoroughly modern. I'd seen the video, perused the pictures and imagined what the spaces must be like in actuality. The photographer definitely shot the home with a wider wide-angle lens then I have. The spaces seemed even grander and larger in the photos. However, I would never say the rooms were cramped!

1st Courtyard Looking towards the Street

The idea of The Hidden Street or in other words - La Calle Escondida, is a fun one. You first walk into an entry room and then immediately into a courtyard. It is this part which is the "hidden street." The architect used the sides of the courtyard to mimic a Merida street. On one side, the side shown here to the left, are bedrooms, upper and lower. However, they look like actual building facades with balconies. The other side, below, is the wall dividing the homes which he has superimposed different types of facades, some with deterioration and all.

1st Courtyard Looking towards the House and the Rest of the Property

Following are some interior shots. The second courtyard with the pool and outdoor living spaces is probably my favorite area. Although, the master suite isn't bad either!

Interior Sunken Living Room

Pool Coutyard & Master Suite Balcony 

Looking across to Master Suite
from Rooftop Area 

Outdoor Living Area below Master Suite

Last but Not Least - the Master Suite

OK, this is probably enough for one post. Trust me, I have more pictures, but I'm sparing you the full rendition. I'll show you more of the other houses at another time, and maybe some pics of where we are staying. Can you tell I used to be an architect?! Enjoying the architectural/cultural differences.

Carnaval de Merida and Around Town

We are here in Merida for Carnaval or as it is called in New Orleans - Mardi Gras! We didn't come particularly for this celebration but our winter getaway to revive Brian happens to coincide. I can't say that we've gone to all of the parades, since there are six in all! Nor did I take any pictures - just wanted to enjoy the time. However, one of my fellow bloggers did take pictures so I refer you to him. The Children's Parade you can find here. I understand it is often thought of as the best. Kids are always cute and they are certainly done up. One of the other evening parades can be found here. We don't even consider going to any of the daytime parades as it is WAY too hot!! I don't know how the people in the parade do it - survive even.

Brian and I did do some wondering of the town with cameras in hand. We ended up in one of the neighborhood parks called Santiago. Naturally ice cream was in order! Here are some images from the park and along the way.

Being Adventurous is a Matter of Degree

Brian and I, both, have always thought of ourselves as the adventurous type. At our first B&B here in Merida (we will stay at 3 to make contact with more people), we have had several occasions to talk with our fellow boarders - one Canadian couple and the other couple is American. Due to these conversations, Brian and I have had to reevaluate "adventurous." I had generally looked at this trait as something you were or weren't. No, it's really more of a scale and I don't think we are even close to the extreme end! It's been fascinating to hear their stories, where they've been, how they've traveled and how long ago they started! This is part of why I love travelling and meeting new people - I have my world expanded. Plus, I receive a more accurate perspective of myself! It's always good to keep my ego in check!!

Speaking of my ego, I think I was a bit overstated in my Foodie?! post about how I throw caution to the wind in the food arena! Last night I was faced with peppers, as in possible jalapeno type, on my nachos. I studiously was placing them in a pile to avoid. "Hmmm. Loving new taste sensations, am I?" So I tried them! Not all at once, mind you. :) A small one was meticulously placed on a chip along with all of the other goodies and in it went. Not that hot!! It was good and did enhance it all. I liked it even!! I didn't eat all of them but at least half. It's good to know my limits but be willing to challenge them too, from time to time. Otherwise, I could miss out on many good or even great adventures.

A Foodie?!

I am not a connoisseur, plain and simple. (The closest I come, perhaps, is that I'm coffee snob!) Although I may not have a refined taste, nor am I able to isolate flavors to improve a sauce, for example, I do enjoy food. I can recognize an inspired meal and revel in it!

We have started a another journey and it began with a YUM! Our departure was early out of San Francisco so we decided to go up the night before. Some wonderful friends took us up and we enjoyed the evening together. Of course dinner time came around and looking at our options around the hotel we settled on Italian cuisine. This restaurant had one of those classic Italian names - West Coast Cafe! :) Honestly with a name like that I expected standard fare and "nothing to write home about." Certainly nothing to blog about!! However, I was in heaven from beginning to end. The bruschetta was perfect and perfectly messy with diced tomatoes piled high and olive oil running onto my fingers. The basil and garlic tantalized my taste buds, waking them up and they hungered for more! They and I were not disappointed! The marsala sauce for the main course was exquisite and had to be sopped up with delicious bread to get every drop. I could go on and on, continuing with the vegetables, polenta and on through dessert. Naturally dessert was accompanied with espresso done to perfection - rich, dark and smokey. An awesome, over the top experience along with the company!

The next day we were off to Mexico, a direct flight to Cancun. We made our way to downtown, found our hotel and settled in. Tired but needing food, we opted for the easy route - the hotel restaurant. Again, would the hotel restaurant across from the bus station be inspiring? I didn't hold any high hopes. Silly Me!!

Brian and I split two meals. One of them was "chicken fillet mignon" and the other was flank steak fajitas. I figured the name of the first meal was just some sort of translation mix up. We made our orders were asked how we wanted the steak cooked and then the waiter was off to make it all happen. A minute or two later he comes back to ask how we wanted the chicken cooked - medium or well. Confused having never ever been asked how I wanted my chicken cooked, I thought maybe it was supposed to be "beef fillet mignon." No, he was asking about the chicken so I definitely said, "Well!" The mystery was partly solved when the meal came. Yes, we had chicken for one meal and beef for the other. The chicken steak was wrapped around the edge with bacon! Often I have seen fillet mignon served that way so I think that is where the confusion in translation stemmed. In any case, both meals were wonderful and a delight. I know I was really hungry, however, the flavors were amazing. We topped it off with flan, the classic Mexican dessert!

As noted earlier in my blog, a big part of traveling for me is the food! I love trying new things. The notable exceptions have been octopus and beef tongue. There are a few items I just can't get past. Although, by and large over the years and the many places I've traveled, I've let my prejudices go, having enjoyed some delicious food adventures! It's been quite a beginning to this trip.

We are now in Merida, Mexico!

Adventure's Roadmap - The Process Part 2

  The picture that started it all!

La Calle Escondida

I mean doesn't that pool and environment look inviting? I figured it was over budget (which it WAY was) but I couldn't resist looking just for fun and pleasure! Although perhaps I'm getting ahead of myself! (To see The Process - Part 1 click here.

That city which is 20K inland from the gulf coast is Merida, Mexico. Would I be bored there? I decided to take a look. OK, I come to find out that it's a city of almost a million people!! Well, there must be something to do there! I did a bit of research but in typical fashion a big part of the initial phase began with a perusal of the real estate. The picture above was a "hook" shot on the first page of a realtor's site under "featured listings." With one click I was whisked away into Spanish Colonial Architecture as I've never experienced. So many of the renovated homes are colorful, joyful and, in my opinion, works of art. I was hooked! (To see more pictures and a description of the home pictured above click here.)

In several previous posts I revealed my near obsession with the colonial architecture of Merida. I scoured a dozen or so different realty sites - for months! I got to know many properties, and they were easily recognizable to me as they appeared on other sites. Some I fell in love with. After so much time the inevitable SOLD sign would appear on some of MY properties! "Oh no!! All the good places will be gone before we get there!" I'm disappointed to see one of my favorites get sold because I just know it would have been perfect for us.

That sounds silly perhaps but this was part of relaxing and just enjoying the process. I've yet to even set foot in Merida and here I was getting disappointed if a special house was sold. So I let go and enjoyed the pictures, video tours and learning more about the city and it's neighborhoods. Of course to actually start looking for a property in another country was the beginning. Then, there was migration for reasons like cost and environment. I changed locales a few times. However, Merida seemed to fit the bill. This must be the place! Or is it? It finally sank in during the phase of seeing "my" houses sold - this was a process, a journey. No decisions have been made, even yet. There's still more to come!

To see past posts with Spanish Colonial Architecture and my fascination with these gems click on the label entitled such. For The Process - part 3 click here.