James Gaston

1 Nov - Grasshoppers

A rainy day - 3 Nov

Three yellows and a pink
2 Nov 2018 Three yellows and a pink 2 Nov 2018 Merida, Mexico

We were drawn to Merida by a TV show. It introduced us to the local architecture. And it has certainly lived up to expectations. Colourful old buildings fronting beautiful interiors with lush inner courtyards. This design language combines street-level privacy with a gradual reveal and then surprise as one enters a building.

We found our house, which follows this design, via Trip Advisor. The one hiccup, no propane, was quickly addressed by the property manager. The gas company arrived the next morning and a plumber came soon after to re-light the pilots. You really appreciate hot water when you don't have it.

We are steps from several elegant restaurants, Oliva Enoteca for Italian, 130 Degrees for steak, Micaela Mar for seafood (ate there last night, excellent), Catrin for Mexican, Latte Quatro Setta for lattes and fresh pastry, and La Morena, a high end food court/bar. Wouldn't be surprised if there are more, hiding behind the stone and cement facades.

But there's one unfixable issue with the house and that's noise. It turns out at least two, Catrin and La Morena, have live music until the wee hours. And it's outdoors, in their courtyards. It's great music, but it is loud and some nights, like last night, we decided to close the windows and turn on the a/c just to get some sleep. Now I understand why a few properties around here have hung signs saying "Basta de ruido. Queremos dormir. Necesitamos solucion hoy." So, it's a great neighborhod for our short visit, maybe not so much for a long term stay.

Anthropology museum

Would have liked to see the inside of this museum, but unfortunately it's closed due to a change in exhibits.

Anthropology museum

Would have liked to see the inside of this museum, but unfortunately it's closed due to a change in exhibits.

Anthropology museum

Would have liked to see the inside of this museum, but unfortunately it's closed due to a change in exhibits.

Parroquia Catholic church

Yellow building on Paseo de Montejo

Pink building

1 Nov - Grasshoppers

A rainy day - 3 Nov