"On our first day, we took a walking tour of Merida's 'downtown.' We saw cathedrals dating to the 1500's, walked through the plaza, and visited the local Fiesta Americana and Walmart. And then, we went to the marketplace. The market had vendors lining the streets, with older Mayan women in their Mayan best, and people shopping for their daily vegetables and meats, among other things.
A list of things I saw at the marketplace:
1) puppies
2) live turkeys
3) pork
4) fish
5) dog food, which was next to the
6) dry pasta
7) counterfeit DVDs
8) a legit keymaker
9) papaya
The livelihood of Merida's poor was in the marketplace. On the outer rim of the market, there were dress shops, children's school supply shops, a pharmacy, and even a wedding parlor. Not far away, though, was the Montejo street, with mansions lining the streets.
On the trip to the Reserve, when we left the city, we encroached the rural parts of the Yucatan. Huts, banana leaves, and emaciated dogs were our scenery. Upon peering in the huts, hammocks only. Many didn't have running water or sewage systems.
And again, on our way back, we stopped by and toured an old Hacienda. The house was airy and grandiose. They had acres and acres of private land, a private theater, upper class china and lower class china, a pool, and a stable. Right out of the grounds, we could see a small butcher shop, and huts lining the streets.
An interesting dichotomy to see such a rich history amidst the growing poor.
Not unlike Jackson's Belhaven and Millsaps pitted against North Midtown."
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