Day 2: Playa Del Carmen - The vacation from my travel

Day two was our day trip to Chichen Itza. It is worth it to see one of the seven wonders of the world, but for a wonder, it's a bit petit. 

The day started off bright and early. We quickly chowed through our breakfast, only to wait about 20 minutes for the tour van. After the tour company picked us up, they made two more stops before we were on our way to the cultural part of our trip. 

First stop was a cathedral in Valladoid. Story is the Mayans did not believe in Jesus, they had their own religion. But when the Spaniards came and conquered, they erected this cathedral. It looks like a European church. The cathedral surroundings and the city's main square reflect a lower standard of living. It made me really appreciate to live in the US.

The San Gervasio cathedral. There were several Mayans selling bracelets outside. Also several beggars too. It makes me sad to see it, so I didn't take a picture of it.

Side of the church

Inside the church

Second stop was to a Mayan village, which I didn't take many pictures. Then we headed out to lunch, which was passable, but not great. I accidentally ate a very very spicy salsa thing and my eyes literally crossed. It was NOT guacamole!

Then we finally made it to Chichen Itza. It's impressive, considering the time it was built. However, it was VERY HOT that day, and to learn that we went during the "cool months". There wasn't much shade.

I saw an Iguana. Can you see it???

Chichen Itza in my Thai mosquito deterrent outfit.

Last stop was to a Cenote. It's a hole in the ground that's 170 feet deep. We opted to not swim because there was only 40 minutes and we didn't want to change in and out of our clothes. I also had an open cut. However, we were able to take some pretty nice pictures.

Second level view of the Cenote

Top view of Cenote

Cenote - people swimming

Overall, I recommend seeing Chichen Itza if you're in the area. I'm happy we went. If it were just me, I probably wouldn't book this tour, but glad I went w/ someone who did! It's nice to travel with others who would make you do/see things you usually wouldn't otherwise. 

Side story: 

During the drive home, we ran into a great adventure. I was still jet lagged from my solo Asia trip, so quickly fell asleep. I dreamt that we were going pretty fast and it was raining. This sort of woke me up and I asked Jianing if we're driving fast. She said "yes". My only thought was, "I can't do anything, so I should just pray." I started praying for our safety and fell back asleep. 

I later woke up to the tour van turning into a gas station. The tour guide said the light is out, and so they are trying to fix it. We all grabbed our belongings and exited the van. Needless to say, it was a disaster! The van's electricity was out, and they asked the customers to push the van while they try to jump start it. That didn't work. 

I also found out from Jianing that the windshield wiper wasn't working during the drive. The a/c was broken too. So the tour guide had to wipe down the fogged windows while the driver was probably speeding down the highway in the middle of a rainstorm. 

Anyhow, we fought w/ some grumpy old man, who was also on the tour with us, for a  taxi and paid for our way back. In the end, I just feel bad for the tour guide. We didn't tip them. I didn't really think too much of it, actually. I was just trying to get back to our hotel. The tour guides were working hard all day only to not receive a tip. The van breaking down was really not their fault. I feel really bad and wish I can go back to give them something.