Day 176 - Mexican Road Trip

We rented a car, hit the open road and now feel like we have more spring back in our step. The two lazy weeks we spent in Tulum were a good mental and physical break for us. Did I mentioned how much we enjoyed the food?! We spent a lot of time contemplating what we wanted out of the last leg of Fink Four World School. Our outlook on the trip has changed lately as we see the end around the corner. We can't help but fill our minds with what's to come back at home even though we know we should be living in the present moment. We all had different ideas of where to go for the last stretch, so it was difficult to come to a final decision. But, since we are here in Mexico and there is plenty to see, we decided to spend the next several weeks exploring the southern region of Mexico. And, of course, it's a great opportunity for the kids to practice their Spanish. They have to pass a Spanish test to re-enroll into their Spanish school program.

Our view on the road—wide two-lane highways but most drivers make up their own lanes, usually driving half in the shoulder (not shown).

Renting a car always gives us the same feeling of independence and joy—even in Mexico (I'll admit I was nervous about driving here)! We've only rented a car a handful of times in the last six months, but every time we love having our own private bubble and the freedom of being on our own schedule. We set out for the small, colonial town of Valladolid in the center of the Yucatan, an hour-and-a-half drive from Tulum. It wouldn't be a road trip through the Yucatan without stopping at a couple of cenotes along the way. These natural swimming pools offer a refreshing place to cool off in this heat. It's freakin' hot here—90-92° every day! At least the humidity is a tad less here than in Tulum, resulting in two showers a day instead of three!

Every cenote is different—Cenote Zacil-Ha had places to jump and zip line.

Valladolid is a charming, authentic Mexcian town lacking tourists. All of the buildings are one-to-two stories high with a similar plain, stucco facade. What makes this place unique is the colorful pastel palette used throughout the entire grid-patterned town. If on a miniature scale, the buildings would resemble rectangular cartons of rainbow sherbert opened up and turned on their side. It feels very clean and safe; they sure take COVID precautions seriously here, unlike Tulum. Every single person is wearing a mask and restaurant tables are spread out twice as much as required. They soak your hands with a large squirt of slimy gel (I still hate that!), sanitize the bottom of your shoes and take your temperature before entering every establishment. It feels very safe crime and COVID-wise, but gastronomically, it's brutal! The food here, though tasty, has wreaked havoc in our stomachs.

Colorful pastel streets of Valladolid, Mexico.

When visiting one of the many Mayan ruins archeological sites in the area, we met a nice family from London with two young children. We were eager (maybe too eager!!) to converse with them since they were the first family we had met on our trip doing a similar world adventure. It was fun sharing travel stories together as we marveled at the impressive Mayan temples. We both had the same afternoon itinerary planned, so we met them at a cenote after the jungle tour. The Coba ruins were not only amazing in their history and preservation, but they were a nice spot to be surrounded by nature. The ruins were spread out over a few kilometers, so we could stretch our legs and get a nice walk in, though we were wilted by the end because of the heat. Austin can't wait to wear his fleece pants again, layer up and return to cooler temperatures!

Mayan Coba ruins

Indiana Kate and the Temple of Coba

We had to climb down a steep staircase to enter this fully closed cave cenote—Choo-Ha.

Slightly spooky, but cool Cenote Choo-Ha near Coba ruins.

Vibrant murals are hand-painted all over Tulum and surrounding areas.

Our Airbnb in Valladolid for $65 a night. We didn't have high expectations for this barebones place (from the photos) but it surprised us with having three large, clean bedrooms and three identically bathrooms. The kids were so excited to have their own room... AND bathroom.

Touring Casa de los Venados Museum. A couple from Portland, OR bought the 18,000 sq ft home in Valladolid and converted it into their full-time residence and art gallery showcasing local artists' work. All proceeds go back to the community. Thanks to the Brossard Family for the recommendation.

---