A mad chase to catch the bus!

A great Mexican meal in Merida.
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You know how you have a time in your head and without checking are convinced that it is true. Then you realise later that that time was for another day and you have really stuffed up!

We had enjoyed our night at El Panchen and were just finishing packing up so we could enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Don Muchos restaurant, when Michael checked the bus tickets for our trip to Merida. Instead of the 9.40am we had counted on (which were for our next trip) the tickets said 8am, and it was now 7.454am. We were in the middle of the jungle and needed (as always) the wagonetta taxi that could carry us and our 4 bags. We were also still half unpacked. Aaaaaggggghhhh!

Louis, our rally taxi driver sped at about 120km for most of the 45 minute trip...a bit scary when the boys and I are in the back seat with no seat belts!

We threw our gear into bags as quick as we could, hustled the boys into clothes and asked a guy selling tours if he could call us an urgent taxi. Then we waited. It was a good 10 min drive to Palenque town from El Panchen and we didn't know what would happen if we missed the bus.

The driver did his level best speeding all the way and we made it to the bus station at 8.10am, to be told that the bus left 5 mins ago. We were then told that the next bus left in 13 hours or we had to get a taxi and chase the bus to the next stop, at 9am. By the time I was able to tell Michael this he had let our taxi go and we despairedthat we would not get another wagon in a hurry.

Fortunately the gods were smiling and an empty wagon came down the road a few minutes later and we hailed it, loaded our bags in and agreed on the 300 peso fare. What choice did we have?

Louis, our rally taxi driver sped at about 120km for most of the 45 minute trip...a bit scary when the boys and I are in the back seat with no seat belts! But within about 5 mins to go he passed the bus and got us to the ADO terminal in time to buy some quick snacks for breakfast and get on the bus. Phew. Lucky escape!

The bus trip to Merida was made even longer by our roadside stop and backpack and random bag search by police. Somehow Michael's suitcase got picked on so he had to explain the contents to the police in halting spanish.

We have shortened our stay in Merida from 4 nights to 1 night, so we could go to the beach earlier and when we got to Merida we know we have made the right decision. Merida is a big bustling Mexican city, looks like great shopping but we have had enough of that and cities and towns. We are yearning for more natural beauty and the smell and feel of the ocean. Lonely Planet said this is the place to buy Mexican hammocks though, so we head straightaway to the Hammock shop they recommend and select a double and a grande to lug home with us and set up finally at Noosa.

Our hotel, Luz en Yucutan is the ultimate of cool. Great lounging area, pool and apartments. Very funky and retro. The water is not on in our room...a plumber is working, so we dip in the pool to freshen up before dinner out in town.

When we get back from dinner the plumber is still working and we end up spending the night with him working until very late and us putting in ear plugs. There is no water for showers again in the morning and I am desperate to wash my hair. It may be a hat day today...but after seeing us desperados in the pool again another guests offers us the use of their shower. Thank you very much Connor.

Tom, one of the new owners of the hotel also refuses to charge us for our nights accommodation, which is very generous and kind of him. It helps make up for the expensive taxi ride that morning from Palenque!!

Farewell Merida. If we came back we would definitely return to Luz en Yucutan...but for now we are pleased to leave. Playa del Carmen and the beach is in our sights.