(^20) Piste – Izamal - 77km
In the morning, the road led towards Merida, a fantastic ride through
dense jungle and past tiny hamlets. Like the previous days, the
weather was sweltering without a soul in sight. Midway to Izamal,
clouds gathered and, in no time, it started pouring as it can only do in
the tropics. I pulled my cap down low and continued amidst thunder
and lightning but eventually had to pull off and wait until the worst
was over.
A few kilometres further were the interesting town of Izamal,
revealing impressive historic architecture. The entire village was in an
okra colour, aptly named The Yellow City. Being an important city
during the Mayan civilisation it featured temples to the creator deity,
Itzamna, and the Sun God, Kinich Ahau.
Regrettably, the Spanish had little regard for this culture and built a
new town atop the existing Mayan one. Thank goodness, the Spanish
found it too troublesome to level the two most significant structures.
Ironically, a small Christian temple was placed atop the Great
Pyramid. Later, a prominent Franciscan monastery was built atop the
acropolis, which was all quite un-Christian. Much of the old city’s cut
stone was reused to build the Spanish churches, monasteries, and
surrounding buildings.
I took a room at Posada Flory and thought it amusing that Ernest was
sent away twice when he came looking for me. Hahaha. I should’ve
pretended I didn’t know him (as he most likely needed bike spares
and proof of funds to apply for the American visa), but I foolishly let
him in.
leana
(Leana)
#1