(^30) Merida – Maxcanu - 67km
With our passports and American visas safely in our pockets, Ernest
and I resumed our journey toward Campeche. Once more, the
settlements were fascinating, and we made our way past a few old
henequen haciendas (farms).
In its heyday, these farms employed hundreds of people in the rope-
making business, nearly all of whom were exported to Europe and
North America. During its boom years, the henequen cactus was
known as “green gold”. However, the golden age ended when
synthetic fibres replaced sisal rope. As a result, many haciendas were
abandoned and left to the jungle’s creep. These farms were
predominantly overgrown and neglected but still picturesque. A few
even had rail lines to and from the plantations.
In Maxcanu, we cycled slap-bang into a lively festival (still part of the
Independence Day commemorations). It looked like fun and we
stayed put. The square was crammed with food, games, trampolines,
and kiddies’ rides. People, young and old, were out enjoying the
festivities. Kids ran amok, and older folk, on plastic chairs, enjoyed
the action. I grabbed the camera and joined the villagers, but I was
under the impression more pictures were taken of me than the
festival. Fireworks, floats and marches continued until late that night.
leana
(Leana)
#1