A Polyglot Brazilian in Mérida Finds The Mayan Language To Be The Toughest Challenge of All

A Polyglot Brazilian in Mérida Finds The Mayan Language To Be The Toughest Challenge of All

Augusto Marcos Fagundes Oliveira says he does not count the number of languages he speaks, but when pressed, he listed eight.  Now a Mérida resident, he arrived from Brazil in 2019 to be with Nick, an American who later became his husband. In doing so, he left behind his position as an anthropology professor at…

Mérida massage therapists who make house calls

Mérida massage therapists who make house calls

Once considered mostly a luxury, massage is now believed to help improve physical and mental well-being. Studies suggest it may improve circulation and flexibility, strengthen immune response, decrease anxiety and depression, lower stress levels, and increase energy. When I retired to Mexico, I wanted to get regular massages and could do so more frequently than…

Healing others with time-honored practices, music, and ‘sacred medicines’
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Healing others with time-honored practices, music, and ‘sacred medicines’

After a difficult past, Nayeli found healing and inspiration through indigenous practices.  Originally from Sinaloa, the founder of Tribu Expansión learned the practice after attending indigenous ceremonies for 14 years across Mexico before moving to Mérida and launching her business. Nayeli says she received her best education in Tecate, where she assisted in a ceremony…

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Returning to being parrots at Proyecto Santa Maria

Near Telchac Puerto, about an hour from Yucatán’s capital, an important project is being conducted to protect native parrots and return them to the wild.  Proyecto Santa Maria involves both the conservation of birds and the preservation of the natural habitats in which they are found. Mexico has 22 species of parrots, four are found…

Tags: Simple shoes with a social conscience fit just right

Tags: Simple shoes with a social conscience fit just right

An unassuming corner shop located in the heart of the city sells comfortable, locally made alpargatas — the Spanish term for espadrilles — in a wide variety of designs and styles. Tags has been in business for seven years in the same location, selling simple but sophisticated footwear all produced locally. Their main style is the…

Stretching mind, body, and soul in a creativity workshop at Lagalá
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Stretching mind, body, and soul in a creativity workshop at Lagalá

On a recent warm Friday, I made my way to Lagalá 56:426 in Santa Ana to participate in an expressive arts workshop. Not knowing too much about it, I decided to check it out anyway.  Lagalá is a cultural center in the heart of Mérida. I climbed the grand staircase to the art space, a…

Tulum’s popular Gypsea Market expands with new Mérida location

Tulum’s popular Gypsea Market expands with new Mérida location

A growing organic, vegan, keto, gluten-free supermarket/restaurant is about to open its doors in Mérida.  Gypsea Market is bringing its lines of natural foods to the city’s upscale north side in September. Its owner, Paris-born Philippe Hallani, has spent the past 10 years running the business in Tulum, which is known around the world for…

A taste of Italy, and of romance, in García Ginerés

A taste of Italy, and of romance, in García Ginerés

Tucked away on a quiet side street in Garcia Ginerés is a charming restaurant with an authentic taste and atmosphere of Italy. Casa de Piedra has been providing delicious meals in a warm atmosphere for six years in Mérida’s distinctive colonia. Described by travel blogger Pies Viajeros as one of the most romantic restaurants in…

In García Ginerés, generations of women made Flores Café a success story

In García Ginerés, generations of women made Flores Café a success story

On a residential street in picturesque García Ginerés, the singular Flores Café is a story of family and love over several generations. For its seven-year history, Maria Moreno has run Flores Café in a house she inherited from her great-grandmother. Maria has been at the helm, cooking, shopping, waiting tables, and everything else that six…

Tortas in the Park: Family carries on the tradition for 63 years 

Tortas in the Park: Family carries on the tradition for 63 years 

Strolling through charming Parque de las Américas in García Ginerés, considered one of the finest parks in Mérida, offers many appealing options in its four-block expanse. In addition to lots of green space, a library, an amphitheater, and a large fountain, the food cart Taqueria Don Beto is a much-loved long-time fixture. While there are…

Camping in style at Mexico’s famous cenote ring

Camping in style at Mexico’s famous cenote ring

About an hour’s drive from Mérida, in Homún, Hameki offers a distinctive experience: glamping. Combining a bit of camping with hotel room amenities, glamping is a way to get away from the city and enjoy some nature without roughing it too much. Hameki promotes itself as “the best glamping experience in the southeast of Mexico.”…

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