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Parade float of a dinosaur outside of Merida

Merida Is WILD!

Posted on January 21, 2023 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

We find the most incredible stuff around our new hometown of Merida! We were on the highway heading east outside of Merida when we saw these HUGE figurines. But, of course, they were off the side of the road and on the opposite side of the divided highway.     As it turned out, the…

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Mayapan archaeological site outside of Merida Mexico

Don’t Miss Mayapan!

Posted on January 12, 2023 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

We’ve explored the Mayapan Archaeological Site several times since moving to Merida and once or twice before that time. Somehow, Mayapan is considered to be one of the lesser-known Mayan ruins. But we think it’s NOT to be missed. It’s only about 40 kilometers southeast of Merida and an easy drive.     Banner of…

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Merida’s General Cemetery and Paseo de las Animas

Posted on December 31, 2022 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

Ya, ya, ya, we know. We’re a bit behind in sharing blogs. Settling in, a few house guests, and navigating holidays in Merida put us a bit behind. We’ve got a lot more to share and will work hard to post on a more regular basis. Happy New Year, we can’t wait to see what…

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inside of a semi open cenote in the Yucatan

3 Cenotes of Santa Barbara

Posted on November 7, 2022November 7, 2022 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

Exploring cenotes is one of the most amazing adventures we’ve had visiting the Yucatan. Cenotes are technically sinkholes. They are underground wells formed by a collapse in the limestone bed. Rainwater is filtered through the stone and runs through underground rivers that connect many of the Yucatan Peninsula’s nearly 6,000 cenotes. Many were water sources…

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colonial house in Merida Mexico

We Bought A House In Merida!

Posted on October 5, 2022 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

Yes, we bought a house in Merida, Mexico! Oct 2nd we marked our 5 month anniversary of living in Merida and we’ve already bought a house. However, that was not our original plan. Initially, our goal was to start with an Airbnb. Then, we’d look for a long-term unfurnished rental, move our stuff here from…

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Sorry, We’ve Been Busy in Merida!

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

This week we received emails from TWO of our loyal blog subscribers checking in to see if we were okay. Thank you to Ruth and Geoff, as well as Colleen and Dennis! We’re here, alive and well and living in Merida, Mexico!!! But who knew that retirement could be so tiring? We’ve packed many projects…

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Ornate exterior of Casa Montejo in Merida Mexico

Exploring Casa Montejo

Posted on June 27, 2022 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

About a week ago, we decided to explore Casa Montejo. If you’ve been following along on our blog or our Instagram page, you’ll see we’ve not done much exploring.   We’re Not Tourists We must keep reminding ourselves that we are not tourists; we live here and have lots of time to explore. With all…

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fruits and vegetables in Mercado Lucas de Galvez in Mérida México

Merida Market Tour

Posted on June 9, 2022 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

This past week Mark decided to do a little exploring and booked a Merida Market Tour. While we have spent quite a bit of time in the local markets, this tour was slightly different. The tour is billed as a Merida Plant Food Lovers Market Tour. It was the perfect opportunity to learn about many…

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Merida sign in Plaza Grande

Our 1st 30 Days In Merida!

Posted on June 2, 2022June 2, 2022 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

Today marks the one-month anniversary when we took a leap of faith and got on a one-way plane ride to Merida. We brought two suitcases each and a small carry-on, plus two cats. It was an exciting yet stressful time.  We thought we would share some of our experiences.   The City of Merida We…

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Mark and Chuck at Las Coloradas in the Yucatan

Getting a Little Salty in Las Coloradas

Posted on May 19, 2022May 20, 2022 by Mark And Chuck's Adventures

We took a trip to the salt ponds of Las Coloradas on Monday. We’ve officially been living in Merida for two weeks. And as you may have seen from our previous blog and Instagram posts, we’ve worked on navigating the city. Things like navigating the neighborhood, shopping, finalizing our Permanent Residency, and other assorted paperwork…

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Our recent trip to Celestun was NOT a beach day. A Our recent trip to Celestun was NOT a beach day. After a chilly boat ride to see the incredible flamingos was followed by lunch.

We went to La Palapa, after seeing a bunch of recomendations. It's a large, open airy palapa right on the beach.

We shared the Crab Cake appetizer, which was excellent. But the star of the dish was the fresh Chaya, Cilantro and Radish Salad with a tart Lime Dressing.

For lunch we both went with the Fish of the Day, Corvina. Both were grilled well, and the Diablo and Garlic Sauces packed a punch.

Great service, decent pricing and good food. We'll go back!

#celestun #celestún #celestunyucatan #lapalapa #seafood #seafoodlunch #crabcakes #chaya #corvina #freshfish #beachlunch #yucatan #yucatán #yucatanmexico #expats #expatlife #mexicolindo #mexicanfood #foodandtravel #foodandtravelblog #foodandtravelbloggers #lgbtqtravelers
Yesterday we did a short day trip to Celestún. Ju Yesterday we did a short day trip to Celestún. Just a little over an hour from Merida, it was an easy drive. 

While the weather wasn’t beach weather we met a guide at the touristic park and did an awesome boat ride to see flamingos. 

It was absolutely amazing how many flamingos we saw. 🦩 

#flamingo #flamingos #flamingosofinstagram #celestun #celestún #flamingosofcelestun #celestunyucatan #mérida #exploringmerida #yucatanpeninsula #meridaexpats #expats #expatlife #expatliving #mexicolindo #mexicocolors
Life is good! Walk around the block, Salbutes and Life is good! Walk around the block, Salbutes and Panuchos at the corner lonchería and a scoop of Oreo Ice Cream on the way home. 

#panuchos #salbutes #cochinita #asado #sansebastian #mérida #merida #meridayucatan #yucatan #yucatán #yucatanmexico #expats #expatlfe
We joined some new friends for an amazing dinner a We joined some new friends for an amazing dinner at Micaela Mar y Leña. 

Ironically it's just a block away from the AirBNB we stayed in while the house was being finished - and we had never been there.

The place is super cute, very warm and inviting and the service was excellent. 

They started us off with Dates Stuffed with local Longaniza Sausage. That was followed by a delicious Shrimp Broth.

We shared an order of Gorditas which were stuffed with Pulled Pork, Green Mole and Beans.

Chuck went for the Fish of the Day which was Mahi-Mahi and Mark had a Tamal topped with Duck Confit. 

At the end of the meal we were served some pieces of Coconut Macaroon and Marshmallow with Canela.

Everything was incredible, maybe one of our favorite meals in Merida.

#mérida #merida #meridayucatan #méridayucatán #meridayucatanmexico #meridarestaurants #micaelamaryleña #yucatan #yucatán #yucatanmexico #yucatecanfood #calle47 #comidayucateca #foodbloggers #food #expatlife
We love these vintage street signs found all over We love these vintage street signs found all over Merida.

Long before there were street numbers, someone would say, "Meet me at La Flor D Mayo." And this would be the corner where they'd be waiting.

We love Flor De Mayo, otherwise known as Plumeria, which we have growing in our yard in several colors.

#merida #mérida #meridayucatan #méridayucatán #meridayucatanmexico #streetsofmerida #streetsigns #exploringmerida #meridamexico #calle #flordemayo #meridacentro #meridaexpats #expatsinmexico #expatsinmerida #mexicolindo
Cochinita Pibil is a local Yucatecan Pork dish. H Cochinita Pibil is a local Yucatecan Pork dish.

However, we're actually partial to the delicious Chicken version Pollo Pibil!

Mark had this for lunch the other day in Izamal. The Chicken is rubbed with a flavorful Achiote Paste and cooked in Banana Leaves. This was served with fresh Avocado, a little Pico de Gallo, Black Beans and fresh Corn Tortillas.

Delicious!

#pibil #pollo #pollopibil #izamal #kinich #kinichizamal #yucatecanfood #yucatan #yucatán #yucatanmexico #pueblosmagicos #chicken #mexicanfood #mexicoexpats #merida #meridayucatan #exploringmexico #mexicolindo
He might be retired but weddings still seem appear He might be retired but weddings still seem appear around Mark. 

Occupational hazard, once a wedding planner, always a wedding planner.

#wedding #izamal #sanantoniodepadua #conventodesanantoniodepadua #mexico #mexicolindo #izamalyucatan #izamalpueblomagico #yucatan #yucatán #yucatanmexico #expatlife #meridaexpats #retiredinmerida #weddingplanner #weddingplannerlife #masterweddingplanner
Slightly obsessed with the use of these concrete b Slightly obsessed with the use of these concrete blocks.

They allow for privacy as well as airflow through outdoor spaces. And, they're very retro!

#retro #outdoorliving #izamal #izamalyucatan #izamalpueblomagico #yucatan #meridayucatan #mexicolindo #retiredinmexico #meridayucatan #meridamexico
We took a drive the other day, visiting the beauti We took a drive the other day, visiting the beautiful golden city of Izamal.

During the holiday season the Yucatan government did some beautiful holiday displays of flowers.

With the holidays officially coming to an end with Three Kings Day they began dismantling the displays and giving away all of the plants.

Locals lined up around the block to get blooming plants for their homes. Even standing in the sun, and waiting in a long line they were the sweetest people.

#yucatan #yucatán #yucatanmexico #izamal #izamalyucatan #izamalpueblomagico #meridalinda #expats #expatslife #meridaexpats #mexicolindo #exploringmexico #pueblomagico
Mark may have a new favorite refresher - Habanero Mark may have a new favorite refresher - Habanero Lemonada!

Fresh Limeade with a nice hit of Habanero Pepper. 

#nonalcoholic  #nonalcoholicdrink #lime #limeade #habanero #yucatan #yucatanmexico #yucatanturismo #izamal #izamalyucatan #mérida #merida #meridayucatan #expatslife #expatsinmerida #expatsinmexico
One Saturday while at the Merida Slow Food Market One Saturday while at the Merida Slow Food Market we stumbled on @lovwoodworks 

You may have seen them parked across from the market. 

We had them craft us a dining table and chairs, then a bed frame and headboard for our guest room.

The latest project was numbers for our house, cabinet for a wall mounted sink and a medicine cabinet for our primary bath.

Needless to say, we think they are AMAZING! 

#meridayucatan #méridamexico #expatsinmeridayucatan #expatsinmerida #meridaliving #artisanfurniture #handmadefurniture #retiredinmerida #retiredinmexico #mexicolindo #mexicolove
Happy New Year! We might be retired and living i Happy New Year! 

We might be retired and living in Merida, but we’re Philly guys at heart!

We made a little Porchetta stuffed with Garlic and Herbs. 

We paired it with some Garlic Spinach (sorry haven’t found any Broccoli Rabe) and Sharp Cheese on locally made rolls. 

It’s officially New Year’s Day!

#newyearsday #pork  #porchetta #southphilly #expatlife #meridayucatan #meridayucatanmexico #expatsinmerida #newyearsdayfood
Happy New Year! It seems a local tradition is “ Happy New Year!

It seems a local tradition is “Burning the Old Man.” A ‘old man’ is stuffed with paper and fireworks, doused with alcohol and set a blaze. It represents all of the sorrows and bad things of the last year. 

Here is San Sebastián, this one was right across the street from our house - a second old man was added and as if that wasn’t enough they dumped LOTS of fireworks on the pile. 

#meridayucatan #yucatan #mexico #meridaliving #meridalinda #meridaexpats #expatlife #expatsinmerida #expatsinmexico #newyear #newyearseve #2023
Some days you just want to escape the city and enj Some days you just want to escape the city and enjoy the beach! 

{for our local Merida friends, this was not taken today. LOL}

It’s actually a blustery 77F, overcast and drizzling. 

#beachday #beachlife #progresoyucatan #yucatan #yucatanmexico #yucatanturismo #mérida #merida #meridayucatan #expatlife #expatinmerida #expatinmexico #kokomoclubdeplaya
This past weekend we stopped for a drink at El Gat This past weekend we stopped for a drink at El Gato from the terrace outside you can see all of the vendors selling local crafts and Christmas gifts.

There are beautiful lights, vendors selling food and music and dance performances.

We LOVE Christmas in Merida!

@elgato.mx @elremate.terraza 

#mérida #merida #meridayucatan #elremate #elgato #elremateterraza #paseomontejo #christmas #christmasinmerida #christmasinmexico #feliznavidad #expatsinmerida #expatlife #expatsinmexico
The other night we went, with some friends, to El The other night we went, with some friends, to El Gato above the new El Remate de Montejo.

This is their In Bloom cocktail. The cocktail had Katún Gin, Orange Liquor, Italian Bitters, Grapefruit Juice and Lemon. It was AWESOME!

Our friends raved about the 'White Cat' and 'The Felix.'

The cocktail lounge was quiet, beautifully decorated, the service was attentive, and the drinks ROCKED.

We can't wait to go back!

@elgato.mx 
@elrematesalon 
@elrematedemontejo 
@elremate.terraza 
@pizzaneo.mx 

#cocktails #elgato #merida #mérida #meridayucatan #craftcocktails #paseomontejo #meridaliving #meridaexpats #expatlife #expatsinmerida #expatsinmexico
Off the beaten path… Mark’s sister is visiti Off the beaten path… 

Mark’s sister is visiting from PA so we ventured back to Mayapan. 

Off the main property, to@the right of the exit are two palapas filled with items that have been excavated from the ruins. 

They are locked up behind a fence but just seeing them was a treat. 

#maya #mayan #mayanruins #mayapan #archaeology #zonaarqueológica #mérida #meridayucatan #yucatan #yucatán #yucatanmexico #meridaexpats #expatlife #expatsinmerida #expatsinmexico #mexicolindo
Typically we only see jamaica dried. We buy it in Typically we only see jamaica dried. We buy it in bulk to make tea.

Today in the Lucas de Galvez Mercado they had a huge pile of fresh Flor de Jamaica.

So unique and beautiful! 

#food #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #flordejamaica #mercado #meridayucatan #meridaliving #yucatecan #yucatecanfood #yucatecanliving #mexico #méxico #expatlife #expatsinmexico #meridaexpats
After adding a covered patio to our backyard we de After adding a covered patio to our backyard we decided it needed a little color and pizzazz.

We hired a local artist to paint a mural that brought in a lot of the elements of our garden. 

We love our amazing mural and outdoor space.

Mural by @monica_de_hocaba 
Patio by @meridaconstruction 

#mérida #meridayucatan #meridayucatanmexico #expat #expatlife #expatliving #mexicolife #mural #muralart #localart #localartist #retirementlife #outdoorliving
We love good Pizza and we’re thrilled we found a We love good Pizza and we’re thrilled we found a local place with amazing Italian style Pizza.

We first here on our very first trip to Merida and go back often. 

Chuck usually goes for their Pizza Frita (think fried Calzone). But Mark works his way through their awesome Pizzas, Pastas and Salads.

Last night he had this incredible Pizza with Blue Cheese, Pears and Walnuts! 

#merida #meridayucatan #meridafood #meridafoodie #yucatan #yucatán #yucatanmexico #pizza #bluecheese #pears #walnuts #expatsinmerida #expatlife #expatsinmexico #pizzalover
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