Merida Day 4 Sisal Plantation 7/5

Today we visited a Sisal plantation that also had several cenotes, one of which we got the chance to swim in. At one time the Sisal industry made this part of Mexico a very prosperous place. The fiber from the Sisal plant is very strong. It was very interesting to learn the process of how sisal is harvested and processed into the fiber. The plant takes 7 years to grow big enough to harvest leaves from. Once the plant is 7 years old 10 leaves are cut from it twice a year for approximately 25 years. Around 25 years the plant shoots up a large stock from the middle which signals that the plant is going to die. Sisal plants grow very well in the infertile limestone soil of the Yucatan. They do not require any special care or fertilization.

The plants which Sisal is harvested from.

They comb the fibers to spin it into twine and then make the twine into ropes.

Bundles of leaves are put on this conveyer belt and brought up to the machine that strips the outer husk

Preparing the leaves to be stripped and the fiber gathered.

The wet Sisal fiber.

Bales of Sisel fiber.

This machine takes the dried Sisel and puts into a bale.

This machine takes the processed Sisal fiber and makes it into burlap that can be used for carpet backing or burlap bags.

This machine turns the processed Sisal fibers into ropes.

This picture reminds me of a Degio Rivera Painting.

Merida Day 3 Celestun Beach-July 4

On our trip to Celstun July 4^th we were suppose to get to see a flock of flamingos. Unfortunately, the tide was high and they were nowhere to be seen. However, we did get to take a boat ride and see the coastline, which was breathtaking. We also stopped and visited a wetland area and saw mangrove trees. The area we visited had several trees that had been killed by a past storm and had become mummified by the salt water.

After the boat ride we had a nice seafood lunch at a local restaurant. I had my first ever crab tacos. Yum

Merida Day 2 Lunch with the American Counsel-July 3

After the school we were off to have lunch with the US Counsel Gregory Segas at the Hacienda Teya. It was a beautiful restaurant and listening to Mr. Segas explain Mexican politics was fascinating. The hacienda had been built by a Sisal Barron.

This is the original Hacienda.

The family later built this new house in the French Colonial Style. It has a full size swimming pool in the entrance on the first floor.
I found another reproduction of this ancient indian head while walking around the gardens at the Hacienda. We will be seeing the original head later on in our trip.

Merida Day 2/Escuela Secundaria Tecnica 58- July 3

On Saturday we had the opportunity to meet with some secondary English teachers. It was an interesting visit. In many ways they are facing the same challenges that American teachers face. Things like children in poverty and how to best meet their needs, inclusive education and students not wanting to complete homework. These teachers however face challenges we would never dream of. The only thing the Mexican government guarantees is the teachers‘ salaries. The teachers are left we next to no supplies for the students of any kind. The school day is split in two. There is a morning session and an afternoon session. Many of the teachers work both so they are at school by 7am and don’t leave until around 8pm. I enjoyed visiting with them very much.

Typical teachers desk. It is set up on a platform.

Typical secondary classroom.

Merida Day 1 7/2

Merida is the capitol city of Yucatan. It is another beautiful example of Spanish colonial architecture. In the past there were several very wealthy families that lived in Merida. The money had come for the Sisal Industry. Several of the mansions where built in the classical French style. The one I liked most was built by two brothers who wanted their houses to look just like the Palace of Versailles in France. The houses were constructed right next to each other and both had a very grand French presence. Sadly I was never able to get any pictures because every time I was gong by the houses it was night.

We had the opportunity on Friday evening to go to one of the Universities and watch a ballet folklorico. On the way to the performance Jacquas (our wonderful guide) introduced us to some marvelous ice cream shop. I tried the coco (coconut) one evening and Mango the next it was delicious!