Years ago Lisa and I applied to the Amazing Race. After all, we love to travel AND we are very entertaining, at least to us! As our Yucatan adventure continues we can’t help but see ourselves on another kind of Amazing Race. We call it the Amazing Meander. We left Holbox, Yucatan heading south. Feeling a bit peckish we turned left at a sign for a cafe. We were curious at what could be down a little road off a little road. We found Vera’s Cafe.
A world traveler living in a tiny village, Vera made us a delicious lunch. Mexico never ceases to amaze.
Nearby were ancient Mayan trees and an orchid preserve.
These trees were enormous.
The Mayans believe that certain trees are holy and are compensated by the government to protect them.
Many types of orchids grow on our property in Bacalar. These and many others were for sale.
We headed toward Rio Lagartos, a sleepy little fishing village home to flamingos and hundreds of species of birds. We got quite lost along the way, but that’s part of the adventure. At least that’s what we tell ourselves. 
We scheduled a six a.m. birding boat tour.
A green heron. Our guide had great eyes and slowed to make sure we didn’t miss anything.
I tried to photograph the flamingos but an iPad just doesn’t work for some things. Besides I was too overcome with emotion to focus very well. Another bucket list must see.
We witnessed a parade of flamingos walking on spindly legs across the mud flats. Just awesome.
Of course no visit to Rio Lagartos is complete without a Mayan spa treatment. After soaking in a sulphur warm spring, we covered ourselves in clay. The boat ride to the next stop allowed the clay to dry.
Our skin was baby soft afterward . lol
A working lighthouse adds to the village charm.
Another night in Rio Lagartos then off toward Valladolid. 
My challenge to you this week is to go on your own meander. Even if it’s on your lunch hour. Take a different path, open your eyes, report back, preferably with pictures DOS TORTAS 
the adventures of dos tortas 
Hi tortas – I just moved and can’t seem to “comment” successfully 😦 I have been to these places and they are such treasures …haven’t been to the little restaurant though…next time! Loved this blog…always so rich, engaging, informative and just plain old fun. Love to you both xo Lorrie
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There was much we didn’t get to in RL. I want to go on a night tour and to see the salt extraction plant. Another time.
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I am not much of a birder but this was amazing.
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We saw herons, egrets, pelicans, raccoons, crocodiles, falcons and of course the flamingos.
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I just started reading your blog and am enjoying it. I’ve been in Mérida for ten years but still have a lot to see in the eastern half of the Peninsula.
Where exactly is the orchid preserve? I’d love to stop there next time I head to that area.
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Hey Marc, welcome. The preserve is south of Chiquila on Rte 5. We saw the sign both approaching and leaving Chiquila. Definitely get out there. I would avoid Holbox on the weekend. Rio Lagartos is a little fishing village but the accommodations are fine and birds are fabulous.
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Love reading today’s blog especially seeing the mud ladies.
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That’s us Dale!
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This is a wonderful meander! A great cafe, a boat, flamingos and mud. Can’t get much better.
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You are so right Emilie!
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