We first visited Valladolid in 2014. Time sure does fly. This week I wanted a little getaway and made the four hour drive. Valladolid is in the heart of the Yucatán and was the center of Mayan resistance during the mid 1800’s. These wirey small people fought off the federal government, Spanish, US and pirates with machetes. I gotta give them props.
I love Villadolid’s zocalo (town square), regal cathedral and stately convent. There is a busy mercado, several cenotes (natural pools) and world class pyramids of Ek Balam and Chichen Itza.
Having been to Valladolid several times, I wasn’t there to join the throngs of tourists but to wander the streets, eat good food and sketch.
I also visited the Casa de Los Venados, House of the Deer. The private 18,000 square foot home/museum of the US art collectors and philanthropists John and Dorianne Venator. This was my third visit. There aren’t sufficient words to describe the gift that the Venators have given to Mexico and the world. There are over 3,000 folk art pieces owned by private citizens.
After three days I was ready to come home to Bacalar. As we head into the holidays, take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds and the people you love. I appreciate the comments left by readers. Thank you for hanging with me and sharing this bumpy ride called life.
DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
We visited Valladolid for a few days and enjoyed its charms. Great food too, as you say. A special place indeed. I love the quote at the bottom of your post and will save it.
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Did you visit Los Venados?
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No, unfortunately not. It sounds fascinating! I can only assume it was closed the days we were there, as it would have been something I would have loved, and I’d researched things to do in the city ahead of time.
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I guess you’ll have to come back. 💜
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Looks like another place to put on my list of places to go.
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Absolutely and I’ll meet you there.
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Maria, Lara and I were in the Yucatán in the late 80’s and were transfixed by the beauty, history and friendliness of the people. We visited several pyramids and pretty much loved every minute. Thanks for bringing up great memories!
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Hey Edna, hope you are loving your new place and had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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Another one for the bucket list! 🙂
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Mexico is on many bucket lists.
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Loved the tour—and your slide show was great.
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Thanks. The owner started collecting in the 60’s as a kid. I’m glad he had the resources to preserve such wonderful work.
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I loved your slide show😊 and that is such a sweet town isn’t it? Sending love to you three…see you soon😊
Lorrie Jones
Simple Serenity
simpleserenity.comhttp://simpleserenity.com/
253.312.3117
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I also visited with Ginny. She looks great.
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Just got around to reading this! Reminds me of our 1999 two day tour of the Yucatan in a VW Bus with our tour guide, Carlos. He was knowledgeable and really fun! Best $500 I ever spent. We were going to be in Cancun and I hired a guide off the Internet as a gift for Rick’s 50th B Day. People told me I was crazy. His family was in the tour guide business out of Playa del Carmen. Highlights were Tulum, Chichen Itza, Uxmal, and Merida and way more.
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We’ve met some amazing guides while traveling. Never been ripped off.
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