This is the bathroom roof. It was actually really clean in here.
When we met back up, Ceasar told us about some special gem stone they sold here. Of course we were able to get a special discount if we wanted to buy one.
And then it was time to head out to see the ruins.
There was a lady in our group who was asking some questions. She looked so familiar and sounded familiar. I got to talking to her a bit and she wasn’t from anywhere that I would know her from, but it bugged me. Finally it dawned on me. I swore she was “Bonnie” from last year’s season of Biggest Loser. She even had a cane, and Bonnie had knee issues. I really thought it was her, but when I got home I asked Bonnie on facebook. Yeah, I have biggest loser people as my friends. LOL! And she said no, it wasn’t her, but she wished it was.
Ceasar told us about the Mayan roads and about the culture and a bit about his own culture too.
He was an excellent guide.
He talked about the Mayan Calendar and compared it with the Aztecs. Now this was back in Sept, so we were all still waiting on the ending of the Mayan calendar at that point. Ceasar said his belief was that we would just have a new beginning. And being that we all are still alive, I am thinking he was probably right!
We then had a few minutes to take pictures and Brook and I took pictures of each other.
It just amazes me how old this place is, and yet it still stands, even after the forces of nature.
I don’t remember why, but we did talk about this flower. It totally escapes me why now though.
Then he handed it to me and said I could keep it.
Once we went back up front though I just set it down. I surely didn’t want to get in trouble for taking plant life off the grounds and I am pretty sure I probably couldn’t take it back on the ship nor take it off when I got home.
We then got to wander just a bit on our own, basically working our way back to the front center.
One thing they had mentioned in the booklet about booking this excursion was bug spray. We didn’t bring any, nor bought any in the local stores onsite there. I did notice towards the end that I was getting bitten though. So you should probably get some if you take a tour like this.
I used the bathroom and browsed a couple of the shops. I think I got Claire a little doll in one and then headed back to the bus. They were offering water and coke as we came back, I think I had some coke, but I can’t remember for sure. Anyways, I have heard Mexican coke is different and if I had some, I don’t remember a different taste.
Soon we were loaded up and on our way.
As we drove towards the tequila factory, Caesar talked some more. Then all of a sudden the hum of the AC stopped. What! It was hot out! We were on a brand new bus too. Caesar said they would call in for a replacement bus once we got to the factory. Thanks goodness !
Soon we arrived and this is the sign that greeted us. I thought it was so funny.
The driveway to the Tequila factory was kind of long, but scenic.
We parked behind the building and all got out.
This was our tequila tour guide. And see the lady in the green shirt. She’s the one I swore was Bonnie from the Biggest Loser.
I believe this is the agave, which is the fruit that makes tequila.
One thing we learned was that tequila can only be tequila if it is from a certain area, like champagne in France. So I don’t remember all the rules, but they did not officially grow the Agave here to use to make it, and I can’t even remember for sure if they were allowed to make it here either or just sell it. Honestly, our guy was kind of hard to understand, so I was only picking up pieces of what he said.
After the official tastings, we were allowed to go and taste others, but I had had enough. I don’t drink a whole lot in my “older” age, so I didn’t want to be falling down after a few too many tequilas.
I went around and took a few pictures instead.
I did use the free “peepee” station as well. And just because it was free, doesn’t mean it was the nicest. It wasn’t too bad actually, but it could use a little loving care.
What’s with all the cows just out by themselves? It was home was calling to me.
You can just barely make it out, but there was a horse alone in this picture too. You can see his brown back side.
Over on the other side, the water side, Caesar had told us about the turtles that are protected and the nesting areas. We got a glimpse as we drove by.
This was a new highway next to the road we are driving on. I guess it has been in the works for a VERY long time. 10-20 years. It was supposed to be completed already, but it wasn’t and they have once again started on it.
Brook wanted me to get some pictures of her, so she went up to the top of the arch.
We had to wait for people to get out of the way.
And then I took a couple, but I had to crop them because there was still some lady standing to the side. You can see she is looking at us and stopped, but she wouldn’t move further back. In one picture she was actually pointing, like she knew she had to wait. LOL.
