Valladolid

We left Merida on Wednesday and traveled by bus to the city of Valladolid, where we stayed two years ago. We wanted to spend a few days in the little hostel, La Candeleria, which we enjoyed so much on our last visit.  This is an enchanting hostel run by a nice young couple; she is from Nicaragua and and he is from Holland.  We had a great time at the hostel and met some neat people from several different countries who were also staying there.

Our room is at the top of the stairs on the far right

Wayne enjoys reading in the back garden

Each morning we had breakfast at the hostel. This included great coffee, fresh fruit with yogurt and granola, and fresh french rolls toasted and topped with butter and jelly. All included with the price of the room, about $20.  On Friday we went to a wonderful home to see the largest private collection of Mexican folk art in Mexico.  The home itself, called Casa de Los Venados (House of the Deer) was beautiful, and the owners had over 3000 pieces of art.  The owner offers tours once a day at 10:00 a.m. for a contribution of 60 pesos (about $5), which goes to support charities in Merida.  He and his wife live here most of the year, yet allow visitors to view all the rooms except his mother's and his private bedroom.

Skeleton with Deer Horns

His version of the card table with skeletons, instead of dogs!

These beautiful, glass pineapples were in the first  room, all hand made by artisans throughout Mexico.  The next day a lady with a large back pack turned around and knocked one over and shattered it!

Notice the chairs:  Each one of the 12 has a painting of a different famous Mexican political leader or artist, on both the front and back of the chair.

The formal dining room    

Anyone visiting Valladolid should put this on their 'must places' to see.