I will accept it: I didn’t really like Mexico.
My trips were limited to Cruise Ports, Puerto Vallarta, Majatlan, Kabo and Kozumale – and each place overwhelmed me. Cities felt more curate for tourists associated with local life, the food American bent, and in Majatlan, I did not even feel safe steps from the ship. It was enough to surprise me whether Mexico was not just for me.
But then i went Merida– And the moment I came, I knew that this city was different.
Merida, the capital of the Yukaan kingdom of Mexico, immediately felt that I feel unlike any other place in the country. The pastel-colonial buildings stood on the streets, shining in the afternoon sun, while the plaza hummed it with life. The families kept walking together, the children played in the fountains, and the smell of fresh tortillus and local spices was washed away from nearby markets. It was alive without feeling heavy, colored without feeling.
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What I was killed was the spirit of the city community. People collided in public places, interacting on benches, sharing snacks with road vendors, and enjoying live music swimming through the wind. Neighbors knew each other. Family brought their children to parks. Strangers congratulated each other with a hot smile. As a single female guest of the country, I felt safe from walking completely on the streets even after the darkness. But even more, I felt involved in the rhythm of daily life, welcomed in a city that seemed to celebrate the connection at every turn.
It was impossible to ignore that feeling of connection. On my first night, I was weaving music, mantras, and laughable in the air through a city streets on March. On impulse, I joined some blocks, flowing into the energy and solidarity of the crowd. It was thrilling and relaxing at once, and a vivid reminder that the city’s heart beats with both courage and happiness.
Later in my stay, I found myself in one of the parks in Merida because the sun was immersed under the roofs. Families spread blankets on the grass, the couple danced to live music, and the children used to sell everything fresh while running barefoot between the food carts. Elotes To behave sweet. I was taking a sample of tacos from a seller and for music with the locals, feeling perfectly part of the scene. Every step through Merida felt like stepping into a community festival, one who invited participation rather than observations.
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And beyond the city, the location of Merida made it easier to dive deep into the history and natural beauty of Yukatan. A small drive brought me Chicken itzaWhere the ruins with centuries of ruins, and for nearby sanots, natural synchhol where cool, crystalline water invites cool reflection and game. These excursions enriched my experience, reminded me that Merida is not only alive today, but is deeply inherent in the past.
Prior to Merida, I did not experience a side of Mexico which was very prone to everyday life. I did not know what felt like to see the true community, feeling part of a place that stays beyond his appeal for visitors and breathes. Merida replaced it. This welcomed the tourists, yes, but without compromising its identity or attraction. Here, culture, history and everyday life is in a way co -existence that feels comfortable.
For someone whose imprint of Mexico is shaped only by resorts or tourism cities, Merida provides something different. It is a city that seems safe, authentic and full of warmth. This is a place where visitors are invited to experience life as local people do.
