Today started with a two hour jungle walk with a local guide. It was great to be able to to just cruise through the jungle and learn about the flora and fauna. We also came across some old ancient Mayan ruins many of them houses which were now covered by trees and bushes. Some of the people in my group were game enough to eat some termites but I didn't want to go there unfortunately.
After this we entered the Palanque park to see the main ancient ruins which included the temples , buildings and plazas ruled initially by the leader King Pakal around 650AD. I was excited to see these as I'd seen pictures of them on a lot of postcards in San Cristobal. The Templo de las Inscripciones was definitely a site to see. I was so amazed by the size of these structures and effort that would have been put in to build them . It took us a solid two hours to get through all the temples and buildings . Apparently what we saw was only a compact area of them and that many more are yet to or not be excavated yet.
Most of them had stairs leading up so it ended up being a good workout. I'm trying to find moments where I can get as much exercise as possible. It's been near impossible to go outside for a run . I haven't seen anyone run outside it's like they don't exercise in Mexico. I think I've seen one gym so far out of all the places we have been. The other thing I notice they likely don't have ( probably at all ) is physiotherapy clinics. I guess I assume physiotherapy is not a priority for Mexicans and if they get injured they are just told to suck it up or consume a cup of concrete . Healthcare does seem a lot cheaper however. There is a girl from the UK on my tour who broke her hand while hiking in chile . She had to get her hand re-x-rayed in Oaxaca and it only cost her 20 dollars Australian! Cheap as !
The afternoon was free time . Some of the others headed to a local wildlife park. I opted to stay at the lodge and catch up on packing and internet writing. It is Christmas Day tomorrow in Australia so I wanted to get some messages to family and friends. Tomorrow we will be hopping on a bus for nine hours to Merida. This is located in the state called Yucatan Peninsula . We are getting closer and closer to the beach area which I'm so pumped about !
Merida is a city of about 772,00 people . ( if you are wondering where I get some of my facts from they are either from the lonely planet guide or out your guide) . It's supposed to have a nice plaza and more churches and temples. We really will only have one day to explore here then we are heading to Chichen Itza.
Anyways time to get some rest for the bus ride . Merry Christmas to everyone !