Turkeys gobble loudly, a woman shrieks loudly in Spanish down a microphone, cars backfire and a VW bug pollutes the air with incredibly loud radio advertising – good morning Palenque! After the collection of said ad-hoc alarms rouse us from our sleep, we roll out of bed and down to reception where we meet the group to undertake our next Mayan ruins adventure – the Maya ruins of Palenque. Arriving early, the calm, mountain-top site is cool and again, oh-so stunning. Our tour guide teaches us about the ancient Mayan high family that ruled the area. We visit tombs, underground homes, and temples, before we walk through the damp, jungle that overlooks this mystical site. We are told monkeys, snakes, and toucans inhabit the area, and while we spot a toucan – the other species must have been laying low as we took in the very green, shady jungle. The tour guide points out covered ruins swallowed by jungle, just waiting to be discovered. While some of the group opt for market-shopping after the site, Emma and I decide to rest our aching legs…this trip is going to make us fit, I can just tell!
Back in Palenque, we brave the intense heat and go shopping; however, this only lasts an hour or so, as the hotel's air-conditioning is far too alluring. In the evening, we meet up with group members for some market shopping in the square – fantastic jewellery, however not so fantastic bartering opportunities – before indulging in some cocktails and tortillas for dinner. The Mexican food is fantastic, rich, and likes to be served large. Also, complimentary appetisers like nachos, breads, and salsas are served before the large meals arrive – this usually results in Emma and I rubbing our stomachs, swearing we will not succumb to the appetizers, but we always break this promise come the next night – the food is simply too good! And too cheap!
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