When we left for Yucatan we were in a pretty bored state - snowed out of local cycling, but otherwise with everything we could want close at hand. That would include heat, light, electricity, internet, transportation, clean water, hot showers, comfy bed, fluffy duvets, five big grocery stores nearby, five to ten bike shops, etc. etc.  Then with just six or so hours of sitting in a magic humming cigar tube, every single one of those things became not a given, but something to be searched out, often without success. We call that a vacation - rather strange isn't it?

It is strangely true. For instance, going from absolutely unlimited pure water pouring from our taps to finding 14 pesos from an ATM and a walking to OXXO to get hold of 1 litre of purified water in a plastic bottle does get your attention. But that necessary attention is strangely invigorating. 

This is not to say that the allure of Yucatan was all in the challenge. Some things were abundant and a pure joy. Like fruits, for instance. Or cool underground swimming holes.

So here are our top ten best and worst of Yucatan. And on balance, would we go back? Just watch us!

Top Ten Worst of Yucatan

1. Daytime temperatures well over 30 degrees.
2. Herds of speeding gravel trucks.
3. Speed bumps everywhere
4. Need to use 130 km of high speed highway 307 to get most places
5. Not safe to drink the water
6. Hard beds with only one thin, tucked in sheet
7. Skinny, barking dogs on the loose
8. Getting locked in at night
9. Ripoff prices in tourist areas
10. Indifference to any and all special needs of cyclists

Top Ten Best of Yucatan

1. No snow
2. Possible to find quiet jungle roads for cycling
3. Tropical flowers and birds everywhere
4. Really fresh fruits. Fresh fruit juices.
5. Possible to find many things for cheaper than at home
6. The friendliest, sweetest people we have found in any country
7. Strong work ethic of the people
8. Mayan cuisine
9. Mayan culture and archeological sites
10. Cenotes

Stay tuned for the next entry - on costs for various categories, actual temperatures, and more.