Mérida

We're in Mérida. Driving on the highways in Mexico isn't much harder than the USA, once you get used to watching out for the guys on pedal trikes and the speed bumps as you approach a town. The cities are a different matter. It's easier than Morocco, but perhaps a little harder than NYC, because this time I'm driving a tiny shiny car instead of a giant rusty truck that everyone is afraid of.

In our confusion on the way in, we did go the wrong way down a one way street and we did get hailed by a police officer and he did try to get a bribe out of us. However, he was so friendly about it and we were so naive and clueless that he let us go with a smile, and even gave us detailed directions to our hotel.

Perhaps he's just new at this cop thing.

It's hot and humid here. The streets loud and crowded. The people, generally friendly and helpful. You can tell it's the big city - people are in a hurry to do important things. We like our hotel. It's build along the Mexican standard - from the street you just see a big door, but it opens into a large airy courtyard, quiet and attractive. There's a pool, a/c, an internet computer (with American keyboard!) and even a vending machine con cerveza! It's very nice & $45/nite.

Hotel Dolores Alba

Lots to see and do here. More later.