The spring and autumn equinox (20th – 21st March and 21st – 22nd September) are arguably THE time to visit the great archaeological site of Chichen Itza on the Yukatan peninsula. In both the morning and evening of these four days the angle of the sun casts a shadow on the famous El Castillo pyramid which makes it look like a serpent is winding its way down the structure. The head of the snake being at the bottom of the steps on El Castillo. The only problem with going at this time of the year is that you can guarantee it will be crowded.
I have been fortunate to visit Chichen Itza, although not during an equinox. The site is huge (see Chichen Itza article) – allow the best part of a day to really take it in, and for this reason I would recommend hiring a car and ‘going it alone’ with a good guide book or hiring a private guide rather than going on a day trip from a hotel when you are only likely to get 2-3 hours at the site. Hiring a car is easy – we got ours from Cancun. The drive was about 3 hours on reasonable dual carriage way roads, and we made an overnight stay in nearby Merida so we could visit nearby site of Uxmal the next day. I would definitely recommend a visit to Uxmal too if history is your thing. Making our own way there was definitely the right thing to do – for us.
6-16th November
If you are looking for a fun packed week with a theme - that’s suitable for children ‘of all ages’ - read on!
Pirates Week commemorates the times past when the Cayman Islands where the haunt of buccaneers and pirates – actually it’s not a week it’s 11 days…but who’s counting when you’re having such a good time.
This event has been taking place for the last 30 years and starts with the morning arrival - or is it the invasion - of the pirates on board a replica on a 17th century Spanish Galleon. Waiting on the dock is Grand Cayman’s governor – who, much to the delight of the tourist and locals is captured - and symbolically locked up for the week, so the pirates can take over the Island!
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Since 2002 the 3 day Riviera Maya Jazz Festival has been taking place in Playa Del Carmen (just south of Cancun), Mexico.
The action takes place on Mamitas beach from 8pm and entrance is free. The dates for 2008 are November 27th, 28th and 29th, on some years the festival tips over into December. This isn’t a huge jazz festival and each evening starts with a local band you probably haven’t heard of and much of the music is (as you’d probably expect) Latin-tinged jazz, but there are often some famous faces, notably in 2007 George Benson was on the bill.
Incidentally, to my mind Playa del Carmen is far far nicer than the heavily commercialised Cancun. Yes, it is touristy, but on a smaller scale with a more laid back feel. There is a reasonable pedestrianised mall and great year-round nightlife. It is a great place for walking around, unlike Cancun where you really need a car because it is so spread out and still in reasonable striking distance of many of the following historical sites if that is your thing:
• Tulum
• Chichen Itza
• Uxmal
And you thought that radishes are only added to salad, - think again!
I must admit that on occasions I have been known to cut through the small round radishes we get in the UK, paring them into small segments – but not quite to the bottom, then putting them in a bowl of iced water and wait for them to open into ‘flowers’. Cookery lesson over for today…..
My artistic efforts are absolutely nothing by comparison with what you will see on ‘La Noche de Rabanos’ – night of the radishes.
This event is held on 23rd December every year, its origins are unknown, but researchers do know that on Christmas Eve in the 19th century markets sold varieties of vegetables and dried fish. Vendors vied for trade by decorating their stalls with sculpted radish figures that were further adorned with onions, turnips and flowers. The most interesting ones were purchased to the festive tables of homes on Christmas Eve.
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The Caribbean Paradise Island of St Martins is home to the famous mile and a half long sandy Orient Beach. With its fine white sand, protected by the only barrier reef in the Caribbean, and crystal clear water, Club Orient has an enviable location - but do note the hurricane season is between June and October. However, this being said the climate is the same all year round with air temperatures of 80 degrees – and the water temperature is the same. It’s only six miles from both the French and Dutch capitals on the Island, so lively nightlife is in close proximity should you wish to leave to club for a change of scenery.
Club Orient was the first ‘clothes optional’ resort to open in the Caribbean (in 1981), and is now a firm favourite with Naturists. It’s a family friendly ‘clothing optional’ resort set on a tropical beach on a peninsula of about 30 acres, all the buildings are single story, blending in with the scenery. With red pine studios and mini studio’s made from Finnish pine, all the concrete chalets are painted to match the sand so as not to be obtrusive.
There is an abundance of excursions on offer so you will never be lost for things to do in the tropical paradise, be it sailing or exploring the Island you will be spoilt for choice.
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