Part 2 - The Cities of White (Merida) and Gold (Izamal) Tour - Thursday, February 20, 2020

Continued from Part 1...

Izamal is a very small town way out in the boonies. As we made our way into town on the bus, we soon saw why it is called the City of Gold: Houses and buildings are painted a beautiful egg-yolk yellow. It is very picturesque, especially with all the arches. 

Izamal, Yucatan, Mexico.

Izamal.

Izamal.

Izamal's golden arches.

Our huge tour bus wound its way around the streets of Izamal and we stopped at Convento Franciscano San Antonio de Padua. We saw the horses and buggies that would give us a tour in town on our way to lunch. 

Our chariots await. 

Horses and buggies along the plaza.

So adorable!

We walked up a two-story ramp to this impressive convent/church which was founded by Franciscan friars in 1549, but it was not until years later that the building was constructed. It was erected on the ruins of the old pre-Hispanic building known as Pap-Hol-Chac.

Convento Franciscano San Antonio de Padua.

Altar.

Looking through the arches into town.

Arches galore!

The hallways.

A gorgeous day for photos.

Factoids.

People on top of the Kinich Kak Moo Pyramid.

After one-half hour exploring the Convento, we had a few minutes to spare. I went down into the Plaza with the Izamal sign. A couple from England (or Australia -- hard for me to discern which) asked me to take their photo with the sign. Then, I asked them to return the favor. They wanted me to be active so they had me put out my arms and then jump. So I did.

Izamal plaza with the Convento behind it.

I don't think I'll make it in the NBA. LOL.

Time to choose our horse and buggy. 

The center of Izamal.

Here we are in our buggy. I'm on the right.

And off we go to tour town and have lunch.

The horse and buggy behind us.

We're going past the pyramid, but not getting out.

Looking up the steps of the pyramid.

Kinich Kak Moo Pyramid.

Horse and buggy with the pyramid behind it.

Touring Izamal neighborhoods.

The restaurant where we had lunch.

We had a very nice lunch with a choice of pulled pork or chicken. It was served with soup, tortillas, beans, lettuce, and tomato. We could make our own soft tacos. The service was excellent. 

After lunch, we boarded our bus for the 1-1/2 hour ride back to the ship. There wasn't any time to shop on this tour except for a few things in the restaurant. Also, there were shops at the pier, but we didn't have much time there either. 

I missed having Peri on the tour today. I think she would have enjoyed it. Her day sounded pretty nice, though. She bought a one-day spa package and said she visited the spa about four times throughout the day. They have a thalassotherapy pool, sauna, etc. So she didn't suffer much by staying on the ship.

We reunited for dinner and then went to the show in the Encore Theater which I thought was lots of fun (more rock 'n' roll). Peri is more of a Country Western girl. 

"Angel in the Centerfold."

"Born in the U.S.A."

Encore Theater rock 'n' roll show. 

This was the end of my Progreso, Mexico day. We are back on the ocean and tomorrow will be a day at sea.