NOUNS OF MERIDA: PERSONS, PLACES, THINGS

THIS POST: THINGS

SUBJECT: MERIDA’S STREET SIGNS FROM A BYGONE ERA


Scattered throughout the Central Historic District of Merida, you will find many old street signs on the corners of buildings. These signs were reportedly strategically placed by the invading Spaniards to enlighten the local population which spoke only their native tongue, Mayan. The Spaniards were intent upon teaching the local Mayans not only their language but their religion and culture and the placement of these street signs was just one way to do so. While they were quite successful, it must be pointed out that the Mayan language and culture, still flourishes here in the Yucatan.

Some of the street signs are reported to be hundreds of years old, but, having been esxposed to the elements for just too many decades, most of them have been repaired or replaced with duplicates. They are still an interesting part of Merida’s heritage and the local Government is quite adamant about guarding and protecting these unique treasures.

Here are some of the old street signs I have photographed for your viewing pleasure. Personally, I delight in seeing them and hope you enjoy them as much as I always have and will continue to do so.

THE TWO SOLDIERS:

THE SPARROW HAWK:

THE COLISEUM:

A TYPE OF VULTURE:

THE RABBIT:

THE SQUIRREL:

LITERALLY TRANSLATED, "EL GUANO" MEANS THE FERTILIZER! HOWEVER, HERE IT REPRESENTS A LOCAL YUCATECAN PALM TREE:

THE GUYABA (A LOCAL FRUIT):

THE "MAY FLOWER":

THE ALAMO:

(MATADERO) THE OLD SLAUGHTER HOUSE; OR, (MATADOR) THE OLD BULLFIGHTER:

THE COWBOY:

There are many more old signs throughout the central part of Merida. Here are just a few more. See if you can figure out what they mean!

I hope you can visit Merida and see these unique little treasures (tesoros) for yourself!

MEDICAL TOURISM COMES TO MERIDA AND THE YUCATAN

Because of the escalating costs of medical and dental care and surgical procedures in the US , coupled with long waiting periods for scheduling (such as in Canada), more and more patients in need are looking to alternative locations for their medical care. For the average person, elective surgical procedures are cost-prohibitive and most insurance companies are backing off paying for such procedures and are scaling way back on many bariatric procedures that are not considered life-threatening. This causes an obvious dilemma for many patients in need of such care who find it almost impossible to schedule without paying for the entire cost up front. In today’s economy, few can afford such a luxury.

You may be surprised to learn that every year, thousands and thousands of American and Canadian patients seek care abroad because they just cannot afford the astronomical cost of medical and dental care in their own country, their insurance plans will not cover the costs, the specialized care is not readily available, and/or the waiting lists are often too far in the future. In the past, they had to travel to such far away places as India, Thailand, The Philippines, and various cities located in northwest Mexico. NOT ANY LONGER! A new company, Medical Traveler Yucatan, has just begun operating in Merida, Yucatan, which is by far, much closer than the Asiatic/Far East countries mentioned. There is now an alternative for the medical traveler which is closer, as affordable if not more so, and is being facilitated by a small corporation that is patient oriented with a proven track record. Medical Traveler Yucatan is now offering to facilitate a multitude of medical and dental services such as:

COSMETIC SURGERY
WEIGHT LOSS / BARIATRIC, GASTRO-ENTEROLOGICAL
SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
CARDIOVASCULAR / CARDIOLOGY
ORTHOPEDIC
FERTILITY / ASSISTED REPRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY (ART)
A COMPLETE LINE OF DENTAL CARE

The company has obtained an exclusive agreement with the best hospital in the area, Star Medica. In addition, the company has recruited the top surgeons and medical/dental personnel in the area, and they work exclusively with them to ensure their patients receive only the absolute best care available anywhere.






To learn more about this exciting new service, visit their web site at www.MedicalTravelerYucatan.com. I'm sure you will find this web site both informative and eye-opening!

If you, or someone you know, may be interested in learning more about traveling to Merida for medical or dental care at a fraction of the cost in the US or Canada, do visit the web site which provides an excellent presentation of what Medical Tourism and this new company is all about.

DIVERSION EXCURSION: FLORIDA REVISITED

Well, I can’t actually qualify my last visit to Florida as a true “Diversion Excursion”, but I can say it was definitely a change of scenery for me, but not much more than that!

I had to return to Florida to check on my condo and catch up with my mail. Having been gone so long, it takes me a full day to sort through the tons of useless advertisements the US Post Office insists on delivering. I’ve checked several times and there is no way to stop the endless flow of junk mail. The Post Office gets paid to deliver it, and they earn their pay. I’ve even registered with some on-line sites to decrease the flow of junk that enters my mail box, but I’m not sure it has helped one bit. I like the Mexican way much better. You’re handed a flyer at an intersection or it is left tucked into a crevice on your door or some other convenient location. And there is about 95% less junk mail here than in the States. The Mexicans have figured out that it costs lots money to print junk mail!

I also had some business to attend to such as filing my income taxes, paying insurances, maintenance on the truck I have to keep there for my personal transportation, and a myriad of doctor’s appointments. I also got a good supply of medications that I brought back with me.

While there, the damn oak trees were in full bloom and I am allergic to them! Needless to say, I suffered with allergies my entire stay. At one point, it was so bad that the pollen actually turned my little red truck yellow! I didn’t have my camera with me to take a picture, but I did have to wash the pollen off the windshield with a hose before I could drive it!

I did get to visit a few nice restaurants and have some great Chinese food, and some typical All-American comfort foods at my favorite “mom and pop” diner. That was about the highlight of my entire trip.

Now that I’m back “home” here in Merida, I can relax again and enjoy the benefits of living in this great city. I do not miss Florida, but I always miss Merida. I guess I’ve found the place I need to be.

IT'S WARMING UP IN MERIDA!

After what seemed like an endless winter, complete with “nortes”, cold spells, windy, damp, and rainy days, a recent headline in the local paper proclaimed that the warm weather has returned! And indeed it has. We’ve been toying around 85 – 93 degrees Fahrenheit for a while now and remain grateful that our early mornings and evenings are cooler and more refreshing. It’s almost time to start using the air conditioning, but not quite yet! It really is a great time of the year with our warm, sunny days, and cooler, refreshing mornings and evenings.

Some friends proclaim that they just can’t wait until they can go to the beach! Not being much of a beach bum myself, I can wait! I’ve never been a fan of beach life. Not my cup of tea or bottle of Corona with a lime in it! I do enjoy a visit to one of our local beach restaurants for a relaxing meal and great view of the sand and water, but that’s about all the “beach fix” I need. I realize that I am in the minority on this one, but trust me when I tell you, it’s not the first minority opinion I've had! It’s true that the water is relaxing and calming, but so is a well-prepared cocktail or a much deserved nap! And with the cocktail or nap, you don’t get a sunburn or sand in your shoe or your drink, or on your pillow!

I am pleased that Spring has sprung, and we’re just about finished with any cold snaps. Soon, the electric bills will double or even triple, depending on how hot it gets. Shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops will be the dress code of the day. Ceiling fans will toil 24 hours a day. We’ll all drink our weight in liquids to try and stay hydrated and cool. We’ll use tons of sun blocker when we venture out of our homes. We’ll have to remember to keep the windows of the car cracked just a bit so they don’t explode! But hey – that’s life in Merida in the hell-hot summer months that are just around the corner. And most folks I know are actually looking forward to it!

Remember to keep cool, well greased with sun blocker, and stay hydrated!

The sun is rising!

MERIDA'S INFRASTRUCTURE: WATER DRAINAGE SYSTEM

WHERE DOES ALL THAT WATER GO?????????











As you may already know from a previous post of mine, Merida has no sewer system. Likewise, there is no water drainage/collection system in place except for a rather primitive drainage system that merely acts as a temporary holding tank for runoff water until it seeps into the ground, filtered through the limestone that Merida is built upon, and eventually winding up in the aquifer (water table). A simple system that provides an acceptable level of efficiency except when there are heavy rains.




Because there is no water drainage/collection system, the streets often flood during a heavy downpour making it difficult for traffic and pedestrians alike. To help alleviate the problem, the Government has dug miniature holding tanks adjacent to the curbs of many of Merida’s streets. They are covered with heavy-duty metal grids to allow easy passage of water, to be stored and eventually drained into the aquifer. Actually, this works well and definitely helps clear the streets of excess water. These mini-wells also collect tons of debris and often get clogged preventing the natural seepage of the water, and this creates another problem. They require periodic cleaning and there is a crew of workers that do nothing but go from one to another, removing the grids, and shoveling out the “garbage” that has collected. Not a pretty sight or smell!

The other problem with this system is the construction of the actual drains themselves. They are dug to varying depths, but most seem to be about one meter, or just over three feet deep. They come in various lengths, depending on the amount of drainage required for the particular street. Some streets have none, while others have several. Because of where they are located, the drains with their heavy-duty grids are subject to traffic. In most cases it is close to impossible to not drive over one of these grids. The traffic in town includes hundreds of busses and big trucks over-loaded with building materials, and constant automobile traffic. Eventually these grids give way and must be repaired. Some have undergone numerous repairs and still become serious road hazards. I have seen some of these grids completely bent in two, resembling the smile on a smiley face. The neatly dug holes sometimes give way and begin to cave in, and this too requires the attention of the maintenance team.

One of my biggest concerns is what is actually seeping into the aquifer, the primary source of Merida’s water supply for homes and businesses. Let it suffice to say that the streets of Merida, or any other city in the world, are dirty. They become like sheets of ice during a light rain because of all the oil spillage and exhaust debris from the big trucks and busses. You can see oil-slick-rainbows form in the streets and run off to the drains, to be eventually washed into the aquifer. Basically, anything that hits the street will eventually wind up in the water table. Not a pretty thought!

I have posted some pictures for you to look at to see exactly what I am speaking of when it comes to these drains. I must reiterate that while they are somewhat primitive and have their bad points, they definitely help alleviate street flooding. The city of Merida, founded in 1542, is almost 500 years old, and there is no way to install a sewer or drainage system short of tearing the city down and starting from scratch. Given the very few options the Government has, I think they have done a good job with what they have to work with.

I just hope we don’t get too many heavy down pours!

LA FHEILE PADRAIG! (HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!)

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Of the patron saints of Ireland, St. Patrick is by far, the best known Saint and enjoys world-wide recognition. Historically, he is best remembered for driving the snakes out of Ireland! Myth or legend – who knows for sure! It is a fact though that there are no snakes in Ireland today!


St. Patrick's Day is celebrated internationally on the seventeenth of March. This is a religious feast day and the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years.

CEAD MILE FAILTE (A HUNDRED THOUSAND WELCOMES!)






It is an interesting story on how this celebration reached the shores of the US and Canada. It all started with the Irish immigrants in the 1800’s, who left Ireland by the tens of thousands to escape famine resulting from the great potato crop failure. Initially chastised for their looks and strange accents, it was difficult going for them, even in the US. They could fill only menial jobs, but soon realized there was strength in numbers, and soon these Irish-Americans became politically influential. They celebrated their Patron Saint on March 17 with parades, parties, and lots of good cheer, and of course – a pint or two of beer! This celebration and the wearing of the green caught on with everyone and the celebrations continue today, every March 17.

New York City holds probably the biggest and grandest parade of them all, and the City of Chicago actually dyes their river green in honor of Saint Patrick! Restaurants and bars throughout the US, Canada, and many other parts of the world celebrate with the traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage and often will offer a free beer to those patrons wearing green! Green beer is popular, if only for the day, and breweries oblige the patrons with special kegs and bottling efforts. The wearing of the green is another favorite tradition celebrated by all. I’ve seen women, and men too, with green hair, green skin, and matching colors for their mascots. It isn’t unusual to find lots of green tongues hanging around the pubs and other watering holes! Irish music often adds a flare of excitement, and inevitably, some brave heart will dance an authentic Irish jig! When that happens, it is easy to tell who has had too many pints of green beer!

I love St. Patrick’s Day, and always have. I’m Irish, Scotch and English on my mother’s side and we always celebrated St. Patrick’s Day, and I always wore something green on that day, and continue to do so, and always will! Some day, I’d like to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, on The Emerald Isle itself!

Here’s hoping you get into the spirit of the day this 17th , and remember – you don’t have to be Irish! Here's an old Irish toast from me to you:

MAY YOU BE IN HEAVEN A HALF HOUR BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU'RE DEAD!

As they say in Ireland, “ERIN GO BRAGH”! For those of you who do not speak Gaelic, that means “IRELAND FOREVER”! Cheers!

GREEN BEER TIP FROM MERIDA MIKEY: You can enjoy your favorite beer, or other beverage of choice, in emerald green by simply dipping a plastic swirl stick into a bottle of green food coloring and then stirring your drink! Poof! Instant green beer for all the lads and lassies!

IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS TO LIVE IN MEXICO

I’m slightly hesitant to post this, as the requirements seem to change quite frequently. I’m not so sure that the actual laws change that often, but the interpretation of the laws certainly seem to!

I first got my FM-3 (document for “Rentista” status) in 1995. I won’t even begin to tell you all the paperwork I needed to pass Immigration’s standards, but let it suffice to say that it was a myriad of paperwork with numerous copies thereof and lots of hoops to jump through.

Here it is 15 years later, and I am on my fifth and final year of renewing my FM-2 (document for Residente status). Previous years were actually relatively simple and without complications. This year, it took me almost one full month. The usual “norm”, if there is such a thing, is around two weeks. Next year, I have an option of permanent resident or citizenship and am weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each.

This year, I asked the receptionist if they had a checklist for someone wanting to establish “Rentista” status for the first time. Much to my surprise, she said yes, and actually gave me a printed list of the requirements to obtain, or renew, an FM-3. I am relaying those requirements to you with a caveat that they are subject to change and subject to various interpretations.

1. You must present a letter, preferably typed, but definitely written in Spanish, requesting resident status, FM-3.

2. Original and one copy of your passport to include all pages, front and back.

3. Original and one copy of your current entry visa, not expired!

4. The past three months worth of bank statements to prove solvency. The current figure being used is $1,000 US per person, per month. This is the minimum income you must prove you have coming in.

5. You must pay, at a bank, 491 pesos for review of your application. Immigration will provide the form.

6. You must pay, at a bank, 1,294 pesos, when your FM-3 is ready. Immigration will provide the form.

7. You will also need photographs, passport size, as directed by immigration, but this is NOT shown on their checklist! Trust me though, you will need them!

Immigration also advises that all photo copies you present must be legible.

From personal experience, I would recommend a certified copy of your birth certificate.

As recent as a few weeks ago, a gentleman and his wife told me they were required to bring a letter from their doctor in the US stating they were free of venereal and any other communicable disease. I had to do this 15 years ago, also. In addition, they were requested to bring a letter from their State Officials proving that they had no outstanding felony warrants and did not have a police record. Once again, I had to do the same 15 years ago also!

Some people opt to have an attorney handle the paperwork for them. The fee for doing so varies, but expect to pay up to 5,000 pesos . Some attorneys charge less, while others charge more! This can be done on your own, as I have done for 15 years now.

Patience is all you really need.