Five years ago, life as we knew it came to a halt. Little did we know that we were on the brink of permanent change. Change in our daily activities, change in our relationships, and change in the way we view our world.
We had just returned from our annual winter getaway trip to Merida, Mexico. I was back at work when it hit. Yes, it was March 2020 when Canadians began experiencing COVID lockdowns. And finally, after more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and 4,291 deaths, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic. I get short of breath and the chills just remembering that moment.
So, because of those traumatic feelings, I will not dwell on those scary times. I do think it is important though, to remind ourselves every now and then, not to take things for granted. Life is short. Life is precious. Life is for living and not dwelling on things that do not serve us.
Now don’t get me wrong. I do not have my head in the sand. I know that the world we are living in right now is a confused, scary place. I know there is a lot of craziness going on. But we can’t let that prevent us from following our dreams, living our best life and being happy. Or at least being content with the good things we do have.
Things may seem bad, but when you think back five years ago, it was much worse. At least in my books. Who knows when the next pandemic will hit? For now, I will continue to avoid large crowds, stay home when I am not feeling well, and wear a mask if I have a sniffle. I will try not to take those close to me for granted. I will try to live in the moment and enjoy each one. That is not an easy task, but it is worth giving it a shot, right?
Again, five years ago we had no idea what was coming. (Face it, a few weeks ago we had no idea what was coming but I won’t go there!). So, as I write my final blog from Merida, I will push aside those fears and share some photos. I will appreciate my surroundings: the birds are singing a variety of tropical tunes, the delicious aroma of the cocina económica next door is tempting my taste buds. I can see a beautiful papaya winking at me from across the street in my friend’s fruit stand. And a gentle breeze is blowing, just enough to take the sting out of the +31 heat.
(Again, a huge thanks to Nestor Duran, our tour guide and friend, for showing us around and allowing us to experience so many wonders in the Merida area. It is so much more exciting to go off the beaten path and explore.)
To top it all off, my friend Viviana from across the street just walked over with a jicama and assorted mangos for me! How special is that! Is it time for lunch? Always!
Little tienda in Mani. 
Combining old and new in Mani. 
Old-style cantina in Merida. At one time, only men were allowed in. 
Beautiful murals on a newer Merida cantina. 
These iguanas sure blend in. 
There are so many types of tamales. I love them all. 
Tamales are easy to find at markets or you can buy from street vendors. 
Pink flamingos along the Gulf of Mexico. (Yes, I said Mexico!) 
Gulf of Mexico. 
Telchac pier. 
Our fearless guide and storyteller, Nestor. If you are planning a trip to Merida, look him up. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100017075107875 
Delicious Mayan treat: coconut, sugar, etc. in a boiled lemon. It really is yummy! 
This salt factory was abandoned 100 years ago. 
There is a lot of salt “farming” in the area east of Progresso. 
We stopped along the highway one day and met this lady, her husband and another fellow. They pulled up on motorcycles. She told us all about fishing in the area. 
The fellow on the left is the husband of the lady in the previous slide. He owns a restaurant. He and his friend were catching bait to use when fishing for octopus later that day. 
The coast east of Progresso is lined with fancy houses and hotels such as this. 
66 million years ago a giant asteroid struck the area now known as Yucatán Peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico. It was responsible for the annihilation of dinosaurs. 
This sweet little dove kept me company many mornings. 
Neighbourhood cat doing some yoga poses. 
A prickly cluster. 
One of many villages along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. 
Delicious food everywhere! 
Proud Mexican flag at Parque la Plancha, one of the newer parks in Merida. 
Mammee Sapote fruit hanging from a high branch in our back yard. 
Our own version of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Wanderings Art 