In yet another scene from the Yucatan that makes this neurotic foreigner smile, there was a small article in the Diario de Yucatan newspaper, page 11 of the Local section, that had the following headline:

Piden discrecion a las masajistas (Masseuses asked to exercise discretion)

Apparently, authorities, handcrafts salespeople and service providers in Progreso claim that it is possible that there are some masseuses or their clients who have asked or offered a ‘happy ending’ to their massages on the beach at Progreso; perhaps you have seen the tables set up under the coconut palm trees by the malecon for the cruise ship tourists when they venture into what they are sure is the ‘real’ Mexico.

The article goes on to say that the ‘authorities’ do not know anything about a ‘happy finish’ and the Director of Tourism, Felipe Manzano Frias, denies that Progreso is a sexual tourism destination (good Lord, one would hope not, ugh) and if there were any such cases, they are isolated incidents because, as he put it, “we are not aware of such practices”

Personally, I cannot imagine anyone getting a ‘happy ending’ on a massage table on the beach in Progreso – can you? This is not a particularly private area, as anyone familiar with the concept is aware and so one would have people – locals, other cruise ship passengers – milling about while you are getting happy? I mean, look at the photo above: I see nothing there that could be described as ‘happy’ (or even particularly relaxing for that matter).

In any case, the main message seems to be that the masseuses be discreet about these ‘practices’, which are, after all, just a possibility.

Would you like one? Perfect for Christmas gifting (early but what the heck). Let me know and I will contact you about how to go about getting yours.

No pressure, but there is a limited number available. This is because there is only so much weight you can bring in your luggage on the plane!

Contact me today!

Another happy scene from the Comercial Mexicana parking lot, where those responsible for law and order and setting a good example for the rest of us mortal citizens are doing a fine job. I guess they were just in a hurry so that’s OK. This seems to be the justification for all sorts of inconsiderate behavior by many residents of the formerly white city…

Yes, that’s Sara, no ‘h’, as the newspaper put it this morning.

Our hallowed Instituto of Cultura, captained merrily once again by Jorge Esma, a local politician we just can’t seem to get enough of, is presenting Sarah Brightman in concert, at the Chichen Itzá archeological site. Our friend Jorge was of course the guy who brought us Pavarotti and Domingo as well, thereby consolidating his position as artistic überpromoter and cultural go-to guy in the state. He has had some reasonably good ideas in the past but continuing to milk Chichen Itzá for profit seems to me a lousy one.

Call me a cynic but isn’t this promoting concerts and charging exorbitant amounts for tickets (up to $8000 pesos or $600 USD in the so-called VIP area) the job of private capitalism? Should we really be paying taxes (the few of us that actually pay them) to organize and pay for this kind of event under the thin guise of ‘promotion’ for the state’s touristic wonders? I don’t know about you, but I don’t want my tax pesos used to destroy more threatened Yucatecan fauna to make way for FOUR ADDITIONAL parking lots near Chichen Itzá. Or to DOUBLE the size of the ‘abandoned’ airport, which will mean paving over more jungle. See his interview in today’s Por Esto newspaper.

Why not call this the Sarah Brightman Screw Global Warming Tour?

Promotion? Give me a break.

Let’s face it: this event (and the upcoming concert with Elton John) will benefit Jorge and anyone on his good side involved in the planning and organization only. Promotion? Everyone in the world already knows where Chichen Itzá is!! And those that don’t, also don’t know or care about this Sarah Brightman person.

What are they promoting besides the lining of their own pockets? Nothing.

And how is it that neighboring Campeche state can bring in Il Divo, which must be charging an arm and a leg these days for a show, to celebrate their anniversary or whatever, and have the concert be completely FREE? Everyone makes fun of Campeche and their funny ways; boy are they ever stupid to offer a concert to everyone FREE when there is so much money to be made!

This sucks. I hope she gets laryngitis and has to cancel.

Before they cement over more jungle.

Not everything is doom and gloom in Merida! 🙂

Here are some photos taken yesterday in the City Center area of a spectacular double rainbow and sunset!