However, the fact that I "only" get three weeks off for Christmas and that I have a large family means that I (and everyone else) is constantly busy. There is so much to do and so many people to see that it is so hectic all the time. I love seeing everyone, but I hate not having any time to myself, or at least any time to relax or take things slowly. But Christmas is Christmas, and it's not going to change any time soon.
New Years however is a different matter. Starting Uni on the 3rd of January means that on the 26th of December there is a mad rush to go on holiday somewhere to celebrate New Years. There seems to be a bit of a tradition to spend New Years on/near the beach, or at least near water (have spent a few near a lake). This year we dispensed with the usual Acapulco and went East to the Yucatan Peninsula.
I spent a couple of days in the city of Merida, the capital of Yucatan state in Mexico. It's absolutely fascinating all the culture and heritage there is incredible. Yucatan had a large population of Mayan people, and there are loads of ancient towns and cities dotted with pyramids and ruins. I love seeing all that stuff and while it does boil up a certain anger at the Spanish who came here and obliterated the culture left right and centre, it's nice to see that at least some of it remains. Hopefully we can avoid such a mass extinction again.
One more thing about Yucatan is that it is made of porous rock, so there are no rivers or lakes on the surface but it has many deep underground. The area is famous for its underground lakes which are connected by very slow moving flows that literally travel through the rock! It was nice to be able to go swimming in one of these lakes that had only recently been discovered and so hadn't experienced much human contact. Much like seeing a nature show on TV and wanting to visit, if everyone got to visit there it would be ruined. I'm all for sustainable eco-tourism, but what really does destruction is the sheer volume of people.
I spent New Year on an island just off the Yucatan peninsula (near Cancún for those that don't know). The island has a funny name, Holbox, which is pronounced Hol'-bosh... which sounds rather snobby... but is just another way to pronounce the letter "x" apparently. The island has some very peculiar characteristics. The only way to get there is by boat (or very very small plane) and there are no cars on the island! Well to be honest the Police have some bitching pick-ups but everyone else moves around on golf-buggies! I'm serious, imagine miniaturising a town, where everyone moves around on golf-buggies like they were cars. I thought it was quite a surreal experience.
We stayed at this absolutely amazing boutique hotel called "Las Nubes de Holbox" (The Clouds of Holbox). It had a spectacular view, and the rooms were beyond amazing. The hotel sells not just really nice facitlities but also service. This was lacking somewhat, not from effort, but from experience. It was clear this was a new venture and the staff lacked the experience with dealing with guests. But all in all it was a fantastic experience, and I shall treasure it for a long time.
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