Last December my hubby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary,and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Cancun,Mexico.
We both absolutely love to explore the unique and authentic culture of the places we visit. We aren’t satisfied with seeing only the places found in the “tour guides.”
My first night in Cancun I spent sleeping on the beach by the ocean (LOVE ocean) and feeding local birds. 
Even as a child growing up in Russia I was fascinated by Native American peoples and cultures,and have always wanted to know more about the Mayans.
But before going any further,I need to tell you that if you decide to rent a car (as we did) make sure that you also get a GPS (on our arrival we decided to visit an authentic market in Cancun and …. got lost,VERY lost! So,after driving around and around my hubby finally set aside his pride and decided to ask someone for directions. Fortunately he speaks Spanish,and so could ask for help – which elicited some deep chuckles,a lengthy set of instructions,and the recommendation that we then stop and ask for more help,because we had strayed VERY far from where we wanted to be!!!! When our good friend learned of where we had gotten to,she had a good laugh and asked how in the world we had gotten so lost!
Our first introduction to Mexican culture was when we visited a market that is used primarily by the local residents:“Market 28”. It felt like breathing in lungs full of the Mexican culture. It was really very interesting,as I noted to myself some of the striking similarities between the markets that we have in parts of Russia and this market in Mexico.
Our next (and most) amazing experience was when we visited the “Jungle Spa” –which is literally located in the jungle. “The Jungle Spa is part of the non-profit Lu’um K’aa Nab that offers Mayan Massages provided by local Mayan Women. Massages are a part of their indiginous culture and they have been doing them since they were young girls in their villages. They use their intuition to guide them. They have years of experience and are internationally known for their massages.The setting is in the tropical jungle.” Sandra told us of working for many years in tourism,and of watching the destruction that this industry often causes to the indigenous cultures. As she anticipated the killing of the beautiful jungles and wildlife to build fancy resorts – she didn’t want to be a part of it anymore and so bought a piece of jungle to preserve it for future generations. GOOD FOR HER!!! She also wanted to preserve a part of the native Mayan culture and protect the young Mayan women who are often exploited. She talked about how the young girls are employed in the resorts,and often become pregnant during the course of their employment. She recognized that they could no longer work at the resorts,and could not support their young families working in their home villages,and so has created the Jungle Spa as a place where they can work and earn enough to raise their children. She reports that:“The women’s hands are blessed with the gift from Gods. They have been given the “DON”or “HEALING HANDS”and they will work magic on your body. The Jungle Spa is operated by the non-profit organization,Lu’um K’aa Nab,directed by Sandra A. Dayton. The Spa was created so that the local women could benefit from the tourists coming to the area and make money for their families. We want visitors to experience a fabulous,unforgettable Mayan massage for less then half of what they could pay at a 5 star resort. A win,win situation for everyone and where cross culltural friendships are made.” Our experience with them was far beyond amazing and powerful – 90 minutes of full body deep tissue massage by 4 hands followed by,a 30 minute Aloe Vera wrap using Aloe that is grown on the property. These girls were serious – we left them with the feeling that we had been reborn. Paul was so relaxed that he could hardly even speak!
As we drove through the remarkable town of Puerto Morelos we were able to observe a celebration,and Paul enjoyed exploring the culture and architecture of this amazing area as I wasted the time playing,no,I mean working on my “smart” phone.
Our next adventure was a full day trip to a Mayan ruins. Ek Balam was built in the Maya Classic Period and has a grand central pyramid,two large palaces,and numerous other temples and buildings. While not as well known or large Chichen Itza,Xel-Ha,Tulum or Uxmal,Ek Balam has the distinct advantage of NOT being crowded! We could climb the pyramid (something not allowed at the larger sites) and could explore in an unhurried fashion. Paul climbed to the top,but I stopped a little from the top,as I have a great fear of heights. “I did make it much further than I thought I would!” It was an amazing view: “The effect is almost mystical with restored buildings pushing out of the huge mounds of rubble and jungle undergrowth.” Sliding down on my butt was an interesting part of the adventure – but I really enjoyed the amazing view from where I decided to have a little recovery from my dizziness.
Our dinning experience in Mexico was fantastic. Although the tourist guide had a lot of options for American restaurants ( do you really need to come to Mexico from America to try American food?) ,we preferred to try traditional Mexican food. My favorite experience was at the hotel El Meson del Marques.
I would love to go back to Mexico and explore more of the local culture and spend more time in the jungle (especially the spa!). Who wants to join?
Stay adventurous,
Yours Olga.
