Valladolid, Arrival date: 14-04-’23 till 18-04-’23
First impression:
Ahh Valladolid. What a beautiful, vivid, full of rich history city.
On our last day in Isla Holbox there was another couple staying in Casa Imox and even though they just arrived a day before we left, we talk an on couple of occasions. But this one moment we probably remember for the rest of our lives with laughter.
This guy who was Mexican but came from the USA to Mexico for holidays was in the pool and we greeted each other and he asked us how paradise (referring to the island) was treating us and where we were going after this. We said, well tomorrow is our last days here, and the plan is to go to Valladolid. The guy looked at us and said “Oh, I never heard of that place". It shocked us that this Mexican guy was not aware of Valladolid. We kept saying that Valladolid and then he said: “I know Valladolid, but he pronounced it as “Bayadolid” That’s when we realized we are pronouncing it wrong and we all laughed about it”.
After that, every time we see a sign on the road with Valladolid, we pronounce it like he did and laugh about it.
So, Bayadolid was amazing. Our Airbnb was huge, a former restaurant remodeled to a 2 bedroom apartment with a kitchen, a long dining table, bathroom, toilet and another separate area where a table and 2 chairs are placed. It was a really hot apartment. In the upstairs bedroom, there was an air conditioner, so we dragged the second mattress upstairs so we could a sleep together in the AC.
Our location was near a park and we were there during the eastern weekend, so there was a lot of entertaining activity in the nearby park called “Parque Principal Francisco Cantón Rosado”. We went there every evening after dinner to get some sweets. It was also a great place for James. He would run, make friends, chase pigeons and when we got back to the apartment, he was exhausted and ready for bed.
It’s really nice to see how easily James makes friends. Sometimes we have to give him a little push, but then he goes for it. He is already picking up basic Spanish words and he can repeat us. James can say, Adios, Gracias, Mi nombre James and yes, we encourage him to say it and then he says it.
One day, we made a morning trip to a nearby Cenote called Oxman. This was our first Cenote experience, and we loved it. This was a Cenote with a swimming pool next to it. Iris suggested this one so James could also have a great time swimming in the pool. We could only dream of James loving the pool, the beach or the Cenote because he feared the pool and the beach back home in the Netherlands and Turkiye. But he loved it right away. If he sees a pool or the beach, he wants to play. Nothing else could make us happier than seeing him enjoying the waters like that. The Cenote was more of a challenge to him, but he wanted to go with mommy for a couple of minutes. After a lovely morning, we ate something there at Oxman and went back home. James slept in the car on our way back.
The next day Iris found a hotel with a pool which was also open for the public after paying for a day pass. Well, the video speaks for itself; I guess. It was a relaxing day at the pool. Around noon, we went back to the apartment for some more chilling and relaxing. At the apartment, everyone can take time for himself. I take my camera and go for a walk or edit videos for you. Iris also fills her own time with what she wants and James keeps playing and running and if we want to take him offline, well, we then give him the iPad hahaha.
Next stop is Chichen Itza. Monday morning, around 07:30, we went out of the house and drove for approximately 35 minutes to Chichen Itza. We wanted to be early so it wouldn’t be so crowded. The tickets are very pricy 700 mxn per person. James was free, thank god. We looked with amaze what they have built back then and took some photos. Walked around the area towards the sacred cenote and returned to the car. James was exhausted from the days before and wouldn’t walk anymore, so Iris and I carried him in turns. Near Chichen Itza there is this Cenote called “Ik Kill”. This one is exquisite and can highly recommend this one. It’s peaceful and after you payed for the ticket, everything is included. We’ve seen two cenotes, and that is enough for us.
We check out 1 day early from Valladolid because we had seen enough, and it was time to move one. Our next stop is Bacalar, a 3 hours and 40 minutes drive from Valladolid, and we are looking forward to explore Bacalar.
Highlights
I hope you enjoyed the video and hopefully until the next one.
Recommandations
Lavanderia Balam (laundry)
Bazar Municipal (Local cuisine and ATM)
Elela (hidden gem, coffee and dessert)
We try to choose a child friendly place so not al locations will be appealing to you.
Apple Pay (On mobile device), Paypal and Credit Card payments available