Mérida, the capital city of the State of Yucatán is perhaps the safest city in Mexico and one of the safest anywhere. The people are friendly because as Mayans they inherited the peaceful philosophy of the Feathered Serpent god Kukulcán. Unlike the Aztecs, who worshiped Huitzilopochtli the god of war, sun and human sacrifice, the Mayans were far gentler. The smiles on their faces reflect their rosy point of view.

Mérida is safe from most theft and there are few people dying as the result of guns. I believe that the “narcotraficantes” are not yet doing business in Mérida.

While waiting for our bus on Calle 60 with Calle 37 we spotted this gentleman in his crisp Yucatecan guayabera. Could this be the beginning of the end for this fine city? 

I tried to take this photograph on the sly but the man noticed and he threatened me verbally. I told Rosemary to hold my hand and we moved away to where there were a group of people. We felt safe as the sun set over lovely Mérida.