Living in another country can be a rewarding and invigorating experience. Living the life of an expatriate, or moving to a foreign country or culture that is different from one’s upbringing, is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture and customs of other people. The Yucatan, located in southeastern Mexico, is one of the safest and most exotic places to live. With unique art and culture, memorable destinations, and an easy going way of life, it will surely impress expatriates looking for a fresh start.
The Yucatan is primarily a warm, semi-tropical region. The Yucatan Peninsula stretches in the southeastern part of Mexico, spanning from the to the Caribbean Sea. However, the state of Yucatan borders the Gulf of Mexico but is separated from the Caribbean Sea to the South by several other Mexican states. The climate is sub humid and quite hot, with an average temperature of 80 degrees. The vegetation is characterized by mid to low tropical plants such as the caoba and cedar plants. The lack of rivers and lakes makes the Yucatan poor for any type of irrigation. However during the rainy season from June to July, water collects in ditches and culverts along the coast. This is very important to the ecosystem of the area as well as fishing activity. While the land is typically flat and contains few landmarks, it is still a breathtaking place to visit. Finally, the area has very unique animal life. Some of the less common animals include pink flamingoes, jaguars, and Yucatan quail.
The Yucatan has a very rich culture and a knack for creating beautiful artwork. The Yucatan is home to several local artists that focus on painting wildlife that is unique to the Yucatan as well as the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. However, the most characteristic art of the Yucatan is that of the Mayan ancestors. This art is both historic and traditional to the area. One of the best characteristics of the population, and a very important part of its culture at that, is humor. Humor is a key part of many of the traditional Yucatan celebrations and dances. It also has its own instrumental sound. Known as Yucateca Trova, the sound is deliciously unique and stuns audiences across the globe. Some of the most renowned singers of Yucateca Trova include Cirilo Baqueiro and Ricardo Palmerin. Finally, gastronomy is a large source of the Yucatan culture. Food is a primary source of celebration and cultural significance in the Yucatan. Cooking with citrus is characteristic of theregion. Limes, oranges, and lemons are staples in a yucateca kitchen. Aside for normal Mexican cuisine, these citric flavors add a flare characteristic to only this region.
The daily life of the Yucatan people is quite laid back. Aside from entertaining through food and music, the traditional Yucatan family participates in celebratory events year round. This includes music, dancing, and a buffet of various foods. They use these celebrations to represent births, deaths, and various festivals and milestone dates throughout the year. Also, traditional families take advantage of the beach and warm weather. The majority of beaches are public and state owned, allowing for families to travel from all over to enjoy the cool water on a hot summer day. Another staple of a hot summer day is a hammock. These comfortable and cool loungers originated in the Yucatan, and are traditionally made by Mayan descendants still today.
With a rich culture and a very unique history, the Yucatan boasts several tourist destinations. The first place to visit, of course, is the stretch of pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. They present beautiful sites and endless possibilities for the entire family to enjoy. Secondly, the Yucatan is home to many ancient ruins. The first of these ruins is Chichen Itza, the center of the Mayan empire. This is located near Cancun, a popular tourist destination. Being one of the world’s first civilizations, Chichen Itza is not only a great place to learn about the culture of the Mayan people as well as the present day Yucatan people, it is a great way to learn about world history and the beginning of civilization as a whole. Other major ruins are located in Uxmal, which is close to the capital city of Merida. There are several other ruins located throughout the Yucatan, but most are not nearly as large as those at Uxmal and Chichen Itza. These ruins are accessible by car and are agreat place to explore some Yucatan history. Izamal is also a historic place to visit when in the Yucatan. It is a small, colonial town located near Merida as well. It was built by settlers on an old Mayan town, which was said to be magical. Horse drawn carriages transport visitors as they shop for traditional crafts and are entertained by folk tales. There are also cenotes and Eco-Parks for visitors to enjoy. are freshwater pools formed by the collapse of caves long ago. These are great to swim in and are always nice and warm due to their shallow depths. Eco-parks are state created parks that allow visitors to enjoy a swim with dolphins, various water rides, aquariums, scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as various restaurants with traditional cuisine. Finally, the Yucatan is home to several universities, museums, and to become educated on the people and culture of the Yucatan.
Thus, the Yucatan is a great place to visit. It is also a great place to start your new life as an expatriate. Leaving the familiar can be tough, but with the welcoming and intriguing culture of the Yucatan, it is an experience that will not be regretted. The culture, geography, and historical destinations make the Yucatan both an interesting and significant area in Mexico. The comforts of home cooked food and the laid back life style make it the perfect culture to start a new life in. So, for a fun and exciting adventure, start your life in the !