Our trip was continuing to Mérida today and, once again, it was a very uneventful bus ride through the flat jungle of Yucatan. Mérida is described as being a large town of colonial splendeour but when we entered the city, the opinion differed. It was certainly a large town, it took us ages to wind through narrow streets to the bus station but we didn't see any of the colonial splendour, it looked just the same as any other town we had been in.

When the taxi pulled up at high, narrow doorway set in a windowless blue wall and announced we were at the Nomadas Hostel we were a bit surprised, we quickly scanned the wall and found the smallest sign ever. It was like walking into Doctor Who's Tardis though, there was a huge entrance hall lurking behind the small door which then led onto a large courtyard with seating. Beyond that was an enormous swimming pool with hammocks & gardens. Our room was surprisingly large too, with a hammock and a bed. On the downside, it was incredibly hot and the two fans on full speed could only bring the temperature down to 33 degrees.

We had a quick wander round the streets near the hostel in search of the colonial splendour that Merida was supposed to offer. The place was deserted - it seems that the town strictly observes siesta, probably because of being a blisteringly hot.

Back in the hostel, we had booked the Mexican cooking class. It was free to watch and for 25 pesos you could eat what was made - that seemed reasonable for a snack. They were making empanadas with an 'ensalada de nepales' (cactus salad). Turns out it was a professional chef doing the cooking and there was enough food for a main course - what a bargain!!