Today we are heading out for a day at the cenotes. These are basically limestone caves which have a constant supply of water in them, deep enough to swim in. The temperature of the caves and the water is virtually constant all year round. They are on private land and owned by families who have only recently discovered the tourist potential of these sites. Some have only been open for 6 months. In days gone by they were used as a source of daily water needs. Our guide for the day, Alejo, picked us from the hotel for a short walk to a local bus stop, ie. a 12 seat mini van. Once we reached our destination we then transferred to a tuk tuk type of vehicle. Basically a motorbike with a passenger "compartment" attached to the front. Not all that comfortable particularly over the unmade roads that we had to travel. The cenotes are about an hours drive from Merida. The first one we arrived at had a very large opening. A set of steps took us down about 12-15 metres into the centre where a platform had been built. As with any good swimming hole there was also a rope swing. The water was a comfortable temperature, about 8 metres deep at its deepest point and the cave was also inhabited by swallows who had built their nests in there. The other prominenet dweller was a bright blue dragonfly which quite happily landed on your arms or hands. The temperature was quite warm so it was a pleasant relief to be in the cave and the water. The next cenote was the Canunchen Cenote. A bit deeper than the first with a much narrower opening to get in and a very elaborate spiral staircase to take you down. The water in here was much deeper than the first and a little cooler but again the rope swing was there. We were fortunate that so far we had been the only people at both cenotes so it was great to have the entire place to ourselves. It was really pleasant just floating about, having a chat and generally enjoying the relief from the heat outside. From here we headed off to our third and final cenote, Bam Gallil. This one was quite different in that it had many stallictites in it, some almost a metre in diameter. We also had some entertainment as we watched workmen installing some more electric lights in the cenote. They were using a childs wading pool to carry their tools and equipment and that was about the best of the OH&S procedures they were following. The thought of electricity and water in close proximity to each other did cross our minds. From here we went to lunch in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere, but the food was good, followed by another mini van ride home. Justin, Flo and I were all feeling a little peckish but didn't want a full meal so we headed down to the Mayan Pub to see what was on offer. A great beer garden out the back. Some jugs of Montejo beer, chips, chicken wings and nachos and the night was made. Warren and Sue joined us later and then we all headed to a square nearby where there was a live concert in progress. 3 piece band with a backing band. The square was absolutely packed with locals. Unfortunately we had got there very close to the end but the little we saw was very entertaining, despite the fact we couldn't understand a word of what was being sung. Our last day and night in Merida had been terrific.