Celestun

We headed out of Merida to the small town of Celestun, a fishing village on the Gulf Coast. Tourists go to Celestun to see the Flamingos which hang out in the flats to feed on shrimp. I learned that famingos get their pink color from eating so many shrimp-- go figure. We found a cheap room in a cute little place on the beach, hung out for the afternoon, watched the sunset, and had an amazing seafood dinner.

Then this morning-- the flamingos. I didn't really have high expectations for the whole thing having seen them in the zoo and wondering what the big deal could be. But we got up early and hired a boat. We were the only ones. We coasted up on the colony of flamingos and they were spectacular. Then we were treated to an up close and personal view of nesting herons and egrets and a gorgeous ride through the mangrove. Not a bad way to start the day.

We thought we'd head up to the little beach towns east of Progresso for the night but that didn't work out so well. After hours in the car we are in a really funky little place in Izamal. It is so relaxing here and there is lots to see so we've decided to stay two nights. More about that tomorrow.