| There are so many interesting sights, buildings, and homes in Centro Merida, in Mexico's Yucatan state, it is hard to know where to begin, but since we spent more time walking along the Paseo de Montejo than just about anywhere else, it seemed as good a place as any to start. This elegant tree-lined boulevard, often called Merida's "Champs Elysees", was just a short walk away from La Casa Lorenzo (link), where we were staying, so we walked there a couple of times each day. The shady, wide sidewalks were a pleasant change from the sometimes narrow, bustling sidewalks closer to downtown. Here, people moved more slowly and there was room to amble, to take in the beauty and history all around. The Paseo is a pleasant mix of private homes, public buildings, hotels, shops, churches, and restaurants. | 
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Loved these wide, tree-lined sidewalks
The clip-clop of horsedrawn carriages provided a nice break from traffic noise
Unfortunately, the elegant Palacio Cantón, which houses the Regional Museum of the Yucatan, was closed for renovation. It was the gem of the Paseo to our eyes.
Another view of Palacio
Front of Palacio/Museum -- the sign explained about the closure and renovations
Once a private home, now administrative offices
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The Quinta Montes Molina is open as a museum, but we were never here at the right time for an English-speaking tour.
Pretty in Pink -- the upscale Rosas & Xocolate hotel and restaurant
A traffic roundabout with monument
And another...there is a very low-profile Wal-Mart off to the right hiding behind the trees
Under restoration
Private home
At the south end of the Paseo was this entry to a hotel and restaurant, and park area decorated festively for Christmas. We had fun playing around and taking some photos here.
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Another very cool Paseo happening occurs each and every Sunday morning, where the street is closed off to motorists and open to cyclists and pedestrians. But we'll save that for another post. Stay tuned!
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