In 2008, ASPB will hold its annual meeting in the historical Mexican city of Mérida. In planning for the meeting, we visited Mérida this past March. It is a wonderful place to experience, and in this article we provide a glimpse of this extraordinary location.

Flights into Mérida from the United States transfer from major southern airports such as Atlanta, Houston, and Mexico City. We flew through Atlanta, and although we switched gates for the international leg, planning a little extra connection time allowed us to grab a bite to eat. For individuals coming from outside the United States, we recommend flying directly into an airport in Mexico rather than through a U.S. airport to avoid having to get a visa for both the United States and Mexico.

On the first evening of our trip, we enjoyed dinner at the Hacienda Xcanatun (xcanatun means “tall stone house” in Mayan; http://www.xcanatun.com) and drove through the suburbs of Mérida, filled with small gardens in which exotic local fruits are grown. The hotel is picturesque, with high stucco ceilings, fans creating a warm breeze, and lush tropical gardens. Hacienda Xcanatun was built in the 18th century and eventually became one of the most important producers of henequen (a fiber used to produce rope) in the region. We were served its traditional “welcome drink,” a frozen lime margarita made with the local “bumpy” limes and Xtabentun, a sweet liqueur of anise and honey that is used in many mixed drinks in the Yucatan.

The second day, we toured the excellent group of hotels our attendees will be using for the meeting. The Fiesta Americana and the Hyatt are across the street from each other, and the rest of the hotels are within walking distance of those two. The convention center Yucatan Siglo XXI is somewhat separate from the city—not uncommon in many convention centers outside the United States. Attendees will hop on a bus for a short ride to the convention center. The center itself is a light and airy building that will be a perfect location for our sessions.

Fun events will include a true Mexican fiesta in the street the hotels share, catered by the hotel chefs. We were able to experience the hotel fare throughout the day and were treated to wonderful dishes, including traditional Yucatan lime soup and a mix of Italian, French, and American tastes as well. That evening, we dined out with local plant biologist Theresa Hernandez Sotomayor, enjoying an excellent meal with interesting dishes and desserts.

On our third day, we went on an adventure across the Yucatan and back to visit sites that ASPB members can enjoy on their free day during the meeting. Our first stop was Celestun to see the pink flamingos (http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-celestun.htm). The drive itself was amazing. We drove through small Mayan towns, passing orchards and local farms. At Celestun, we contracted a small motorboat and guide and drove up the ria (estuary), which is surrounded by magnolia groves and fished by local fisherman throughout the day. As we approached the river bend, a mile-long line of pink flamingos came into view. We got close enough to them to enjoy their magnificence in the thousands. Boating back, our guide took us into the grove, fed by the freshwater springs Valdiosera and Venecia, and through the hauntingly beautiful Tampeten “petrified forest” of dead tree trunks rooted in the water. Celestun is an excellent place for bird watching. What an amazing experience!

Although we don’t recommend doing both in the same day, after a three-hour drive back across the Yucatan we arrived in the ancient Mayan city Chichen Itza (http://www.yucatantoday.com/destinations/eng-chichen-itza.php). Our guide took us through each ruin, explaining it significance. Guides are available at the entrance, or you can take a pamphlet with you to read along the way. The 1,500-year-old location itself is a book on Mayan culture. The energy of the famous El Castillo pyramid is incredible. During the solstice celebration, the position of the sun in the sky causes a phenomenon that creates the shadow of a snake along each edge of the pyramid. We walked through the ball court, where a game called pok ta pok was played. The number seven is significant in the game, and if you stand in the court and clap your hands, it will echo seven times. More charming than the stories are the local residents selling their wares along the paths, including hand-sewn hankies to wipe your brow. Chichen Itza is a treasure well worth the visit.

Mérida is filled with kind people, deep history, warm culture, delectable food, and lovely landscapes. We hope you will experience it with us June 26–July 1, 2008.

Rosenberg & Sahli
Plant Biology 2008 Meeting Planners
http://www.aspb.org/pb-2008