clinking his pesos

clinking his pesos

a Maya shoeshine man waits 
for scuffed zapatos

On our way back from Chichen Itza we stop at the plaza central in Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán in Mexico. Spanish conquistadors built Mérida on the site of the centuries-old Maya city of T'ho or Ichkanzihó, "city of five hills (pyramids)." Because of its long history, Mérida may be the oldest continually occupied city in the Americas. 

           Mérida was named for the Spanish city of the same name. The colonial builders incorporated carved stones from T'ho into their buildings, including the main cathedral across from the plaza central. In colonial times the city was surrounded by a wall to protect the citizens from revolts by the indigenous Maya. Today, ironically, Mérida has the highest percentage of indigenous people of any city in Mexico.

           

          Around the plaza, buhoneros wait patiently with their braided belts, balloons, handmade hammocks and food carts for touristas to purchase their wares or get their shoes polished. 

This is their ancient home. They have all the time in the world.