We decided to go to Becal in the state of Campeche today.
Who cares that Tropical Storm Arthur (Arturo) is also expected there. We checked with the National Hurricane Center for the storm forecast, and felt safe we wouldn't be in harms way.
So we took off this morning at 7:30, yes AM, to pick up Lida y Diana. First order of business was to get to Uman for breakfast. Uman has a GREAT market. It is really clean and full of beautiful produce, flowers, dead animal stuff; you know chicken, pork, beef, etc. They also have lots of household stuff for sale, and great food stalls. We had an assortment of salbutes and tacos, as well as agua frescas. YUM YUM!
Once sated and after a quick stroll, we were off to Becal.
Becal is just across the state border between Yucatan and Campeche.
Becal is famous for its jipijapa hats; aka Panama Hats.
The artisans work in caves/cuevas, 
because of the humidity which keeps the palm fibers moist and supple.
We found an artisan don Baldonado (I can't remember exactly what his name is).
He was a very pleasant, soft spoken fellow,
and gave us a demonstration of his weaving skills.
Unfortunately Tom's head is a tad bigger than he seems to have anticipated in a potential purchaser and none of the hats could accomodate Tom's gargantuan noggin! I can't complain cuz you know what they say about the size of a man's head; oh wait that's feet, the size of a man's feet - Never Mind!
Becal is famous for its jipijapa hats; aka Panama Hats.
The artisans work in caves/cuevas, because of the humidity which keeps the palm fibers moist and supple.We found an artisan don Baldonado (I can't remember exactly what his name is).
He was a very pleasant, soft spoken fellow,and gave us a demonstration of his weaving skills.
Unfortunately Tom's head is a tad bigger than he seems to have anticipated in a potential purchaser and none of the hats could accomodate Tom's gargantuan noggin! I can't complain cuz you know what they say about the size of a man's head; oh wait that's feet, the size of a man's feet - Never Mind!
Well we checked out a few artesanal exhibitions (stores), and then headed over to Holochó, back in Yucatan, where they were having a street fair. We were hoping to find hand crafted baskets here, but alas not a basket was found. We did have a good wander around, and gave most of the locals something interesting to see and talk about for later. Gringos are not typical at their local Sunday markets I guess.Once we had seen what we came to see and it was time to blaze a trail we decided to head back to Merida.
We were all getting hungry again by this time and decided to head to Tommy's Cockteleria for lunch. 
Tommy's does great seafood without having to go to the shore.
Tommy's does great seafood without having to go to the shore. sidenote for Merida locals - Tommy's has 2 or 3 locations, but the one we've been to is in Fracc Chenku, calle 11 x46y48.
We had a great day, visited fun new places, with good friends, and enjoyed yummy seafood.