Apparently they love Tang here.  Kind of a strange paradox considering some of the best fruit in the world grows within miles... (Sena, this reminded me of you!)

The building on the left through the trees is where all the American students take classes. There is a nice little park with these huge draping trees right across the street. 

This is a little outdoor cafe right on the park across from VENUSA (the school)

It costs Bs25, which is about three US dollars for lunch. You get a huge bowl of soup, some sort of protein, and two sides. I got lentil soup, grilled chicken breast, fried yuca and rice. 

This is an arbitrary McDonalds sign.  

The airport strip runs about the length of the entire city not including the 'suburbs'. The airport isn't in use, however I did hear a plane fly out yesterday which was incredibly loud because its right in the backyard of VENUSA.

There is a festival called Paradura that involves a pesebre, a nativity scene, and stealing the little baby Jesus out of the crib. This tradition is particular to Merida and this stealing of little Jesus happens for the entire month of February. There is a rosary involved, parades, tons of food, huge ceremonies... I'll know more once I go to the closing day long festival tomorrow. 

This is again outside my window. El parque de los ninos is what you see with little chico's y chicas on the wall.