3514670: A Weird Little Adventure in Palenque
so i just stumbled into this tiny town called Palenque, mexico, after seeing a string of numbers (3514670) and a weird timestamp (1484460894) pop up in my notes. honestly, i thought it was a glitch until i realized it matched a spot on the map. turns out, it’s the gateway to the famous Palenque ruins, but the town itself? total hidden gem. it’s got this sleepy, dusty vibe that feels like it’s stuck in the 90s, and i kinda love it.
anyway, i just checked the weather and it’s 26°C right now, feels like 26°C, with 76% humidity. so yeah, it’s hot, sticky, and perfect for sweating through your shirt while wandering around. bring a fan or something.
"Palenque? oh, it’s chill, but don’t expect much at night. everyone’s asleep by 9," a local told me at a taco stand.
i heard that the ruins are the real reason people come here, but honestly, the town itself is worth a day or two. the streets are lined with colorful murals, and the locals are super friendly-even if they think i’m a little crazy for wandering around with my camera at noon.
if you get bored, Villahermosa and San Cristóbal de las Casas are just a short drive away. i haven’t been yet, but someone told me Villahermosa has this insane market where you can buy anything from live chickens to handmade hammocks.
here’s a map so you don’t get lost like i almost did:
*pro tip:* if you’re planning to visit the ruins, go early in the morning. i heard that’s when the light is best for photos and the crowds are thinner. also, bring water-it’s a hike, and the heat is no joke.
for more info, check out TripAdvisor or Yelp for local reviews. and if you’re into history, the official Palenque ruins site is a must-read before you go.
anyway, that’s my messy take on Palenque. it’s not fancy, but it’s real, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
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