The definition of plasaj is complex… To place oneself means to establish both a household and agricultural cultivation. But whatever the relationship, the unions are expected to last. —Colin Dayan, Haiti History and the Gods

We didn’t get married, but we did celebrate the place of this union in our lives, and by extension, the place you all hold in our lives. Here’s a look back at our adventures.


Dates

ArrivalsThursday, July 4
Hunker down for Hurricane Beryl!Friday, July 5
Ceremony & ReceptionSaturday, July 6, 6pm
Breakfast buffet / DeparturesSunday, July 7, 9am

Location

Japoneza Retreat Centro Merida

C. 60 632, entre 79 y 77, Centro, 97000 Mérida, Yuc.

japonezaretreat.com

Once You’ve Landed

Mérida International Airport is only about 25 minutes from Centro. Please note, you cannot get an Uber FROM the airport. You will be able to get an Uber TO the airport on your way back home. Two ways to get to your accommodations are:

Hotels & Airbnbs

If you’re interested in staying in a hotel, here are a few we recommend. The marker in pink is where the ceremony will take place.

Here are some Airbnbs in Centro that are close to Japoneza Retreat.

Check them out!

You should know…

Temperature

Mérida can get really, really hot! Most places have air conditioning and/or fans. For your own comfort (and safety), make sure to drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, and avoid extended time in the sun during peak daytime heat (12–3pm). Mornings before noon are a great time to walk around and explore. Evenings cool down significantly. Most houses/hotels stay relatively cool due to their design (yes, architecture!).

Mosquitoes

With tropical heat also comes mosquitoes! You’ll want to have some bug spray on hand. Plenty of restaurants usually have bottles on hand for customers who are dining outside. We’ll have repellant at the ceremony.

Getting Around

There’s Uber in Mérida. Another ride share app is Didi. These are easy and inexpensive ways to get around without worrying about translating or getting lost. If your Spanish is on point, there are plenty of street taxis available. Mérida is a very walkable city, so that is always an option!

Where to Stay

Choosing between a hotel or an Airbnb? Mérida has some great hotels (including a few we’ve included here). Mérida also has some amazing Airbnbs. If you’re traveling with a small group or with children, you might find an Airbnb is the way to go. You’ll get more space and (usually) a pool! Most Airbnbs supply enough drinking water for your entire stay and have well stocked kitchens for cooking. All hotels and Airbnbs are in walking distance to various restaurants and attractions. It’s a win-win either way!

Where to Go

We’ve been working with an amazing team of event planners to make sure everyone has a wonderful time in Mérida. Check out their recommendations for places to visit around the Yucatán: from beaches to archeological sites to Pueblos Mágicos.

Where to Go →

What to Do

Our event planners also have great recommendations for things to do around the Yucatán: from strolls down Paseo de Montejo to munching on Mérida’s famous snack, the marquesita.

What to Do →

What to Eat

Of course, there are so many restaurants to enjoy! Whether you’re on the hunt for traditional Yucateca food or in the mood for cocktails, check out these recommendations.

What to Eat →

A Few More Things!

Making Sense of $$$

You might want to download a currency converter app (like Currency) to give yourself an idea of what you’re spending.

Staying Connected

If T-Mobile is your phone carrier, you should be able to use your phone without issue. Please check for other carriers like Verizon, etc. If you would like, you can also buy an e-sim for use in Mérida that will give you data. Find out more at airalo.com. Japoneza Retreat has wifi, which you will be able to access on site.

Listen to This

We love listening to podcasts! Fun fact: we don’t even speak at home—we just play podcasts back and forth. Here is a list of podcast episodes (in no particular order) from over the years (as far back to when we first started dating!) that have made us laugh, think, and reflect on life.

Podcast Playlist →

Get Inked Up

Richard loves tattoos and Diane finds Richard’s love of tattoos very funny. You might love tattoos! Or you might just find the idea of getting one at this non-wedding very funny. In any case, we’re going to have a tattoo artist at Plasaj who will be offering a selection of flash tattoos free of charge. Take a look at the offerings and use the signup sheet to select the tattoo(s) you want!

Tattoo Signup →