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How Not to Be 'An Idiot Abroad' in Mexico

February 14, 2011 at 4:25 PM | by | Comments (0)

Though Karl Pilkington might not be the best tour guide for practical international travel, he did have one important revelation to share on this week's episode of An Idiot Abroad - they don't actually have Mexican Jumping Beans in Mexico.

As part of his quest to see all seven wonders of the world, Karl visited the Mayan site Chichen Itza which includes the Kukulkan Pyramid, also known as the castle, and is considered one of the world's seven wonders. The temple was used for human sacrifice is surrounded by several other structures, including rows of ancient pillars which Karl refers to as "an Ikea for columns."

But, before arriving at Chichen Itza, Karl spent Easter Weekend in Mexico City where he participated in a procession recreating the crucifixion of Christ on Good Friday and was then introduced to an Easter tradition in which locals take vengeance on those who have "betrayed Jesus" by erecting large floats and hats covered in fireworks that are launched into a surrounding crowd. Karl, who isn't exactly bravery personified, took cover behind a telephone pole and wondered why Mexicans don't celebrate Easter the way he does in the U.K. - with chocolate eggs. "They don't have chocolate eggs here," Karl marveled. "I mean for me, that's what Easter is. Take the eggs away its frightenin'."

If you want to recreate Karl's adventure there are day tours to Chichen Itza from both Mexico City and more tourist-friendly Cancun. Yucatan Holidays offers day tours to the Mayan ruins starting at $89 including entrance fees, lunch and transportation.

And, as karl learned the hard way, just because we grew up watching Mexican jumping beans on Sesame Street that doesn't mean you'll actually find them at any souvenir shops in Mexico, especially not at Chichen Itza, Karl has already asked everyone.

Related Stories:
· An Idiot Abroad [Official Site]
· Mexico Travel Coverage [Jaunted]
· TV Travel Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: An Idiot Abroad]

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