Bed and Breakfast in Merida

About the Book

This collection of stories describes what happened to our guests at our bed-and-breakfast home in Mérida, El Caminante del Mayáb. Each story introduces an interesting person whose adventures illustrate the human condition. Yucatán’s landscape, towns, history, and ruins provide the background. These tales are independent and describe one or a few events that raise interesting and significant questions for the thoughtful reader.

The book’s informal style makes it easy for readers to identify with any of the major characters and accompany them on their journeys to Maní, Uxmal, or other places. One can enjoy these tales without any previous knowledge of the Mayas or Yucatán—all one needs is a sense of adventure and a feeling for the exotic.

El Caminante Del Mayáb 9

The Star Master 15
The Old Gypsy 39
The Doll Of Dzibilchaltún 55
The Ghosts Of El Palacio Cantón 81
The Blue Mansion 110
The Man Of God 141
The Good Mother 166
The Ball Player 190
The Bridge At Combarbalá 214
Telchac Puerto 246
The Sea Gull Of El Cuyo 266
The Visitor From Uxmal 285
The Idealist 314

Coda 339

About the Author

John Kunkel grew up in Southern California and attended Pomona College. After graduate study at the University of Michigan he taught social psychology at three universities. During this time he became interested in the Jesuits’ famous attempt to create an ideal society among the Guaraní Indians of Paraguay. He visited the area twice and experienced the country on extensive local bus trips. After his retirement John Kunkel moved to San Diego, where he continues to pursue his interests in South American history and culture.