The Fashion Bug

We've arrived in the city of Merida, and already it's a world away from the quietness of Campeche.

After just one evening I've already...

Seen a concert of Mexican guitar music,
Witnessed some odd-looking traditional dancing,
Succeeded in my quest to buy a massive hammock (Merida is the hammock capital of Mexico, where they are hand woven by skilled Mayans),
Been robbed blind by 'The Professor' , a kind of Mayan hammock king who trains the other hammock makers in the region,
Befriended a cool black cat that lives in the city's central park.
Met the Irish retiree who feeds the cat and it's Mum each day.
Noticed that the park has free wireless internet coverage as well as electrical outlets to plug in your laptop.
Looked at Mexicans sat with their Macs and wondered how many people back home would feel safe sat in a park on their laptop after dark.

Finally, we explored the brilliant markets here and came across the little guys in the picture above.

They're known as Maquech, and my immediate thought was I suppose they're quite cool if they're not being hurt - is cruelty to insects possible? They were the centrepeice in a few of the craft stalls, and had nice big tanks to live in full of leaves and twigs - unusual but ultimately harmless.
It turns out however, that they're actually BROOCHES, made to be worn on the lapel.
In an ancient Mayan tradition now only seen around Merida, the live beetle's backs are encrusted with semi-precious stones and a gold chain. The chain hangs off the back of the bug like a little tail, and it's here you attach the beetle to a clip on your shirt or dress, to be worn as a fashion accesory. They can crawl around on your shirt a bit, but the chain tethers them in place.

As interesting things I've seen go, these are pretty high up on the list.

It's said they're a popular gift for Mothers-In-Law, and I'm sure there's a fair few spouses around the world who would gladly oblige given half the chance.