The white-suited gentleman lays claim to his favorite bench on the Plaza Mayor, makes a subtle adjustment to his Panama hat (woven in nearby Becal), and settles in for a morning of people watching (the best show in town).

It's Sunday in the heart of Mérida. Foot traffic has replaced cars on the streets surrounding the main plaza and life has retreated, for this one day a week, to a less frenetic, more gracious time.

The gentleman is experienced in the art of people watching.