This is our last full day before returning
to the states. We are actually crossing the border today to go to Guatemala
and visit a site called Tikal. It is the largest discovered ancient
Mayan city. I believe our guide said it was over 30 square miles of
Mayan ruins.
I'm excited to see so many structures and pyramids in one location-
it should really give a great point of reference for everything that we
have seen during our stay here. We are getting a very early start today
because we have a long ride and the border crossing can take some time
as well. It was still dark outside when we woke up- but the birds were
awake and singing. That's one thing I will miss is the sounds here-
during the day there is a constant song of birds and at night the steady
hum of insects and chirping of frogs and lizards. It took a day or two
to get used to the sounds, but now it's a very welcome song to the
rhythm of life here in the rainforest.
Well, on to another great local breakfast and then to our day of
exploring the Mayan city of Tikal.
Well, the trip to Tikal turned out to be a
very long one. It was about three-four hours each way. It was a visually
stunning trip and very mentally intriguing. Truly a great intellectual
experience to see such a huge area that was populated by so many of the
ancient Maya. I will say that I do have a deeper appreciation for the
country of Belize though. Everywhere that we have visited in Belize has
been well preserved even though it isn't roped off. Tikal was quite
different, it was much more "touristy", many of the areas were
fenced off, and there was a lack of respect for the temples that was
scene in a good deal of graffiti carved into the walls of some of the
structures.
It was still a wonderful experience for us with breathtaking sites.
A temple pyramid jutting up through the trees
Our view while standing at the top of one of the temples. You can see
the other temples coming up through the tree canopy below.
Al, seated on the the very steep stairs leading to the top of a
temple
