traveltales: Memorable MAYAN RUINS

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

Memorable MAYAN RUINS

Mayan Ruins

In Belize It took almost three hours to travel 18-20 miles through the jungle to the Mayan Ruins of Caracol. Although the road was like wet clay the young driver avoided getting stuck. Because an early rainy season had arrived the archeologists had left the site two weeks early.

Caracol is the most extensive known Mayan ruins in Belize. A five square mile clearing in the thick jungle comprises a Classic Period complex that includes pyramids and an astronomical observatory. The most visually striking structure was Caana, sky palace, a temple towering 136 feet above the plaza floor. The central plaza was linked by causeways to a number of other ruins.

While only a small portion of these ruins had been excavated at that time, it took over three hours to tour the site on a hot humid day. Archeological finds here are expected to result in a much better understanding of the Mayan social structure and may help determine what led to the dissolution of the civilization.

The very steep steps led up to the sky house, but the view from the top was worth the climb. It was a great temptation to sit on my butt and bounce down the steps---but I refrained and used sort of a bounce step to return to ground level. The capital of the Mayan civilization for many years, it is estimated that 180,000 people lived here. The society hit its cultural zenith between 500-600 AD.

The Mayans arrived from the north and east in about the third century AD. They constructed towering pyramids, engineered needle-straight highways and very accurate astronomical friezes.

They flourished for five centuries and then mysteriously disappeared---all five hundred years before Columbus!

A 1993 National Geographic documentary of the ancient Mayan civilization was filmed at Caracol.

This was my first, but by no means last journey through the jungle or to visit Mayan ruins.

I think the first of anything is usually the most memorable and easily recalled one.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.