Chichen Itza
First the guide, proudly of Mayan decent, pointed out that the correct pronunciation is not "Chiken Itsa". So as you board the bus to one of the worlds premier architectural wonders you are given a quick lesson in linguistic acrobatics. For the first twenty minutes on the bus you keep repeating to yourself " Chi...chn it's... a" or "Cha... chin Ets'a" or was it really "Cha...ching"
as they keep rolling more and more tourist toward Chichen Itza.
( map 0f Chichen Itza www. internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/chichen/chichen_index.html)
Our particular bus had a professor of Mayan Culture who gave a very lengthy discourse on not only Mexican and Mayan history but also gave his interpretation of how United States history and politics influenced Mexico. There was a very long history of Mayan civilization he stated. Chichen Itza was populated from around 500 AD until approximately 1300. With a 100 year absents of population around 900AD. No one understands why. The Mayan calender was of prime interest of this professor and he went on in detail of how and why it was developed. By the way, the calender ends in 2012. As we passed through a small village with thatched cover roofs and iguanas sunning on top of stone walls, my ears wondered from our Mayan professor to the sounds of a snoring passenger that had likely had a bit too much tequila the night before. It was a long bus ride and even though it was October it was still very hot and humid. I tried to enjoy the sights of the Yucatan
We finally arrived about mid morning. The sun was already high in the sky. We should have
had hats and sun block. Small children surrounded me wanting to sell their wood carvings and trinkets. Some of these were actually well done. One child approached me, " Senor, only 2 peso, only 25 cents American ", or " I'll trade you this carving for your tennis shoes". What a deal, my Nike Air's for a peso's worth of touristy junk. It was probably made in China. Elderly woman set up tables under the trees trying to obtain a little relief from the sun. Though you can feel the desperation I did my best to ignore the kids with trinkets and the elderly woman selling cloth strips and ribbon. I focused on the wonder of this Wonder of the World. Although we only had time to see a small portion of this ancient city i
t was still evident that it was huge by any standard of history. The first structure that catches your eye is the great stone pyramid, El Castillo. Steps from the ground to the top of the structure made me wounder how the Mayans, who were of such small stature, were able to manage such high steps. In today's world it would be a law suite waiting to happen. " So Mr. High Priest why did you say there were no hand rails on these steps?". I took photos from every angle. Some with the sun behind the pyramid, some with sun's illumination and some with trees in the foreground. One out of the hundred was so great I use it as wallpaper on my desk top computer.
Large serpent carvings adorn the entryway to the jaw dropping panoramic ball court, Chaac-Mool. Here Mayan men played for life or death. This ball game was played with the spectators perched on top of the 30 foot ( my guesstimate) high stone walls of the playing field. The looser literally lost his head. Carvings of the event are still well preserved on the outer walls, as are many more carvings depicting the Mayan way of life. At the end of the ball court is a smaller temple. Now most of the stone structures and walls are bare. Our guide pointed out a small section that still gave a glimpse into the vibrant colors that once were. A short walk and you are witness to a large alter sitting high on its temple with 1000 columns standing watch. I didn't actually count them but I'll take the guide's word. The alter is craved stone of such beauty that it is difficult to believe that it was used for human sacrifice. I over heard a tourist explaining to a friend that the people sacrificed were treated well because these were family and friends. "What? So if you gon'a kill me , being nice about it makes okay? Really?". While there the guides try to play down the sacrifice stuff but then they let it slip, if you walk down this jungle trail about a 1/4 mile you will come to a large hole in the ground the scared Cenote. Here young virgins, bad kids, the sick and others were "lovingly" dropped to their deaths 70 feet below. As the Spanish invaded the territory they killed many of the Mayan priest and burned most of their books so much of the culture was lost.
Much of the site is still under restoration. I look forward to my next visit when I expect great improvements of this historical site.
The bus ride back to Progresso was much quicker. I slept the entire way. Before you visit Chichen Itza remember go early morning. You will beat the crowds and the heat. Also, remember to bring sun block, hats and an extra $5.00 dollars if you bring in a video camera. Don't let the long bus trip stop you from seeing this magnificent place and if you can, stay over night at one of the near by hotels.
( you can access more photos by clicking on the photo at the bottom of the page)
First the guide, proudly of Mayan decent, pointed out that the correct pronunciation is not "Chiken Itsa". So as you board the bus to one of the worlds premier architectural wonders you are given a quick lesson in linguistic acrobatics. For the first twenty minutes on the bus you keep repeating to yourself " Chi...chn it's... a" or "Cha... chin Ets'a" or was it really "Cha...ching"
as they keep rolling more and more tourist toward Chichen Itza.
( map 0f Chichen Itza www. internet-at-work.com/hos_mcgrane/chichen/chichen_index.html)
Our particular bus had a professor of Mayan Culture who gave a very lengthy discourse on not only Mexican and Mayan history but also gave his interpretation of how United States history and politics influenced Mexico. There was a very long history of Mayan civilization he stated. Chichen Itza was populated from around 500 AD until approximately 1300. With a 100 year absents of population around 900AD. No one understands why. The Mayan calender was of prime interest of this professor and he went on in detail of how and why it was developed. By the way, the calender ends in 2012. As we passed through a small village with thatched cover roofs and iguanas sunning on top of stone walls, my ears wondered from our Mayan professor to the sounds of a snoring passenger that had likely had a bit too much tequila the night before. It was a long bus ride and even though it was October it was still very hot and humid. I tried to enjoy the sights of the Yucatan
We finally arrived about mid morning. The sun was already high in the sky. We should have
had hats and sun block. Small children surrounded me wanting to sell their wood carvings and trinkets. Some of these were actually well done. One child approached me, " Senor, only 2 peso, only 25 cents American ", or " I'll trade you this carving for your tennis shoes". What a deal, my Nike Air's for a peso's worth of touristy junk. It was probably made in China. Elderly woman set up tables under the trees trying to obtain a little relief from the sun. Though you can feel the desperation I did my best to ignore the kids with trinkets and the elderly woman selling cloth strips and ribbon. I focused on the wonder of this Wonder of the World. Although we only had time to see a small portion of this ancient city i
t was still evident that it was huge by any standard of history. The first structure that catches your eye is the great stone pyramid, El Castillo. Steps from the ground to the top of the structure made me wounder how the Mayans, who were of such small stature, were able to manage such high steps. In today's world it would be a law suite waiting to happen. " So Mr. High Priest why did you say there were no hand rails on these steps?". I took photos from every angle. Some with the sun behind the pyramid, some with sun's illumination and some with trees in the foreground. One out of the hundred was so great I use it as wallpaper on my desk top computer.Large serpent carvings adorn the entryway to the jaw dropping panoramic ball court, Chaac-Mool. Here Mayan men played for life or death. This ball game was played with the spectators perched on top of the 30 foot ( my guesstimate) high stone walls of the playing field. The looser literally lost his head. Carvings of the event are still well preserved on the outer walls, as are many more carvings depicting the Mayan way of life. At the end of the ball court is a smaller temple. Now most of the stone structures and walls are bare. Our guide pointed out a small section that still gave a glimpse into the vibrant colors that once were. A short walk and you are witness to a large alter sitting high on its temple with 1000 columns standing watch. I didn't actually count them but I'll take the guide's word. The alter is craved stone of such beauty that it is difficult to believe that it was used for human sacrifice. I over heard a tourist explaining to a friend that the people sacrificed were treated well because these were family and friends. "What? So if you gon'a kill me , being nice about it makes okay? Really?". While there the guides try to play down the sacrifice stuff but then they let it slip, if you walk down this jungle trail about a 1/4 mile you will come to a large hole in the ground the scared Cenote. Here young virgins, bad kids, the sick and others were "lovingly" dropped to their deaths 70 feet below. As the Spanish invaded the territory they killed many of the Mayan priest and burned most of their books so much of the culture was lost.
Much of the site is still under restoration. I look forward to my next visit when I expect great improvements of this historical site.
The bus ride back to Progresso was much quicker. I slept the entire way. Before you visit Chichen Itza remember go early morning. You will beat the crowds and the heat. Also, remember to bring sun block, hats and an extra $5.00 dollars if you bring in a video camera. Don't let the long bus trip stop you from seeing this magnificent place and if you can, stay over night at one of the near by hotels.
( you can access more photos by clicking on the photo at the bottom of the page)
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