Cahal Pech

So, did you know that there are more Mayan ruins in Belize than modern buildings? Craziness!

So yesterday Stephanie (from Miami), Sarah (from UK), Kirsty (Maritimer) (other volunteers) along with us, went up to Cahal Pech. It was about a 15 minute walk up this super muddy slippery hill (what is said to be the oldest road in the Cayo District). There is a small information booth with some pottery pieces, and a dead body and the like... We ended up with a very enthusiastic tour guide who is "addicted to anthropology like others are addicted to drugs or alcohol". On top of all the theories that exist in regards to Cahal Pech, he also taught us a lot about local, natural medicine. He showed us about three trees that they use to cleanse themselves, or be super strong (the cedar tree).
He offered various theories and hypotheses about the site. Cahal Pech in one language (don't ask us which!) means Place of Ticks because it was surrounded by tick infested cattle. However, in another language is refers to something about this place of royalty. He showed us various things that supported each theory.

Anyways, it was really interesting. We're now thinking of all the other things we should do and see! We've got a few other volunteers that will probably be touring around with us - yay!

The oldest Mayan building in Latin America (or something like that). It was built in 1200 BC. You'll also notice a close up on some shapes - this is the representation of the jaguar - the sacred animal of the Mayans. This is the top two floors of the structure, they did not excavate the bottom seven floors.

A scenic shot at the highest point of the ruins. (Our guides theory tells us that this is where the leader would come to address his people)

Here are some more pictures of the ruins:


Talk to you later!

Safe Arrival in Belize

Hello Everyone!

So - we made it to Belize - yay! Our "shuttle" - ie. 1800 era jetta - did not make it to San Ignacio. In fact it made it about 30 minutes, then we chilled out on the side of the road. (see pics). A truck of random guys showed up and they pulled us down the highway with a rope, then went behind us and pushed us. All of this got the car to drive on its own for another half hour. Then his brother showed up and dragged us with a chain.. gave up on that. So, we got in the not-so-sketchy car of the brother who brought us to San Ignacio.

Day 1: Shuttle to San Ignacio

Our 1800s Jetta - on the side of the highway. (The smell in the car was the best part)

On The Side of the road (Still)

Our shuttle driver and his wife with Lee

Nancy in the Shuttle
Lovin' the broken down car

Lee in the Shuttle

Sketchy!

Our humble abode - 19th century tiki hut - is definitely not 5star quality. First thing we did - mosquito net and get a door (by door i mean curtain) to separate the bathroom from the kitchen. Wee! (Lee leaves the curtain open and whistles when he goes to the bathroom.. hehe). It's one of 10 guest huts on the property. You go down a super bumpy and full of puddles road to get there... and it's surrounded by trees so at about 5am we had the loudest wake-up call ever from all the birds.

It was a little bit of a sketchy first day in Belize, but everyone seems nice and safe.
Anyways, check out our pictures and talk to you soon!

Pre-Departure Posting

Well Friends and Family - hopefully this is our blog and how you will see what we are doing while we're in Belize!
We are in the process of packing, which really means, making a big fat mess in Lee's room. Yay!

This message is just to test how this goes up and if we can post pictures easily.

Please send us comments on our blog throughout the trip - also, always feel free to email us!

Nancy & Lee

*smile*