Unbelievable Mayan Stuff

Hello again,

This trip keeps getting better. In the last two days, we have witnessed two of the most rare, and impressive Mayan ruins that exist. Two days ago we traveled with a Mayan Rasta to a little known cave called "Barton Creek Cave." This cave, basically discovered and explored by our guide David, illustrated the advanced nature and forward thinking that the Mayan culture possessed. We explored the cave in colorful metal canoes, three/four to a canoe, with two people paddling and one person womaning a battery powered spotlight that we act as our eyes in the cave. One would think that the hard part of the tour would be maneuvering the canoes in the cave, but that is an incorrect statement for some; my sister Rebecca and I showed our amazing rowing abilities by getting stuck in multiple stops before reaching the cave. To top that off, we got our first rain of the trip, which made it all the more enjoyable (while also dropping the temperature 20 degrees, making the climate much more bearable).

When we entered the cave, it seemed like a normal cave. However, we quickly learned that this is truly a unique cave. As we floated down the creek, bats flew over our heads and lobsters and catfish swam beneath us. The stalactites and stalagmites were enormous, but the most impressive aspect was how the Mayans utilized the cave. We saw a bridge they built which has withstood 1500 years of beating, as it was made out of materials that are harder and more durable that cement. Pottery shards also scattered the cave, and we even saw half of human skull (which potentially might be an illustration of the brutality of their culture.)

The next Mayan trip we went on was to a massive ruin site called Caracol. This site, only 15% excavated (and recently so), is the massive site of one of the most dominant and successful Mayan people, rivaling only a few groups such as the Tikal in Guatemala. On our hike around the ruins, we learned a lot about the lavishness, social and political hierarchy, and brutality of one of the world's most successful civilizations. When the kings and queens of the Caracol Mayans built temples they didn't hold back. The structures were multiple level, with large chambers for sleeping, massive steps, engravings of animals and gods, and areas for play and social interaction. The temples stood about 136 feet high, the tallest man-made buildings still today in Belize. Standing atop these ruins we felt atop the world.

The lavishness of the kings and queens was also seen in the tombs constructed for them, being just as ornate as the temples (though much more creepy). We also saw the difference between the royal and peasant buildings, showing a distinct division between the people socially and politically. We cannot wait to see what these ruins will look like once they uncover all of what lays beneath the forests surrounding the parts already uncovered.

After exploring Caracol, we went to the most beautiful waterfall and pools where we lounged for hours. One can only explain how beautiful they are in pictures, which you will see soon.

We just got to the islands and Caye Caulker, but my internet time is running out, so check back later and please write comments!