Xunantunich!

So to pick up where I left off....we arrived at the official Xunantunich site, which is near a river that we had to ferry across.  The ferry held 2 vehicles and all their occupants (who stood on the ferry) and was hand cranked across by a [very strong] man.

After we crossed the river, it was a mile ride in Mr. Russell's van, we reached the visitor's center and entrance to the site.  It was $10 in Belizean money (about $5 American) to enter.  

A short hike up a steep road brought us to the site of the ruins.  They are incredible!!  Words can't describe the beauty of the place.  The ancient ruins, the green foliage, the brilliant blue sky, the view from the top of hills and valleys...it was breathtaking!  We stopped for a photo op:

L-R: me, D'Elise, Melissa, Chrissy, Dr. Kemppainen

As we walked the site with our tour guide, who taught us about ancient Mayan culture and the specific structures, we noticed monkeys in the trees! 

Can you see him??

The monkey was near the ruin that was once the residence of the royal Mayas.  From there, we walked across the square to the temple.  On the way, there was an iguana sunning itself.  Our guide told us that it is rare to see iguanas on the ground...they are usually in the trees.

Our whole group sat on the steps of the temple for a picture.

Top row: Lisa, me, Cheryna

Bottom row: Melissa, Chrissy, D'Elise, Paige, Dr. K

There are really cool carvings on the side of the temple.  

Each symbol means something and tells a story.

                                                                                                          

We climbed the many, many steep steps all the way to the very top of the

 temple with our guide!  A few of us were (ahem) a bit winded when 

we reached the top.  The view was absolutely spectacular though!

me at the top!!

This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip so far :)

All of us at the top!

L-R: Melissa, Paige, Chrissy, D'Elise, Lisa, me, Cheryna

We descended the temple and toured the ball court where the Mayas played a game that could last for days, weeks, even months.  The winning team would be sacrificed at the top of the temple to the gods.  Yes, that's right.  The WINNING team.  The Mayas believed it was an honor to be sacrificed and go to be with the gods. 

As we were leaving, I stopped for one last picture....

I still can't believe I'm really here!!

We all squeezed back into Mr. Russell's van for the hour long drive home.  We stopped for dinner at Hode's, a favorite of Dr. K's.  We were all starving and exhausted, so it was great getting back to our hotel at last, after a day full of fun and adventure!  :)

I snapped this picture from the van window on 

the way home...a roadside fruit stand.