XUNANTUNICH
Wet warm weather here in San Ignacio while back in Worcester VT the high today is -6 and the low is -15 ad below 0 for the next week. We certainly picked the right time to go! Today we are off to see the ruins of Xunantunich in San Jose Succroz.
We were going to take the bus to the hand cranked ferry across the river and then walk the 1/2 mile to the ruins but Patti splurged on a taxi for us for US$12 which took across the ferry and right up to the site.
We rode ten miles west of San Ignacio to within 3 miles of the Guatemalan border where we joined a queue of crs for the ferry
We had a bit of a wait at the ferry as only four cars can fit on it and we took the time to browse the native crafts for sale at the ferry landing. I have my eye on a Mayan Calendar that is etched on a circular peice of slate and found one that has both the month glyphs and day glyphs on it but am hesitant to buy it now and lug it around with me for 2 1/2/more weeks.
The ferry is hand cranked across the river on a cable, the passengers stand in front of the cars. There are armed soilders here to protect the tourists from thieves who cross the border from Guatemala
We paid our BZ$10 each and entered the ruins where we walked up a small hill and entered one of the plazas surrounded on 4 sides by stone structures. Off to the South towered ‘El Castillo”, the castle, a temple that rises 130 feet above the plaza. Jakobi immediately wanted to climb it but first we checked out some of the smaller structures. Like the ruins at Cachel Pech these ruins are only partially dug out of the tree covered hillsides they have become over 1000 years.
The site sits on top of a hill so it has a commanding view of the countryside.
On the East and West sides of ElCastillo are two friezes of Mayan Glyphs, plaster recreations to protect the originals which are behind them. Jakobi likes climbing the temples and exploring the secret passages.
From the top we had an impressive view of the whole complex and the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside and a glimpse into Guatemala. We lingered while groups with guides came and went, eating lunch and watching a troop of howler monkeys gambol through the tree tops below us. Ambiana and Jakobi really liked seeing the monkeys.
Once we descended Ambiana wanted to play hide and seek among the chambers at the base of the temple. The girls all decided that they liked Cahel Pech better but I really like the big temple and the view from the top.
On the way out we found 4 stelle under and enclosure and I finally got to see some original Mayan glyphs.
We took a few dance videos through out the site and on the walk back to the ferry got caught in a downpour and were absolutely soaked. At least it was warm rain.
We rode the local bus back to San Ignacio where I succeeded in getting $$ out of an ATM and then bought some pasta for tonights Cheesy Mashed Potato Pasta dinner.
DOGS OF SAN IGNACIO
We lounged back at our campground, the girls playing with the dogs, me reading, Colleen and Patti playing cards. Patti said goodbye, tomorrow she is heading to CayeCaulker for 3 days of diving. while we head south to Hopkins for hopefully a week of beach side living.
After dinner Collen went into town for some Afro-Dance aerobics while the girls and I played Phase 10. Ambiana and Jakobi facetimes Gaelen earlier today. We have gotten off our screen free vacay and are also not on starvation diet as markets and stores are close by
