Welcome to the Jungle

First stop, La Lancha. It's one of three resorts owned by the same owner (Francis Ford Coppola) and is outside of Peten, Guatemala. It sits above a large natural lake about the size of Lake Coeurd'Alene. Can't beat a hammock outside your front door.

Our first day out was to Yaxha. A famous Mayan site that was occupied from 600 BC (that's right, I said BC) to 900 AD. The site has more than 500 structures. We were absolutely blown away by the huge scale of these buildings and the amazing achievement of the Mayan people to build something so lasting.

Here we were feeling like we were at the top of the world! Imagine how the Mayans felt so long ago, it's no wonder they thought they were pretty amazing stuff. I decided I'd flex, to show my toughness, since I was at the top of the jungle and all. :) There was a monkey must've been curious and decided to swing in the tree parallel to us. Everything in this place seemed like it was straight out of the movies. Just incredible.



Howler Monkeys and Spider Monkeys were pretty common to see. When we first started heading into the jungle on the trail, we heard a group of howler monkeys fighting over something. Our guide said it was most likely just a spat over territory. The sound is so intimidating, they really do sound fierce. I'm bummed, because I have video and couldn't get it to load to the blog... I'll keep trying, the sound really is amazing.

I was so surprised to see this sprite in a bottle. It brought back memories of my Grandma's homemade rootbeer. She would save old glass bottles and use them again and again. Our guide had a couple of local guys carry up big heavy coolers to the top of one of the towers for us. It was funny because all of us were out of breath from climbing to the top but then got spoiled with drinks and cold rags. Meanwhile, these two locals did the climb with a relative piano on their backs; but no drinks for them. Looking back I should've offered them mine. This was just my first experience noticing the inequality that I soon became very aware of on this trip. It didn't seem fair, and I guess lots of things never will be. I haven't figured out what to do about it yet, but I do know that I feel very thankful for my blessings and feel motivated to help out where I can.

Sunset view from the top of Temple 219 in Yaxha