Tulum, Mexico
December, 2011
Day Seventy-Five, Friday, December 9 Tulum, Mexico
Today was another memorable day. We docked at 10am on Cozumel, an island of the coast of Mexico. From there, we took a 30min ferry ride to mainland Mexico, where we took a bus ride to Tulum, an ancient Mayan ruin site. Our tour guide, Manuel, was fascinating. He had many stories about the way that the ancient Mayans used to live, and where they came from.
Tulum was an important trade centre for the ancient Mayans, as it was on a cliff and on the point on the Yucutan peninsula. It was the home of the elite, the kings, the priests and the merchants. We saw the temples where people were sacrificed by having their hearts ripped out, before being pushed down the steps and skinned. The priest would then dress up in the skin and dance on the altar, to appease the Mayan gods and protect the earth from dying.
The temple was on a cliff. At the base of the cliff was a beautiful beach, which we were able to swim in. This is the site of the second biggest coral reef in the world. We spent two hours exploring the historic site with all its ruins and well preserved gardens. There were big iguanas everywhere which just added to the entire wonderful experience. It was spectacular to see the way that the Mayans lived thousands of years ago. They really were an advanced society much like the romans.
We had real Mexican tacos for lunch in the neighbouring town. They were delicious.
Today was another memorable day. We docked at 10am on Cozumel, an island of the coast of Mexico. From there, we took a 30min ferry ride to mainland Mexico, where we took a bus ride to Tulum, an ancient Mayan ruin site. Our tour guide, Manuel, was fascinating. He had many stories about the way that the ancient Mayans used to live, and where they came from.
Tulum was an important trade centre for the ancient Mayans, as it was on a cliff and on the point on the Yucutan peninsula. It was the home of the elite, the kings, the priests and the merchants. We saw the temples where people were sacrificed by having their hearts ripped out, before being pushed down the steps and skinned. The priest would then dress up in the skin and dance on the altar, to appease the Mayan gods and protect the earth from dying.
The temple was on a cliff. At the base of the cliff was a beautiful beach, which we were able to swim in. This is the site of the second biggest coral reef in the world. We spent two hours exploring the historic site with all its ruins and well preserved gardens. There were big iguanas everywhere which just added to the entire wonderful experience. It was spectacular to see the way that the Mayans lived thousands of years ago. They really were an advanced society much like the romans.
We had real Mexican tacos for lunch in the neighbouring town. They were delicious.