Are you tired of visiting Mexico yet? Too bad if you are because we still have a long way to go. These are the last batch of photos from our visit to Chichen Itza.
This photo is from the wall of skulls now being restored. An interesting note: upper class babies had boards strapped to their heads at birth to flatten their skulls. Why they did this no one seems to know. Either they thought it aesthetically pleasing or perhaps they thought it “expanded” the mind? (Those are my own interpretations and not those of our guide.) Either way, yet another reason not to be part of Mayan upper class.
The Temple of Warriors is one of the largest structures here. Unfortunately, like most of the other structures at Chichen Itza, access is no longer permitted.
At the top of the staircase, a standard-bearer still holds his hands together to accept a flag.
Its carved pillars still stand tall.
Hundreds of columns and pillars stretch out into the jungle. At one time they may have supported a roof of wooden beams and palm leaves.
On other structures serpents still are very much present on staircases, their sinuous bodies carved in stone.
On our way to the last structure we will visit, we meet a local resident soaking up the heat of the day. It certainly will not be the last iguana we see in Mexico!
And, last but not least, we come to the Observatory where Mayans tracked heavenly bodies through narrow slits in its dome. It is the only structure here that you are allowed to climb up the stairs to, although you are not allowed inside. The stairs were steep and not suited for fast climbing. Since the Mayans were short people they must have had to take at least two strides on each step.
A close-up of the relief carving above the doorway.
That concludes our tour of Chichen Itza and I hope you’ve enjoyed your visit! It truly is one of the Wonders of the World.
Stay tuned for the next entry and join me as I swim with the dolphins!
Posted by Lynne on 02/15/2008 at 05:43 AM
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Daily Life •
Travels Beyond New Jersey