Posts from ‘June, 2010’

When my husband and I were visiting Xcaret, we decided to do the Swimming with the Dolphins tour. It was a remarkable experience. We were split into a group of six people. As soon as we got in, the dolphins were already swimming around us playfully.

Our first activity with the dolphins was the jump. Dolphins jump right over us. Next each of us got to experience the footpush. This is where two dolphins push the swimmer from the feet. Below is my experience in photo.

Our other tour journey was to the Mayan Walled City of Tulum. It is located on the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Tulum is the Mayan word for fence or wall. One side is protected by steep sea cliffs and on the land side is a tall wall. Like other Mayan cities, Tulum has many spectacular buildings. Also in the central precinct is the Castillo, which is 7.5 m (25 ft) tall.

Tulum became a very prominent trading port of the Maya during the late Postclassic.

In addition, to the main El Castillo, we explored the Great Ball Court in the northwest of the Castillo. It is considered the largest ball court in ancient Mesoamerica, measuring 166 by 68 meters (545 x 223 feet). The imposing walls are 12 meters (39 ft) high, and in the center, high up on each of the long walls, are rings carved with intertwining serpents. At the base of the high interior walls are slanted benches with sculpted panels of teams of ball players. In one panel, one of the players has been decapitated and from the wound emits seven streams of blood; six become wriggling serpents and the center becomes a winding plant.

Recently I went on a honeymoon to Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. My husband and I stayed at a resort called Sun Palace. This is an all-inclusive resorts which makes it easy to decide what to eat and what activities to do. One of the tours included in our stay was for a visit to an old Mayan City, Chichen Itza. Chichen Itza in the Mayan language means “at the mouth of the well of Itza.” A Bus driver and tour guide picked our group up in the morning. It was a 2 1/2 hour drive to Chichen Itza, which is in the Yucatan Peninsula. During the drive you notice jungle like terrain, with lowlands and what look like fertile soil.