JulieMariePicsIximche Mayan Ruins
Posted on April 29, 2019
After our visit in Colombia, we went to Guatemala to visit my brother Paul, and his spouse Bev, who live in Antigua, Guatemala. We did some sightseeing by visiting an interesting museum in Guatemala City and later a trip to Lake Atitlan – a volcanic crater lake covering over 50 square miles. On the way to Lake Atitlan we visited the ruins of the ancient Mayan capital city of Iximche . Both links are worth checking out if you wish to know more about the lake or the ruins.
I am fascinated by the advanced culture of the Mayan people. Their building design and construction are incredible as were their very advanced mathematical skills. Iximche is hard to capture in photos, but I hope you get a sense of the mystical power of this place from these pictures.
One of the Mayan “Rosetta Stones” that helped archeologists learn the written language.
Our very knowledgeable Mayan guide showed us how to climb the very narrow space-saving steps.
Our guide also explained the Mayan mathematical symbols that can still be found on the Guatemalan currency.
The compounds of 5-6 clans make up the site, although not all have been excavated. Iximche is at an elevation of over 7000′ with deep ravines surrounding it.
What is left of what would have been a larger structure with wood framing and thatched roof on the top.
Going up.
Iximche is still considered a sacred site by the Mayan people. All of the clan compounds had fire pits for ceremonial purposes. Some – like this one – are still used today.
Flowers growing out of rock always amaze me.
More flowers at the ruins.
Goodby to Iximche.
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Flora
Posted on April 26, 2019
While in Colombia, I did pay attention to the flowers as well as the birds. Here is some of what I saw.
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Birds II
Posted on April 25, 2019
For the Birds
Posted on April 24, 2019
The Colombian National Bird Sanctuary (https://www.aviarionacional.co – click on EN to view the site in English) is the largest bird sanctuary in the Americas. Colombia is home to more bird species than any other country in the world. The 2-hour walk through the aviary is filled with awesome sights and sounds. I will be doing two large posts -mostly without captions . . . because I don’t know the names of all the birds. The photos will be in the order I saw the birds.
Notabird
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Beaches, Palms & Cartagena
Posted on April 23, 2019
Joanne and I had an opportunity to visit Columbia and stay in the beautiful city of Cartagena. Our host was, Carmen, an exchange student from Joanne’s high school days. Carmen is now a trial attorney and her husband, Mauricio, is a retired admiral from the Colombian navy. They graciously provided an apartment for us right on the Caribbean Sea.
Cartagena is a mix of the old walled city and a very modern downtown. There will be more to follow from our visit, but here is a start.
Joanne and Carmen
The Old City (background) and the New from La Popa
Old and New
Earthenwork Fortress
Old City Entrance
Street
Many balconies in the Old City. They reminded me of New Orleans
Old Boomer (like me)
Window
Railing
Pitcher
Fishermen at Rest
Fishermen at Work
Also Fishing
Window 2
Dinner Companion
Windsurfers at Sunset
Palm Reflections in the Pool
