THE OCEAN POSSE WELCOMES THE ATLANTIC POSSE
THE OCEAN POSSE CROSSES OCEANS
& WELCOMES THE ATLANTIC POSSE
The Ocean Posse crosses oceans. Beginning with Season 8 in June 2024, the Ocean Posse welcomed the Panama Posse. And now, beginning on October 1, 2024, the Ocean Posse extends its most jubilant welcome to the Atlantic Posse. This means all marinas and perks work across Posses: Atlantic Posse perks extend to Ocean Posse perks and Ocean Posse perks extend to the Atlantic. Zulip will have areas for all members to communicate in an organized manner. There will continue to be a LineAp discussion group and weekly call for location specific cruising.
OPENING YOUR BOAT BACK UP AFTER BEING AWAY
OPENING YOUR BOAT BACK UP AFTER BEING AWAY:
How to Combat Mold, Mildew, or Vermin
Many Ocean Posse members will put their boat 'up' at some point throughout the year whether it is to leave for an overland trip, leave to avoid hurricane or cyclone season, or just to take a break for a bit. We shared, "Laying upon the hard or in the water: Details to Consider" by Rob Murray in the April 1, 2023 Newsletter. (https://oceanposse.com/fleet-update-2023-04-01/) Now it is time to address the other side of this coin: Opening your boat back up after being away...and dealing with what is there. Specifically what options are available to combat mold, mildew, or vermin that may have made themselves comfortable in your absence.
MOLD AND MILDEW:
Mold and Mildew can and will attach themselves to many different surfaces on a vessel particularly in warm or humid environments and when left unattended.. Returning to mold and mildew after being gone, there are a number of different options to employ depending on the surface, your product preference, and your cruising plans:
- SPRAYS FOR HARD AND SOFT SURFACES to rid and prevent: There are a variety of sprays available to make with basic household products such as borax, baking soda, vinegar, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, bleach and of course there are a multitude of sprays one can purchase for specific hard or soft surfaces. The most general purpose spray used about SV WHIRLWIND is 1:3 parts water and white vinegar with 10 drops of either tea tree oil or four thieves oil. With the spray of choice, one can use a microfiber cloth to wipe down all hard or soft surfaces with this spray. The key is to pick your product and use it because any mold or mildew that is not killed or cleaned off will continue to grow.
- ELIMINATE WATER ENTRY: If any mold or mildew is due to water intrusion, it is best to deal with it. Water is best to float in not to let it.
- DEHIMIDIFY AND/OR CIRCULATE FRESH AIR: Many cruisers will leave a dehumidifier running in their absence if they are able to and many still will run a dehumidifier once they are back on board as well. Dehumidifiers use a bit of power but will give you a jumpstart on freshening up the indoor air environment if the boat has been closed up for a while. Additionally or alternatively there is dampness in the air at all times so encouraging air circulation will move the moisture in the air along. Ideally, you want the air inside the ship to be replaced at least every hour. Ventilation systems can be installed that pull air in and exhaust air out. Alternatively, to improve circulation of fresh air open all hatches and consider fans or a windscoop to get the air flowing through the boat.
- SUN TIME: Many fabrics that have been folded and stored for a long period of time will benefit from simply airing out in the fresh air and sunshine. Consider this for pillows, bedding, towels, etc...
- IONIZATION: For boat owners with air conditioning systems, one can circulate ions in the system that are said to help eliminate mold spores in the air being circulated.
VERMIN like cockroaches, , mice/rats, or weevils:
Yuck, no one likes to think about these uninvited guests and yet at some point everyone has to contend with them. Specifically, I am thinking of weevils, cockroaches, and/or mice. Thankfully there are a depending on the severity of the problem there are a variety of options.
- GIVE BOAT A DEEP CLEAN: Clean boats are less attractive to vermin: there are less hiding places, nesting places, and it is easier to see evidence of their presence on a clean boat. Keep alert all season for evidence of vermin. Be on the lookout for droppings, gnawed or damaged packaging and/or wires, finely shredded material in an odd place, and listen for unusual scampering sounds at night. Once they are observed be quick to remove food source/s, entry/exit points/nesting material, trap or otherwise remove them from your boat.
- DO NOT BRING THEM ONBOARD: These pests like to find ways onboard. Do not let them. Weevils like grains so carefully choose fresh grains and keep them moving through your galley not sitting in your stores. Cockroaches like hiding in fruits and vegetables and cardboard boxes so monitor these items as they come aboard. Cockroaches lay eggs in cardboard so keep this off the boat. Cockroaches, mice, and rats can crawl up docklines so some people put borax around cleats to discourage them from go to the docklines.
- ELIMINATE FOOD SOURCE: This is important for all vermin. If they have a food source they will thrive. Remove any food with weevils in it and remove or properly store in lock tight storage bins food that is only meant for human or pet consumption.
- REMOVAL: COCKROACH SPECIFIC: There are many options for eliminating these vermin. Most involve chemicals and or traps. The most effective way to eliminate cockroaches onboard SV WHIRLWIND has been with cockroach gel. Think about where they travel and put the gel on or near their travel paths or where they have been sighted. Do no put the gel anywhere it can get on people's hands casually or in human or pet food. Like mice and rats, cockroaches use their shoulder and a wall or edge to navigate so their paths will follow these when they can. Once cockroaches are gone, bay leaves in food lockers and spice cabinets are said to be a non-toxic cockroach deterrent.
- REMOVAL: MICE/RAT SPECIFIC: If there are mice or rats aboard consider borrowing a cat or dog for a bit. If that is not possible, traps are the next best step. There are live traps and snap traps. If using a live trap be sure to release the mouse very far from your vessel. If a snap trap is used look for their pathways and put it in their path so they almost have to run over it. Tempt them with peanut butter or something sticky. Like cockroaches, mice and rats use their shoulder and a wall or edge to navigate so their paths will follow these when they can. If traps do not work, consider alternate methods of removal. When choosing this final method, it is important to consider your environment, and the safety of everyone nearby. Poisons are the last resort because they are known to not only kill the mouse or rat but can harm or kill another animal that eats the infected vermin.
OVERSEAS AND ONLINE: PASSPORT RENEWAL & VOTING
OVERSEAS AND ONLINE: USA PASSPORT RENEWAL & VOTING
As a US citizen, passports and voting rights are very important. Both can be kept up to date from afar...here's how:
After a two month beta trial, The United States Department of State has recently announced that Americans can now renew their passports online. This is new and additional staff has been hired to process the online system. The two caveats are for using this service: You must be located in the United States and your passport may not be expired by over 5 years. As of now, it is unclear if this new avenue of renewal will speed up the process overall or not. We will have to wait and see.
Americans have elections coming up locally and nationally. Are you registered to vote? Do you know that US Citizens living abroad can register to vote from overseas?
There are several online resource to help US citizens understand how to register to vote and vote from wherever they are when the time comes. Some useful sites include:
- https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/welcome-overseas-vote-from-abroad
- here you can learn all about overseas voting, what it means and terminology.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/28/smarter-living/american-vote-from-abroad.html
- here you can learn how to register and vote overseas
- https://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter
- here you can register to vote from overseas and directly link to your state site with your registration and state specific options
- https://www.votefromabroad.org/
- Here you can also register or see a very clear state by state graphic of state voting acceptance procedure.
SUN POWERED YACHTS SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE
☀️ SUN POWERED YACHTS ☀️
⛵SPONSORS THE OCEAN POSSE⛵
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We are exited and pleased to sponsor the Panama Posse with a special 10% discount off SunPower solar panel bundles. Just use promocode PANAMAPOSSE at checkout www.sunpoweredyachts.com/shop and start enjoying clean & quiet solar aboard your boat.
We also offer free consultations so please email or call and let us help you go solar today. PRODUCTS
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Sun Powered Yachts
T: +1 808 825 2670
Lyall is from the UK and has travelled to 50 countries backpacking and sailing. With a background in Hospitality and Event Management he found sailing in 2004 has logged over 55,000 miles and qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.
Katie is from Maine and has been working in the solar industry in Hawaii for over a decade, most recently for Sunspear Energy. Her knowledge of solar products and system design will be an asset to your yacht’s system. |
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Based on our time and experience sailing, on short trips and living at sea, we have created a Power Usage Chart below. You can see more details on what each system could power on your weekend or live aboard sailing adventure. Create your own power usage table and see what your power needs are aboard your own yacht then choose the number of solar panels accordingly |
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SV REMEDY DOUBLES BACK OVERLAND TO NICARAGUA
SV REMEDY DOUBLES BACK OVERLAND TO NICARAGUA
WARNING: Do not read while hungry or thirsty (for Rum or Adventure)
Karl and Natalie Leibensperger, from SV REMEDY, are currently exploring Nicaragua overland from Costa Rica and shares some details and highlights of their experiences along the way:
Due to time constraints we were not able to visit the Port of Puesta Del Sol in Northern Nicaragua but instead headed directly to Costa Rica. While staying in Marina Papagayo we planned a 10 day trip to Nicaragua with Va Pues Travel. The company organizes custom private tours of Nicaragua. Our trip started with a transfer from Liberia to Peñas Blancas. There are several transfer companies and the prices range from $85 to $120 each way. We used Best Ride Costa Rica, +506 8629 0242 with a rate of $85 each way. The transfer takes about 90 minutes. It is a pretty interesting drive north to the border. The craziest thing is that there is 9km of backed up semi trucks that wait days to get into Nicaragua. We drove most of the 9km on the wrong side of the road swerving in and out of traffic. It made for an eventful ride.
Once at the border the Costa Rican immigration office is within a few steps of where your transfer is able to drive. Our English speaking border agent took our passports, instructed us to pay our exit taxes at a bank machine ($8 US PP) and then once paid he stamped our passports and sent us on our way towards Nicaragua. There is a marked walkway to the border and the entire walk is about 300 meters. Before getting to the Nicaraguan immigration office you must show your passport to an official at a check point. They are looking for your exit stamp from Costa Rica. The Nicaragua immigration office is a huge blue and white building, really impossible to miss. You will need $1 US PP cash to get in the door. Once inside, the immigration official will need your passport, your hotel name, and your profession. The cost is $13 US PP in cash. They will give you two official papers that are needed to exit the country. Once this is completed all luggage is placed through an X-ray machine and then you are on your way. Welcome to Nicaragua!
We had a tour guide waiting for us but there is an Enterprise Car Rental at the Nicaraguan border. I'll add that there is also one on the Costa Rican Border also. Our first stop was Rivas, here we caught a very crowded transport ferry to Ometepe Island.
After the return ferry ride back to Rivas we moved on to the Capital City of Granada. We stayed at the Hotel Plaza Colon, which is a beautifully refurbished colonial house overlooking Granada's Central Park. Bring your bathing suit to cool off in their wonderful center court pool.
On the drive to Granada we stopped in Catarina for a ceramic pottery factory tour. The indigenous population has handed down this artwork to the current generation and it is their main livelihood in this area. The pottery in some of the shops is very detailed and exquisite. We did buy several pieces for our home in Florida.
distance is Lake Nicaragua. The picture was taken from the city of
Catarina, which is famous for their handmade pottery. The pottery is
absolutely beautiful. We purchased quite a few pieces that will be
shipped to the US.
Granada is a Colonial City with a rich history. If you visit Granada I highly recommend having a city tour, as without a guide I would not have learned as much of her History. Since it was so hot we cheated on our walk and hired a horse and carriage for $20. I told Karl it was the best $20 I've spent in a long time. An interesting stop was at a tile factory that has been in business since 1905. They make all of the colorful tile around the city, both in buildings and on the sidewalks. They were kind enough to show us their tile making process during our impromptu stop.
Two suggestions.
After two nights in Granada our trip led us to Estili. It is the location of most of the cigar factories in Nicaragua. Karl's goal was to visit the Padron Cigar Factory but to his disappointment they are extremely private and do not have tours. In fact, they do not sell their cigars in Nicaragua. They are all exported. (So, we found a) cigar factory tour in Estili and (found) some good quality cigars to bring back with us.
(We had) an amazing tour of AJ Fernandez Cigar Factory. Mario was our English speaking guide. After working for AJ Fernandez for 7 years, he has learned and is able to explain the cigar process in detail. His background is that he has an Agriculture Degree, so he can answer specific questions about the process that I don't think you would get in other locations. It takes about 5 years and 300 hands to produce one cigar. The facility is enormous and the process is just as complicated as making wine or whiskey. He used those analogies throughout the tour. I was not aware of the detail that goes into each batch of cigars. The tour lasted about an hour and I would rate this as one of our top factory tours. Technically, purchasing cigars is not possible, but in Nicaragua everything is possible. Estili is a bit out of the tourist zone but completely worth the stop.
This is just one of the rooms that processes the tobacco. This is sorting room for the tobacco that becomes the wrapper.
As of this publication, Karl and Natalie are continuing north to Leon, Nicaragua. Karl and Natalie finish by sharing:
As Posse members we are making our way to Flor de Caña hoping to purchase some well aged rum. (Excellent idea!!)
Southern and middle Nicaragua have been beautiful and I am thankful we are able to spend 10 days touring this wonderful country.
Karl & Natalie Leibensperger - 2019 Leopard 45
THANK YOU SV REMEDY FOR SHARING YOUR ADVENTURE ALONG THE WAY!
Ocean Posse Members, please share your stories by sending them to editor@oceanposse.com.
Maurisa, the editor, is always happy to receive your stories and share them out. Together we can inspire one another!
CENTRAL AMERICA CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE FROM SPANISH RULE
MEXICO, GUATEMALA, NICARAGUA, HONDURAS, EL SALVADOR, AND COSTA RICA CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE FROM SPANISH RULE
SEPTEMBER 15TH, 1821
September 15, 1821 honors Mexican Independence and the signing of the Act of Independence of Central America, also known as the Act of Independence of Guatemala in which all these nations declared their independence from the Spanish Empire. (Panama gained their independence separately later in 1821.) This landmark day is celebrated as Independence Day in all of these countries today. Festivities Include flags flying, parades, fireworks, and traditional food, music, and dancing.
Hernan Cortez, arguably had the most dramatic impact of all the Spanish explorers especially in Mexico and Central America. Born to an impoverished noble family, he sought a life of adventure and riches in the New World. He trained as a notary before sailing to Hispaniola (modern day Haiti and Dominican Republic) as a colonist in 1504. After becoming the colony’s notary, he played a key role in the conquest of Cuba in 1511. In 1518 he was elected captain of the third expedition to what is now Mexico. He had some bad relations with the governor of Cuba who upon Cortes' departure attempted to recall the expedition. Cortes ignored this and embarked on the voyage with 500 men, weapons, and horses to conquer Mexico. Upon arrival, he befriended some natives, made enemy's of others, and sired his first born with a native woman named Dona Maria who also served him as an interpreter.
And so it was that in 1519, Spanish conquistador and expedition leader, Hernan Cortés, made landfall with men and horses on the shores of what is now Tabasco, Mexico. He and his forces saw to the demise of the Aztec Empire, made their way inland to Mexico City, and seized power. While the indigenous people resisted mightily, the Spanish were relentless. The diseases and weaponry they brought overtook indigenous populations from Mexico south. Cortés thereby brought a large portion of what is now Mexico, and soon the rest of what is now Central America, under the rule of King Castile. Thus began the first phase of Spanish colonization of the Americas. Cortes' second in command, Pedro de Alvarado was commissioned to settle lands further to the south. One by one, Alvarado colonized the areas that are now known as Guatemala (in 1523), Nicaragua & Costa Rica (in 1524), El Salvador (in 1528), and Honduras (in 1528). These countries, including what is now the state of Chiapas (in 1609) became known as the Captaincy General of Guatemala for which Spain's King Philip III held dominion.
After just over 300 years of Spanish rule, in the early 19th century global changes began to unsettle Spanish power making way for leaders in what is now Central America to declare their independence from Spain. In Europe, Spain was engaged in the Napoleanic wars with took their attention away from their colonies across the Atlantic. Further, with inspiration from Enlightenment thinkers, Mexico's fight for independence from Spain, and the American colonies' independence from England, and the French Revolution, José Cecilio del Valle, a Honduran lawyer, wrote The Act of Independence document bringing together a delegation of leaders from what is now Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras. They gathered in Guatemala city to create and sign the Act of Independence of Guatemala and to achieve sovereignty from Spain.
Soon after this declaration of independence these countries were briefly annexed by the newly independent Mexico. In 1823 delegates gathered again to form a federal republic- the United Provinces of Central America. The delegates drew up a constitution that provided leadership and regional autonomy. Overtime, conflicts arose between the separate nations; the United Provinces of Central America eventually fell apart and the leaders of each distinct nation once more declared their independence.
National celebrations today have grown and can begin before September 15th and go through the month celebrating national pride, independence, culture and heritage.
To read more on this subject this article covers quite a lot: https://shunoutdoor.com/article/why-does-central-america-celebrate-independence-day
This article is for the visual learners among us: https://studylib.net/doc/10144677/independence-movement-latin-america
MUST SEE: Tairo Atoll – French Polynesia
MUST SEE:
Tairo Atoll – French Polynesia –
one of THE SEVEN TUAMOTUS IN THIS UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The Tairo Atoll is part of the UNESCO Tuamotus Biosphere Reserve and was the last of the Tuamotus to be recorded and charted by European explorers. The Biosphere Reserve was established in 1977 and consists of 7 low islands of coral or atoll origin: Aratika, Fakarava, Kauehi, Niau, Raraka, Taiaro, and Toau. These atolls are very different from each other in size, shape, openness to the ocean, population and activities. Its character is unique: there are small closed lagoons such as those of Taiaro and Niau, the former being over-salted while the latter is brackish. And large lagoons open to the ocean such as Fakarava, which has the largest pass in French Polynesia 1,600 metres wide.
The Tairo Atoll is particularly fascinating as it is completely closed off to the ocean. While there may not be any permanent human residents there are many plants, mollusks, and fish. In 2022, a team of adventurous scientists from all over the world led by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology ventured to Taiaro to investigate this unique atoll. The interior lagoon is warmer and saltier than the surrounding ocean making it an interesting laboratory for interdisciplinary scientists studying a broad range of subjects form endemic species, to evolution, to adaptation, to climate change and more. For an accessible explanation of this mission, check out the description and video in this article:
https://www.oist.jp/news-center/news/2023/3/10/tiny-atoll-pacific-ocean-offers-glimpse-warmer-world
According to UNESCO, "Biosphere reserves are ‘learning places for sustainable development’. They are sites for testing interdisciplinary approaches to understanding and managing changes and interactions between social and ecological systems, including conflict prevention and management of biodiversity. They are places that provide local solutions to global challenges. Biosphere reserves include terrestrial, marine and coastal ecosystems. Each site promotes solutions reconciling the conservation of biodiversity with its sustainable use. Tairo is one atoll of 7 in the Biosphere Reserve of the Toamotus. It's inclusion is a testament to the unique and phenomenal ecology of the Atoll. Scientists have found a wide range of species inside an atoll that has only seasonal exchange with the outer ocean and hope that the microcosm of Taiaro may present some insight into adaptations to climate change yet to come.
Atolls are evidence of geologic change and great mystery. Once upon a time volcanic islands erupted out of the ocean. Slowly, coral began to encircle and surround the islands. In the Tuamotus the volcanos sunk, collapsed, and/or eroded away into the ocean leaving a ring of coral surrounding lagoons. The Taiaro atoll is a ring-shaped island built up on an ancient volcano that has sunk into the ocean due to the drift of the Pacific Ocean floor. Taiaro is only visible because of the rim of coral that forms a barrier reef 5 km in diameter around the original volcano. The inside of the atoll has a sandy bottom punctuated with coral heads or 'bommies' that host marine flora and fauna. The landmass of the atoll itself is home to endemic birds mollusks, coconut palms and other plants. The biodiversity is impressive.
Nearby, the Tahanea atoll offers a very different experience from Taiaro in that one can enter the atoll and experience the inside and the outside. Perhaps Tahanea offers a glimpse of what Taiaro may be like.
POSSE PERK: 🗺️3 DAYS OF LEARNING SEMINARS
POSSE PERK: 🗺️3 DAYS OF LEARNING SEMINARS
INCLUDED WITH OCEAN POSSE SIGN UPS
coming up in Safe Harbor, San Diego
October 23-25, 2024 @ Safe Harbor South Bay, San Diego
https://oceanposse.com/events/san-diego-seminar-series/
Sneak a Peak at the Seminars and Schedule...
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23rd, 2024 ● SEMINARS
$ 45 per person x day or FREE
FOR OCEAN ° PANAMA ° SOUTH PACIFIC POSSE PARTICIPANTS
09:00
Cruising down Pacific Mexico
10:00
Water Makers + Plumbing in Paradise
11:30
Diesel Engines & Generators and preventative Maintenance
12:30 LUNCH
Open CPN – installation and integration (PC + MAC )
14:00
Rigging 101 Standing and Running
15:30
Weather Weather Weather – planning – routing – underway
16:30
Crew the good the bad and the ugly
17:00
Destination Costa Rica and Nicaragua
THURSDAY OCTOBER 24th, 2024 ● SEMINARS
09:00
South Pacific – French Polynesia – Cook Islands – Tonga & Fiji
10:00
Safety Security and Emergencies outside the US and what to expect
11:00
Electrical Systems – Batteries, Chargers, Alternators, Solar Panels
12:30 LUNCH
Cruising in Panama + the Panama Canal
14:00
Where and how to repair boats outside the US
15:30
The tropics – Refrigeration, AC, Shading, Airflow + other ways to stay cool
17:00
Destination Colombia, Jamaica & Bay of Islands Honduras
FRIDAY OCTOBER 25th, 2024 ● SEMINARS + PARTY
09:00
Destination Belize & Rio Dulce Guatemala
10:00
Communications onboard, underway and on shore
11:30
The fundamentals of wires, connectors and fuses
12:30 LUNCH
Open CPN – Satellite Charts – Use Cases and Satellite Chart creation
14:00
Chart Accuracy, Navigation Trips and Tricks & Tracking
15:30
Provisioning, Propane and Fuel – where to replenish
17:00 – 21:00 PPPPARTY
MUST SEE: CIUDAD PERDIDA (LOST CITY) COLUMBIA 🇨🇴
MUST SEE: CIUDAD PERDIDA
(LOST CITY) COLUMBIA 🇨🇴
Ciudad Perdida consists of a series of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, a net of tiled roads and several small circular plazas.
Hidden deep in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in northern Colombia sits an archeological site called Ciudad Perdida, the “Lost City”. Built by the Tairona people in 800AD predating Machu Pichu by over 600 years. The Ciudad Perdida archaeological site only became an attraction after it was uncovered in the 1970s.
Los Sepúlveda was a small family of looters in Colombia; their story leads to the beginning of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in modern times. The family went hunting in the forests of Colombia when they shot down a wild turkey. Upon retrieving the turkey, they noticed it had fallen on a piece of an exposed staircase. This staircase would lead them to find La Ciudad Perdida. For years after its discovery by the looters, “Treasures from the site, including gold figures and ceramics, soon began to appear on the black market” Archeologists were alerted to these black market treasures and managed to, with the help of indigenous people who protect their ancestral site, trace themselves to the area in 1976. The area was researched and reconstructed over the next 6 years.
Although La Ciudad Perdida is one of the most impressive sites, it’s not alone, only about 30-40% of the sites in the Sierra Nevada region have actually been explored. Thanks to recent widespread access, more and more of these sites are being discovered, and the search for new lost cities has just begun.
Ciudad Perdida was probably the region’s political and manufacturing center on the Buritaca River and may have housed 2,000–8,000 people.
Named Teyuna by the Tairona but dubbed Ciudad Perdida upon rediscovery, the ancient wonder is perched on hillsides and tucked into a dense rainforest.
CULTURE: An Enchanting Journey Through Time and Space 🇧🇿 BELIZE
CULTURE: An Enchanting Journey
Through Time and Space
BELIZE
Prepare to embark on an enchanting journey through time and space, to a world unlike any other - the mystical and ancient civilization of the Mayans. With their deep-seated beliefs in a pantheon of gods, sacred rites, spiritual gateways, and fascinating traditions, the Mayans offer a captivating and unique experience. Nestled in the heart of Belize, this melting pot of cultures boasts a rich and colorful heritage that is sure to leave you spellbound.
Although the Mayan civilization is shrouded in mystery, its architectural legacy - intricate temples, awe-inspiring artifacts, and fascinating traditions - has withstood the test of time. At its zenith, the Mayan Empire spanned from Mexico to El Salvador, with Belize serving as its epicenter. The Yucatec, Kekchi, and Mopan Maya groups shared similar customs and dialects, contributing to the country's cultural diversity through their dance, traditions, and ancient temples.
Mayan architecture is renowned for its complexity and sophistication, surpassing even that of the ancient Egyptians. The temples and palaces were built with precision and mathematical accuracy, allowing the Mayans to observe and study the stars with great fascination. Today, many of these revered temples remain well-preserved and open for exploration, including Xunantunich, Caracol, and Lamanai.
Exploring Our Temples
Follow the winding path westward, where the land of Belize reveals its ancient secrets. Amongst the verdant forests and sacred hills of this land lies Xunantunich, a sacred site of the Classic Period. Its name, "maiden of the rock" or "stone woman" in the language of the Maya, echoes through the ages, beckoning the curious and the mystically inclined. Though occupying only a modest 300 square meters, its vast periphery spans several kilometers. Behold the grandeur of its main palace, where an astronomical frieze adorns the walls, soaring up to 133 feet, the second tallest temple in all of Belize. Gaze upon the visage of the sun god, etched in intricate detail upon the grand structure. Xunantunich boasts six majestic plazas, 25 temples and palaces, and a museum, drawing travelers from far and wide to bask in its ancient magic.
Venturing deeper into the Chiquibul Forest Reserve of Western Belize, one discovers the enigmatic Caracol, shrouded in mystery and myth. The Spanish word "Caracol," meaning "shell," gives this site its name. It is the largest known Maya site within the country, and its crown jewel is the awe-inspiring "Canaa," or "Sky Place," standing tall at 140 feet. Though accessing the site may prove challenging, the journey is worth it, as the route reveals breathtaking vistas that leave a lasting impression upon the soul.
Further north, amidst the rustling leaves and gentle murmur of the river, lies Lamanai, the "submerged crocodile" of the Maya language. It is one of the largest ceremonial centers of the Maya people, its original name retained across the ages. Explore the remnants of a bygone era, where the echoes of ancient rituals still reverberate through the land. Take a leisurely river cruise, where exotic birds and plants abound, or wind your way through the villages to discover this ancient site. Behold the Christian churches of the 16th century, and the 19th-century sugar mill, remnants of colonial times. Lamanai's vast history spans many centuries, from the Classic Period to the Post Classic, allowing one to witness the evolution of Maya construction techniques over time. Let Lamanai's magic wash over you and transport you to a time of wonder and myth.
Keeping our traditions Alive
The Mayan traditions have been kept alive through the ages, offering a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. The ancient sport of Pok ta Pok, for instance, was a ceremonial ball game played in the courts of temples, and today it is kept alive through reenactments and world cup tournaments.
The Deer Dance, another unique Mayan tradition in Belize, features dancers adorned in intricate costumes and carved wooden masks, performing to the music of a marimba. The dance represents the Mayans' respect for nature and animals and depicts their resistance to Spanish invasion.
Exploring Toledo, the cultural heartland of Belize, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the Mayan's gastronomic heritage. The Mayans revered chocolate as a gift from the gods, imbued with extraordinary power. Embark on a food tour that takes you on a journey to listen to traditional Mayan instruments, grind corn, bake tortillas, or prepare chocolate.
For a more authentic experience, try "Caldo," a traditional soup made from locally raised chicken, indigenous spices, and vegetables, served hot with corn tortillas or "poch" (masa steamed in leaf).
Whether you choose to visit ancient temples, swim beneath majestic waterfalls, or hike through stunning caves, the Mayan world offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Horseback riding through the lush jungles in the Mayan Mountains is another option for a more adventurous experience. The Mayan civilization may have been lost to history, but its people have persevered, preserving their customs, traditions, and religion. Come and immerse yourself in the rich and colorful culture of the Mayans in Belize, and discover a world that is truly enchanting - if you're brave enough!