DAY 7: LIVING LIKE A MAYAN

Today we visited the Living Maya Experience in Big Falls, Toledo. As we explored the site, I found that the people here are very interested in preserving the Mayan culture and natural world. I also enjoyed walking their medicinal trail because they had some plants that we have not seen yet. After walking around the site and viewing the various tools that the Mayans used, we partook in a traditional Mayan meal without silverware, so my hands were an array of beautiful colors when we finished. At the second stop, we learned about some of the crafts the Mayans created including baskets, hammocks and palm fans. My perceptions changed today when we spoke with Chris at the Mayan experience and he told us that people aren’t following the traditional customs of the culture. When we drove into town a few days ago, seeing the colorful buildings and the traditional dress made me think that the people are still very “in tune” with their culture, when they really aren’t according to him.

The activity with the greatest significance today was the craft station. I found it interesting that the

daughter has taken over the business and has made it international. Traditionally the father is the one that is in charge of running a business. The duo will be visiting the Smithsonian Museum this summer in Washington, D.C. Perhaps I will pay them a visit! Today I learned (because of the daughter) that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. This young lady only had a 6th grade education because her parents couldn’t afford to send her through the rest of school.

Something that changed my previous thinking was when I found out that one of the plants is used to carry out an abortion. Previously, I thought that this culture did not participate in this activity. Tomorrow I look forward to learning more about the Great Barrier Reef and the Creole people!