Upon my return from Mexico I was puzzled with questions, curious to learn more about the Maya history. Having seen the ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum and Coba is one thing, but to truly appreciate them – you need to know the history. And so, I attempted three possible approaches a tourist could take when visiting these historic sites.

My first stop – Chichen Itza. With not much research or language skills I decided to go the easy way and joined an English guided tour. To my luck, the group consisted of 15 Spanish university students, an Argentinean couple, a Canadian couple and a Norwegian girl. For the sake of the Canadians, the guide would briefly go over his long, entertaining, witty Spanish spiel in a few short English words. That is when I realized how important it was to understand Spanish and made all the effort to listen to his animated Spanish speeches followed by laughter, questions and more discussions. At the end of the tour I felt proud and lucky to have been surrounded by non-English speakers. The trip, however, cost me more than its worth.

Second attempt – Tulum. Feeling safer and more comfortable in a foreign land, I decided to take a local bus and explore Tulum on my own. Although the tour came cheaper than its worth, I felt that I did not quite appreciate Tulum’s existence, since I knew nothing of its history.

Finally – Coba. A week into my language course, I had acquired enough Spanish to be able to converse comfortably and to understand the Mexican accent. Hence, I conducted some research on Coba, spoke to a local expert about its history, before venturing into the jungle on my own by a local bus. With no guide rushing me through the ruins, and no tourist groups innocently stepping in front of my camera as I was aiming for a clear shot, this by far, was my best attempt. I saved money, I met locals who openly spoke of their history, I improved my Spanish and I truly appreciated the beauty of Nohoch Mul, the highest pyramid of Yucatan Peninsula.

Everyone has their own travel habits; I found mine while exploring the pyramids and ruins, iand learning their history. For a passer-by it is just a stone, for you it will be ancient history.

In this month I dedicate The Compass to the Latin Lands. Our tour begins in Mexico. Join me as I explore the sacred waters of Mexico, before traveling to a spiritual fiesta with Jennifer. Later, Golden explores the good and the ugly of Iguazu Falls. We then continue our journey to Peru, on a sequel of beautiful landscapes and delicious pachamanca. Our last stop will be Patagonia, a sailing trip filled with questions and awe.

Enjoy!
-Lusine-
The Editor

back to June Issue

SUBSCRIBE to the Compass