Awakened by birds and later by the screeching of the Howler Monkeys, the lush steamy jungle welcomes us to Chan-Kah. The sweat drips down my forehead as I walk to breakfast. It is hot here! Our breakfast is served overlooking the pool with wonderful Chiapas coffee, fresh fruit, and eggs. A great welcome!
We head off to Palenque just after breakfast to avoid to the heat – impossible. Palenque is one of the most important archeological sites in the region of Chiapas and Tabasco. It is from the Classic period 250 AD – 900 AD. Archeologists think 6,000 to 20,000 people lived here. It is known for its architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved glyphs. In 1997, it was declared a National Park, which means that the ruins and the jungle surrounding it are protected.
We visited many temples –
The Temple of the Inscriptions was the most important as it contained the sarcophagus of King Pakal who ruled from 603 AD to 683 AD with 900 pieces of jade buried with him including a jade mask. I was impressed with the Palace where the nobility lived. They had such luxuries as toilets and steam baths. Water was a reoccurring theme as aqueducts run through the city.
Interestingly enough, it is Maya people who still clear the land of the ruins with machetes, clean bathrooms, and sell trinkets as the tourists admire their past. Somehow, that doesn’t seem quite right.
We had the afternoon to ourselves. I went to the town of Palenque to eat and change money. The rest of the day was spent swimming and eating ice cream. It was HOT, but a good day.
Brenda, Menomonie Middle School
We head off to Palenque just after breakfast to avoid to the heat – impossible. Palenque is one of the most important archeological sites in the region of Chiapas and Tabasco. It is from the Classic period 250 AD – 900 AD. Archeologists think 6,000 to 20,000 people lived here. It is known for its architecture, sculptures, and well-preserved glyphs. In 1997, it was declared a National Park, which means that the ruins and the jungle surrounding it are protected.
We visited many temples –
The Temple of the Inscriptions was the most important as it contained the sarcophagus of King Pakal who ruled from 603 AD to 683 AD with 900 pieces of jade buried with him including a jade mask. I was impressed with the Palace where the nobility lived. They had such luxuries as toilets and steam baths. Water was a reoccurring theme as aqueducts run through the city.
Interestingly enough, it is Maya people who still clear the land of the ruins with machetes, clean bathrooms, and sell trinkets as the tourists admire their past. Somehow, that doesn’t seem quite right.
We had the afternoon to ourselves. I went to the town of Palenque to eat and change money. The rest of the day was spent swimming and eating ice cream. It was HOT, but a good day.
Brenda, Menomonie Middle School
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