Stefanie Mindek: Tikal

The experience of Tikal was nothing less than unforgettable.  The morning began at 5:00 am, starting with a walk through the darkness into the tropical rainforest. The air was humid and filled with the echo of unfamiliar birds and bugs. As we proceeded on our flash light lit tour towards the temples we could here the screaming of howler monkeys nearby. We were able to be settled on the peak of a temple as the sun began to rise; the forest came to life. 

Fog bellowed over the vast canopy like a blanket of grey smoke. We could hear the chirps of the nearby yellow cheeked parrots, and watched as toucans bobbed through the air in the distance. Peaking through the enormous trees where four temples, becoming more and more visible as the sun rose and the fog began to shift. Once the sun had filled the forest with light we continued our tour to the central Plaza of the Mayan temples.  Surrounded by ancient buildings and ruins I stood in complete amazement. Twin temples touching the sky on either side; and more crumbling structures ahead and behind. 

 

Although time was limited I deemed climbing a temple as a necessary task. From the top of this temple I was able to overlook the entire plaza; viewing the largest, and most famous temple at eye level. I could look over the canopy and see from the hight of the birds, it was absolutely remarkable. 

After our time exploring the plaza we began our walk back to the hotel.  In the treetops above us we were able to see a spider monkey carrying her baby on her back. Surrounded by green vegetation we moved along the uprooted path until we reached the Tikal Inn.

Once back at the hotel, around 10:30 am, we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast. From there we began our five hour bus ride back to Rio Doulce. Along the way we stopped at a wood carving shop that created hand made masterpieces from rosewood and other valuable types of wood. There I purchased a detailed sculpture of the Mayan god of death. The art was incredible, every shape and design was perfected by the beautiful grain of the precious wood. 

Later that night when we arrived  at the Nanajuana hotel several of us swam in the pool overlooking the the river. It was such a feeling of serenity floating in the dark surrounded by palm trees. After our swim we enjoyed a night of karaoke and dancing. It was an amazing night to complete an incredible day; good times in Guatemala will never be forgotten. 

Stefanie Mindek is one of our visiting students from the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook.