Our Day in Ek Balam

At 7a.m. everyone said "adios" to their host families in Merida, and then we settled in for a long drive to Ek Balam.

The first thing we did when we got there was to get coconuts!

We biked and walked to the cenote Xcanche, a freshwater swimming hole

And then it was time for a dip!

After swimming we had a delicious lunch of poc chuc, handmade tortillas and tamarind juice

Trying out the hammocks

After lunch we visited the Mayan ruins

Ek Balam means "black jaguar" in Mayan and was one of the most important cities in the region

It is the only ruin to contain a kings tomb that was found intact with stucco and paintings when part of a wall fell away during restoration

A view of the false arch and the observatory

The ceiba, the sacred tree of the Mayans. It was thought to reach the 13 levels of heaven and the 9 levels of the underworld

After a long morning, we made our way to U'najil ecocabins in the pueblo of Ek Balam for some down time

Then it was time for workshops! Autumn and Jamie perfected the art of making tortillas

Jessica spent some time with Antonia making mountains of tortillas

Nicole and Sydney learned to weave hammocks

Ek Balam is known for it's distinctive weaving style. Many of the women started weaving when they were 8 or 9 years old!

Camryn and Taylor spent some time weaving as well

Most of the hammocks made in the pueblo now are made with nylon string which gives brighter colors

Meanwhile... the teachers spent some time playing soccer with the local kids!

Headed back to the cabins

Karla and Polly talking with our group

Eating some delicious salbutes before heading to bed to rest up for the long day tomorrow!

Small Town Days: Our time in Yaxunah

Before we began our time in the rural community of Yaxunah, we passed through the small city of Acanceh, where we were able to tour through the market and visit the prehispanic structures that make up the ancient Mayan settlement that today is fused with the architecture and modernity of the town. These ancient structures tell their story through the exposed stones and glimpses of preserved stucco. The pyramid of the masks holds eight stuccoed masks, two on each side of the structure, each one with characteristics associated with the sun god Kinich Ahau. A few blocks away, past the large catholic church and down a side street, surrounded by family homes, the Palace of Stuccos has a frisee that adorns the north face of the building with zoomorphic beings. Just like in the city, the best part of the program is when the students get to meet their new host families. The family is the main pillar of support for the student’s immersion into any context, but it is especially important in smal

The Grand Adventure: Orientation Trip

Our orientation trip began in the southern part of the state of Yucatan, in the community of San Mateo, where we were able to explore the natural resources of the area and learn about a few of the most important trees in the Mayan culture. We also admired historic buildings in the middle of the jungle that are evidence of military bases that were established along the ancient roads of Yucatan after the Caste War. One of the most fascinating experiences we had was entering into what the ancient Mayans knew as the inframundo , or the underworld. We rappelled down into the cenote of San Mateo, breaking the silence within and sending hundreds of bats circling around the high vaulted ceiling of this massive natural well. It is a unique experience that very few people are lucky enough to see. The next part of our trip took place in the state of Quintana Roo, where we were awed by the beauty and culture of the region. We enjoyed our stay at the lakeside cabañas Síijil Noh Há. The food was g

Merida: Our Days in the City

The first part of the student’s time in Merida, meeting and integrating into their host families, is probably the most important step in beginning an immersion program. In our case, here in Merida, host families are fundamental for the students to adapt to their new urban context. Another important aspect of their time in Merida are their Spanish classes, since the language will allow them to interact and immerse themselves more completely in the culture. During these language classes, the students not only learn grammar and structure, but they are also able to develop their own linguistic abilities by sharing, discussing and practicing the everyday vocabulary and expressions that they hear outside of the classroom. Mayan culture classes are another key part of the program, they help the students understand diverse aspects of the culture, how a Yucatecan family lives, the differences between interacting in an urban or a rural setting, and provide the hidden historical context for wha

Adventures in Yucatan, Mexico

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