Semana Santa is over, and I spent a MOST WONDERFUL week with Dad, Mom, Len, and Carrie. (sorry Mark) The first leg of our journey included a trip to the famous Mayan ruins in Tikal, Peten, Guatemala. This was my first trip to the northern part of the country, and the living history was impressive. This is the temple of the Jaguar, the most famous of the Tikal ruins.
As the Mayan empire began to decline (due to climate change), the kings took matters into their own hands and started offering more and more animal and human sacrifices. Since it didn't work, the people lost faith in the kings, and began to move. This is an altar on which humans were sacrificed. It was pretty oppressive to be standing in the very place that someone stood before being offered to an unanswering, unavailable, oh--and not real--god.
We left Tikal and traveled through the Peten to Coban. Our journey included a water taxi over this river. Check the description, according to Moon Traveler's Guide: "Sayache is a rough and tumble kind of town and reports of shoot outs in the street are not uncommon, though security forces were reported to gave gotten at least partial control on the situation in late 2006. Still you may want to limit your time here to that required to cross the Rio La Passion on your way south. The river and surrounding town nowadays serve as a transshipment point for the local cocaine cartels said to operate in this region for some time now. Although they don't tend to get involved with tourist, it certainly adds to the remote lawless frontier atmosphere that seems to permeate this town." Herm and Len actually took a person fairy across without knowing this info...OOPS!
We ended the second leg of our journey in Coban and spent the day at Semuc Champey. Trisha, her friends ANna and Deborah, and I jumped about 30' off the rock on the right and into the river below!
Just one of the beautiful churches we saw along the way. This one is in Coban overlooking the entire city.
Good Friday in Antigua offers an opportunity to gain insight into traditions and faith of Guatemalan Catholics. Processions (which actually started months ago) begin for the day at 5:00 am and continue throughout the whole day. The men wear purple until 3, the time of Jesus' death, then they change to black. One float can weigh up to 3 tons! This is obviously Jesus carrying his cross to his death, with the volcano Agua in the background.
The people spend HOURS preparing carpets--symbolizing the laying of palm branches under Jesus' feet. Some are made of colored saw dust, others (this one) flower petals, and others fruit. It's amazing to see the time and effor they put into preparing for Jesus. Something we Protestants could learn a little from...
At night I went down into the city for more processions...this MASSIVE float portrayed the Grim Reeper pulling a dead Jesus in...it was followed by an empty throne awaiting Jesus' resurrection. Seeing the "face of death" makes me so thankful that for Christians, DEATH IS NOT THE END!!!! He is risen indeed.
I have TONS more pictures and stories, but this offers a glimpse into our experiences and reflections over the past week!
8 comments:
It sounds like you had a great Spring break. I really appreciate the history lessons that you included with your pictures. I really wish I could be there.
Your Good Friday experience sounds really meaningful. I think we could learn a lot from how others celebrate such a special holiday.
By the way, how was your visit with your parents?
What, was mom and dad's vist not worthy of mention in your blog. No picures of them. Hope you had a great time and I am looking foward to hearing all of the stories you have to share
You jumped off that cliff??? Crazy girl! It looks like, once again, you had some incredible experiences. Thanks again for a great update!
Something is missing here. :)
Love,
Dad
Annette is such a great tour guide. Must be in the genes. How about doing Witte Tours to Central America.
Thats a little better now that you corrected your minore omission of your only visitors this semester from home. Mark
Annette, What an awesome week you had ~ I was given lots of details from your dad. I know they had a great time with you and I am glad to see that you updated your blog to include them. When we were in Antiqua we heard of the Holy Week celebrations and parades. Thanks for including pictures and your insight into this celebration. I can't wait to hear more when you return and to see all your amazing photos ~ maybe you even have one or two of your folks with you there. Thanks for the update. Phyllis
What a wonderful way to celebrate Good Friday! A wonderful vacation for everyone! These are experiences you will never forget.
Jo
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