Throughout my five days near Ek’Balam, I took numerous photos. Today I would like to share many of them with you. I have spent the entire day posting over 170 photos and many video clips. I hope you enjoy them. Please let me know if you are able to view them, as I am not yet sure if they work properly.
As usual, you can click on any photo to download a full resolution image.
Miscellaneous Photos of around the Village
This is the street entrance to the “Cocina Maya” (Mayan Kitchen). This little diner is owned and operated by Trini, Carmen’s sister.
This isn’t the best picture in the world, but it is a photo of the inside of the Cocina Maya. Several from our group are seated at the large wooden table at the far end of the room.
These are the outdoor tables at the Cocina Maya. In the foreground is the top of a rock wall that borders the street. There are three such little thatched roof tables in the outdoor courtyard. Wooden stumps are used as chairs.
This is a close-up of the small sign at the entrance to the main kitchen area.
This is a large sign posted in front of the outdoor eating area. It advertises our five-day festival, “La fiesta de Chikaban”.
One of the many stray dogs that hangs around the Cocina, hoping some kind soul will toss him some leftover food.
Another hungry puppy, waiting just outside in the street. Often, these dogs sneak into the dining area and the outdoor area. Trini soon catches them and chases them back outside.
A photo of Osiris, sitting in the dining area.
This beautiful little Mayan grandma was hanging out in the Cocina almost every night. She loved showing people photos from her past, and sharing stories about the old days.
This is another picture of he Mayan grandma (on the left.) On the right is my dear friend Antonia. She wore this red scarf on her head when we were out in the hot sun.
This is a photo of the exterior of my cabin. The thatched roof is real, but the palapa (wood pole) siding is decorative. The inside is some type of solid concrete/plaster. From this angle the structure looks rectangular, but on the inside, the interior was oval shaped.
This is a photo of our little exterior bathroom building, containing a toilet, a shower, and a sink. A single dim lightbulb lights the interior of this dark window-less room. Sometimes the water was hot, sometimes not …. The pathway between the cabin (on the right) and the bathroom was open-air, lined with a row of palapas (wooden sticks).
This is the end of the room as seen looking to the right from the front entrance. I slep in the bed in the middle, in the far corner. I love these mosquito nets.
This is the other end of the room, looking left from the front door. You can barely see the midle bed (without a mosquito net) on the right. In the far corner is the squeaky door that leads out to the exterior bathroom.
That is my red backpack on the bed. The table, chairs, and decor on the wall that you see here is about the only decorating in the entire room. It was very simple and functional.
A view of the surrounding area just outside my cabin.
Looking toward my cabin (in the distance) from a little ways away.
This is the little dirt road leading into the jungle where our cabins are situated (a few hundred yards straight ahead). The sign on the right identifies the cabins. The sign reads “Eco-tourist Center. Ecological cabins. ‘Uh Najil Ek Balam’ (the name of the cabins), Welcome”
This is one of the main intersections in town. I am standing on the little road that leads down to my cabins behind me. Straight ahead and to the left (where you see the big trees) is the town plaza/park. About a half block to the immediate left is the Cocina Maya. Several blocks to the immediate right is the tiny dirt road that leads to Kaxan Xuul.
This entire little village is maybe four blocks wide and four blocks long.
This is part of the only paved road that runs north-south through town. It is barely wide enough for two cars to slowly pass.
One of many of the very humble homes in this tiny village.
Another view of the road through town. This is looking south. I am standing near the small dirt road that leads north to Kaxan Xuul.
This is the little dirt road that splits off the main road and heads north toward Kaxan Xuul. As you follow the road about 1/2 mile, it makes several bends before arriving at the destination …
A photo of Gloria, Osiris, and me, standing in front of this beautiful little home.
Nov 18, 2009 – Arriving at Kaxan Xuul
Part of the jungle path that leads from the village to Kaxan Xuul.
This is the stone monolith that stands by the side of a small driveway that leads into the sacred area of Kaxan Xuul.
A view of the round dome-shaped Temazcal structure as I first enter the small meadow in Kaxan Xuul.
Nov 18, 2009 – Temazcal Ceremony in Kaxan Xuul
Irene (white blouse) working with her salmador (incense burner) and working on the small alter near the east door of the Temazcal structure. Her granddaughter (in blue) is assisting her.
In this photo, the first part of the fire-building ceremony has already taken place. This young man is helping to place volcanic rocks on the partially built fire. These are special rocks that will not shatter and break under the intense heat of the fire and subsequent cool steam-inducing water.
The fire has now been built, and Irene is scattering flower petals around the outside of the fire circle.
In this photo, Irene is pouring some type of yellowish water on the top of the fire. No, this is not gasoline. I assume it is the same tea that is used inside of the temazcal for producing steam.
Irene is helping to light the four fire-starting sticks. On the left, with the red headband, is Jose Manuel, the Olmec shaman that helped me later in the weekend.
Lighting the soon-to-be-roaring fire.
The fire is beginning to smoke. That is Delfino with the long hair, white shirt, and hat, standing just to the right of the fire. He is the Zapotec healer that used the charcoal to burn my foot.
A young man helping to bring in the palm leaves that were later used to line the inside floor of the Temazcal structure.
Preparing for the Temazcal. Irene is down on the left, working with her salmador, Sergio (the young man who helped me later) is sitting on the bottom right, beating on his wooden percussion instrument–it makes beautifu two-toned sounds.
A stack of palm leaves waiting to be carried inside the Temazcal.
Many from our group, sitting playing instruments while the smoke from the fire rises in the foreground. That is Jose Manuel on the bottom right.
Eric, the man in charge of the Temazcal ceremony, is bending over playing his drum. Standing behind him is Jose Manuel. In the background is a pickup truck with a large barrel of water that is being used to fill a small dry well near the Temazcal. After the ceremony, many dip water out of this well to wash the mud from their skin and clothes.
The fire is now burning very hot. The rocks are almost ready to go. We enter the Temazcal shortly …
I’ m not sure if this video link will work. It is a short video clip of some of the participants playing instruments shortly before the ceremonies begin.
Nov 18, 2009 – Ek Balam – Temazcal (30)
Bartolome is bending over the fire as he begins to construct add the original cross pieces to the already-constructed four-foot-square base.
Bartolome continues to construct the wooden pyramid as he places more vertical pieces around the exterior.
Many from the group standing, watching. Gloria is the one with the blue stripes on her dress.
Bartolome lights the soon-to-be-towering fire.
Bartolome blesses the fire as it begins to glow inside.
Bartolome (Mayan Priest and Shaman) speaks in Mayan as the fire begins to roar in a thin vertical column.
An interesting photo without flash.
My baby Ceiba (sable) tree being blessed near the sacred fire. This thin column of fire is hypnotizing.
The incredible column of flames near its peak. Occasionally, the flames appear to reach a height as tall as perhaps twelve to fifteen feet.
Toward the end of the ritual/ceremony as the fire begins to die down.
By the very end, the fire has been reduced to a glowing pile of very hot ashes.
In this video link, Bartolome is putting some type of substance around the base of the fire as he begins to build it. It looks to me like this may be copal.
Nov 18, 2009 – Ek Balam – Fire Ceremony (2)
In this next video link, you can hear Bartolome chanting something in the Mayan language as he works at the base of the now-burning fire.
Nov 18, 2009 – Ek Balam – Fire Ceremony (33)
In this final video link, you get a taste of live action from the fire as some people play flutes, rattles, and drums while watching this beautiful fire.
Nov 18, 2009 – Ek Balam – Fire Ceremony (40)
Nov 19, 2009 – Caminata from the village to the Cenote X’Canche
Standing in front of the Cocina Maya before the morning walk begins.
My beautiful roommate Antonia, standing in front of the Cocina Maya.
Antonia feeding two hungry stray dogs across the street, on the edge of the city plaza/park.
Barttolome talking to people in the street before we begin. I stood and listened …
The neighbor’s outdoor kitchen area taken when I used the restroom behind the store.
Our five kilometer walk has begun at last. I am sixth in line. Bartolome is at the very beginning, keeping a very fast pace.
The group behind Antonia and i. Sweet Sergio is in front. You can already see the group further behind falling back, not keeping up.
We have completed the three kilometer walk to the south and are now walking the two kilometers to the east. Here, we have some refreshing shade to block out the burning sun.
Looking back at Antonia from the same general location. By now, the main part of our group has fallen way behind.
A small open field as we walk by …
We have finished the first five kilometers. This is Antonia and I as we wait near the entrance gate to the Cenote X’Canche. We are waiting for the rest of our group to catch up. From here we have another 1.5 kilometers to walk before we reach the Cenote.
Walking down the one and a half kilometer path leading to the Cenote. This is the same path on which I later rode in a bicycle taxi.
A large welcome sign, indicating that we have arrived.
The railing in front of you is the edge of the platform on which we performed the water ceremony. If you look closely you can see the blue water about 100 feet below on the left side. This platform is directly above (vertically) the waters far below.
Nov 18, 2009 – Water Ceremony at Cenote X’Canche
Part of our group crowded in among the vegation on the hillside above the platform overlooking the Cenote.
Bartolome kneeling with a bowl of yellow tea as he performs part of the water ceremony.
Bartolome holding the wooden bowl over his head as he chants in Mayan.
This little baby in the foreground is the one that was so quiet and happy as his mother held him in the Temazcal during the first phase.
This sweet little boy is the one who cried loudly as his father brought him into the Temazcal to remain for two phases.
Bartolome works with his bowl of yellow tea. The bundle of leaves on his right (our left) is what he uses later to sprinkle the tea onto all of us participants.
Bartolome prepares to pour some tea over the edge to the waters below.
Another photo of Bartolome at the water ceremony.
One of our group drinking from the communal wooden bowl of tea as it snakes its way throughout the entire group.
Jesus Fabian as he supervises the passing around of the wooden bowl.
Looking over the edge of the platform (where we held the water ceremony). This is a beautiful view of the Cenote X’Canche below. I just love these incredible tree roots that run from the trees above at ground level all the way down to the waters below.
In the following video clip, I capture a tiny bit of Bartolome speaking Mayan, plus a short scan of the crowd seated on the hillside.
Nov 19, 2009 – Ek Balam – Water Ceremony (10)
In the following video clip, I capture a small bit of Bartolome singing/chanting, along with another short pan of the crowd. Sorry the volume is so low on these.
Nov 19, 2009 – Ek Balam – Water Ceremony (24)
Nov 19, 2009 – Guided Tour Through Ek’Balam
The beginning of our caminata into the ruins of Ek’Balam. Excavation of these ruins only began in 1997. Aj Men Bartolome is the Mayan Priest/Shaman that dedicated these ruins before they were opened for public tours.
In this picture we are standing on top an old partially restored pyramid structure. Behind me, we have a beautiful view of the jungle canopy. Here, Bartolome is speaking to the crowd, talking about the spiritual significance of the place on which we stand.
From the same spot, only looking toward the southeast, out at part of the jungle. The warrior below is the same one who led our ceremony in the Cenote on Friday, and who dressed up with his feathered headdress for the dance ceremonies.
Another photo of Bartolome talking to the group. The lady in the orange shawl is Irene. The man behind her with the hat is Jose Manuel, the Olmec Shaman.
Antonia, standing in the sun with her red scarf over her head. The lady in the pinkish-lavendar dress is Laura, the woman with whom I continuously exchanged huge joyful grins on Saturday evening.
Another view of Bartolome and some of the group gathered on top this older mostly-overlooked structure.
Yet another from the same spot, zoomed in. In case you can’t tell, I love this incredible man, and kept trying to get the perfect photo of him.
A view of “The Acropolis” as seen from the same spot where Bartolome is speaking.
A closeup view of The Acropolis, taken from the below, in the same spot where Bartolome sat on a stump and talked to us for yet another hour or so (the same spot where the poisonous spider was crawling).
A view from where I am seated, directly behind Bartolome (on the stump) as he speaks to the group. “The Acropolis” is right in front of us.
This beautiful vista is a photo taken from the top of the Acropolis. In the distance is the main cluster of excavated ruins in the Ek’Balam area. Straight below is the majority of our group, still clustered in the shade where Bartolome was talking to us.
A view looking southeast from the top of The Acropolis.
Another view of the same beautiful endless jungle, looking more toward the east.
Some of the well-preserved beautiful carvings on the upper levels of “The Acropolis”.
These carvings are arranged to resemble the mouth of a Jaguar (notice the tooth-like carvings). The name Ek’Balam means Black Jaguar. As I understand it, the tomb of an ancient Mayan King was found inside the pyramid right here.
This is a photo of most of our group seated on the bottom steps of The Acropolis. Bartolome is third from the right on the front (bottom) row. I am seated on the fourth row. If you look at the very back, count two in from the left, and then drop down slightly to the right — that is me.
Me in my white dress with a red sash. No, I have not put on weight LOL. The dress is a little big and baggy for me, and the way my sash is tied made the dress bunch up around my belly.
A photo of Antonia in her ceremonial clothing.
This looks like an overgrown hill, but it is actually a huge pyramid which has not yet been excavated.
The same overgrown pyramid on the other side.
According to our Mayan friend who gave us a whirlwind tour later in the afternoon, this is the many energetic portal/entrance to the ruins. All visitors should first pass through this structure and request permission from the spirits to enter.
A beautiful view looking back toward the towering Acropolis.
Sitting on top the observatory. Left to right: Gloria, Irene’s grandaughter, The Mayan man who gave us the quick tour, Irene, Brenda (me). Antonia is taking the photo.
Antonia and Gloria
Nov 19, 2009 – Theatre in the Park
Antonia. She makes sitting on hard concrete look so easy and comfortable. Of course, she is very flexible from teaching Kundalini yoga everyday.
Some local children from the village, watching the puppet show.
More local children watching the show.
A small part of the show with a Mayan warrior and a jaguar.
Nov 20, 2009 – Exploring with Antonia and Osiris
Some preschool children who were marching in a tiny parade through the village shortly before we set out on our days journey. Apparently November 20 is another Mexican Holiday, having to do with a revolution in the early 1900’s. Sorry, I don’t know more details.
The same preschool children gathered in formation on the concrete play area in the center of the town park. This is a great daytime view of the town park.
While walking the final two kilometers back to Ek’Balam on Friday morning we observed this beautiful bird–one of many. We believe it is an eagle. Does anyone know for sure?
One view of the small paved road leading into Ek’Balam
A boa constrictor that one of the young men by the entrance gate was playing with. (He brought it with him.) I touched it … proud of myself.
Antonia, Osiris,and Iexplored a tiny trail that led through the jungle from behind the back side of “The Acropolis” After a while, we found this open corn field with a pile of wasted corn.
This is the beautiful little trail that the three of us followed as we explored the less traveled parts of the area.
After spending time meditating on top of the Acropolis, we rode a bicycle taxi back down to the Cenote X’Canche. This is another beautiful view of the Cenote, taken on the oposite side from where we had the water ceremony yesterday. You can see the platform where we held the ceremony at the top left of the photo.
A closer view of the incrdible tree roots that hang down from above.
Me, down inside the beautiful Cenote.
A group of school youth were rapelling down the tree roots at the far side of the Cenote.
This beautiful green and yellow snake caused quite a stir as it was struggling with this larger frog, simply wanting to enjoy his meal in peace.
A closeup of this beautiful snake struggling with its rather large prey. I never did find out for sure if this snake is poisonous, but I tend to think not, since the frog occasionally struggled. If it were poisonous, I would think the venom would have quickly paralyzed the frog.
The following link is a video of this beautiful snake attempting to subdue the frog, which had mostly (but not completely) given up. Don’t watch this if you are queezy.
Nov 20, 2009 – Ek Balam – Free time to and around X’Canche (24)
Nov 20, 2009 – Ceremony inside the Cenote X’Canche
Prior to the ceremony, Gloria used her salmador (incense burner) to bless and cleanse all who desired. Here, she is blessing Antonia.
Our warrior guide, blowing his conch shell and holding his staff high.
Eric and Sergio, during the ceremony. They are on the far side of the Cenote. Sergio is in his green swim trunks, playing his drum.
Nov 20, 2009 – Dance Ceremony in the Jungle, Near Cenote X’Canche
Gloria, standing by her alter in the middle of the dance area–before the dancing begins. The lighter colored rock, in front of the lady sitting crosslegged on the left, is the rock where I sat while Delfino used the hot charcoal to burn my foot. One of the smoking salmadors in the middle is the source of that hot charcoal.
Our warrior in his ceremonial dance outfit.
Some of the group beginning to dance. Sorry, I don’t have many good photos of the dancing.
Our other dancer. I never learned the names of either of our dance leaders.
More of the early dancing–before the whole group stood up to join in.
More of the group beginning to join in.
The following is a short video clip of some of the dancing.
Nov 20, 2009 – Ek Balam – Dancing at Xcanche (12)
At this point, I put my camera away and began to dance with the others. It was perhaps 45 minutes later, right as the sun was beginning to set, when the tick bit me on the foot and the fun began. I have no more photos from this night–I was just focused on remaining spiritually centered in a loving place.
Nov 21, 2009 – Caminata through Chitchen Itza
Bartolome talking to some of the group just outside the main entrance of Chitchen Itza. In the yellow shirt is Jesus Fabian. In the orange shirt behind him is the nice young man from Tulum who gave me a ride in his Volkswagon bus (back to Valladolid) on Sunday.
The line of people behind me, preparing for our caminata.
The line in front of me. I was about ten back. Most of the “Abuelos and Abuelas” (elders) were in front of me. Bartolome and Gloria lead the way.
My first view of the incredible “Temple of KuKulKan” (or the Castillo). This very sacred pyramid dominates the area. The public is not allowed to climb to the top.
Our first stop. Bartolome spends considerable time explaining the spiritual significance of this four-sided square column with seven levels of carvings.
A view of the “Temple of KuKulKan” looking back from the square column.
Bartolome speaking to the group. Antonia in the front middle. Jose Manuel to the right.
Carlos, Tina, and Rosa – Eduardo’s friends from Spain who now live in Playa Del Carmen. They are now my friends as well. Carlos is in all white, with his left shoulder up against the large tree. Tina is sitting down in the middle, dressed in white, red hair, pink shoes. Rosa is wearing the yellow blouse.
Nov 21, 2009 – Lancing the Blister
Prior to Bartolome looking at my foot, I grabbed my camera to capture a few photos. By now, Sergio was holding my hand. This is what my bandages looked like as I walked around Chitchen Itza. Prior to this point I had not seen the burn since it happened.
This is the first thing I saw as I removed the ace bandage. I was shocked to see the yellow color of the blister, and the almold like nut on top of my foot. The little white patch is dried lotion–the same lotion that Sergio applied the night before.
I’m sorry if this photo grosses you out. My ankle here looks much more swollen that it really was. I have since learned that this particular camera creates a look of having a huge elephant foot–but yes, I did have some swelling and redness from infection.
Bartolome’s hand, gently coaxing the infected fluids out of my blister.
The remains of the blister after the fluids were drained.
Nov 21, 2009 – Dance Ceremony in Old Chitchen
Bartolome standing behind the trunk of a young sacred Ceiba (sable) tree. Notice the incredible thorns on this young tree. These thorns fall off when the tree gets bigger. Around the base of this sacred tree, Gloria has built an alter, and many of the group have placed items here to be blessed.
Gloria with her salmador. (Antonia bending over).
Dancing in the woods.
It looks like people are standing around, but they are really dancing and moving with the music.
More dancing.
More playing instruments and dancing.
Yet another photo – more of the same.
Gloria, with copal incense blowing in her face.
Our dance leaders gathered around a small alter on the ground.
Another beautiful photo of the alter around the sacred Ceiba tree. In this photo, many more items have been added by participants. The painting on the right is Osiris’s beautiful mystical painting. Yes, that is a watermellon. We ate it afterword (in the dark).
Bartolome performing a blessing ceremony. In his right hand he holds the bundle of leaves that he later uses to bless all of us. In his left hand is the crooked staff that belongs to the dressed up dancer.
Another photo of the same. Gloria is on the left.
Bartolome using the leaves to bless the dancer.
Jose Manuel, the Olmec shaman who helped me so much during the last 48 hours.
Blowing the conch shells as we gather to salute the four compass points during some closing rituals.
In this next incredible video link, the conch shells are blowing while Bartolome begins his blessing ceremony with the wet leaves. He begins by blessing our dancers and Gloria. After I stopped the video, the whole group lined up to be blessed.
Nov 21, 2009 – Ek Balam – Dancing in Old Chitchen (30)
In this next video clip, the whole group is up on their feet, dancing to the drums. If you look at the final image as the video ends, Jose Manuel is on the left, and Delfino is behind him.
Nov 21, 2009 – Ek Balam – Dancing in Old Chitchen (32)
In this final clip, the conch shells are blowing during part of our closing ceremony.
Nov 21, 2009 – Ek Balam – Dancing in Old Chitchen (39)
Nov 22, 2009 – Sunrise Farewell Ceremony
I didn’t take any photos until after the ceremony was finished. This is a view of where the mystical fog was wafting through the trees, but by now the warm sun had burnt it all away.
The ashen remains of our Wednesday night fire ceremony.
Carmen holding the baby Ceiba tree after I have gifted it to her.
Some of the group sitting around.
Delfino (the Zapotec healer who burned my foot) talking by the fire area.
The baby Ceiba in its temporary resting place, waiting for Bartolome to come back to perform a planting ceremony.
Another zoomed-out view of the tree (on the right) as it sits next to the remains of the sacred fire ceremony.
This is a daylight view of the small earth-covered pyramid at Kaxan Xuul. On top of this pyramid is where the fire ceremony, and today’s sunrise ceremony took place–and where my baby Ceiba tree temporarily waits.
Another view looking up at the earth-covered pyramid at Kaxan Xuul.