Trip Pics - Palenque

The Chan Kah Resort was just a few minutes from the entrance to Palenque. 

We spent most of the day visiting these ruins.

When we arrived we were met by lots of vendors

selling beaded key chains, etc. 

Some of those people were dressed all in white and

spoke little or no Spanish. 

They were El Candón Indians and practice a type of

ancient Mayan religious which includes animal sacrifice.

Photo op with Nacho and Dr Marshall. 

Nacho used to be a full-time tour guide but now

teaches tourism at the university

in order to spend more time with his wife and children.

Dr Marshall lives in Bountiful Utah.

The bus was just a wild thing.

It was a hot day at Palenque and we looked for shade whenever we could find it.

Jack (Dr Marshall) would share information and

scriptures about the areas we visited.

The thatched area led to the interior of one tomb.

Remember King Petal with the jade burial mask? 

This is his temple and where his body was discovered. 

There are 69 steps to the top because he ruled for 69 years,

beginning at age 12.

The funny little stone shapes at the top of this structure

are positioned to make an interesting sound when the wind blows.

Some ruins are only partially uncovered. 

Excavation work happens when there is funding.

On such a hot sunny day these steps were daunting.

Looking back at King Petal's temple

It seemed like everywhere we looked there were more temples.

In the courtyard at Palenque

 This picture is just to give an idea of the size of those lower carvings.

Nacho used our extra tour guide to demonstrate how

prisoners were killed by the Mayans.

The man on his knees was so touched by the scriptures and explanations

he heard that he asked for a copy of the Book of Mormon. 

I am so glad I had packed a copy in Spanish!

Some protected areas of the ruins still have a little original color on the walls.

The keyhole-shaped windows were everywhere.

The shape represents the Breath of Life.

It was also found on the teeth of the body of King Petal.

More ruins at Palenque. 

My neighbors, Nora & Jerry at Palenque.

Grateful for sunscreen!

Resting in the shade and listening to Nacho talk about

the legend of a ruler who died for his people and

a tree of life grew out of his belly so he could be a god.

We spent about an hour exploring this area of the ruins.

I didn't climb this one - it seemed too steep for a safe descent.

This one was smaller but very important.

Bananas!