tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47263346653265121402024-03-14T06:54:02.631-07:00Mayan Riviera AdventureMayan Riviera holidays guide photo journal styleUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726334665326512140.post-37859274265986698102010-08-19T05:04:00.000-07:002010-08-27T03:44:23.276-07:00Mayan Riviera Adventures - IntroductionThe Mayan civilization once thrived in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico. This area is also well known as the Mayan Riviera or Cancun for tourists.<br />
Discovering this place is like discovering paradise on earth. Its always so hot that you only need to wear a bathing suit all the time. But no worries, cause you can always refresh in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, or in natural underground pools of fresh water called "cenotes".<br />
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The jungle hides many mysteries, and among them, is the mystery of the Mayas. A civilization that once lived here and mysteriously dissapeared, like as if some dark force want it to keep it secret. Little bit of them is known since all documents were burned by the wrath of the Catholic church 500 years ago. Only a few important documents and carved hieroglyphics in the ancient cities in the jungle remain. Looking into this deep jungle to discover about the Mayas might turn into a journey of self discovery through the deep jungle of the ego, as we learn that the end of the world as we know it was predicted by the Mayas using the "Tzolkin" to happen on Gregorian date 2012 A.D.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8oiJlWW855600Cm6TCZfEtGUOOH2N5bqGNJd2qnMIRKqj5qG5EoYT3M0vyMw1iIfExR3E7mRxNhDPNRjWHBPCbddpV-0LKhhVzo06evDbWjTXOOU91i7w0nVpoAvgB2BN9YP50SVyQ4/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-29.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The mystic Kukulcan Pyramid is more than a precise giant sun clock.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjMKYG6CQz8LRQ2RBUrcfB8AtmHAT9phn9W50Ro7csdx-r-HQMeNr86ek0_27LZI1MH0qM9d-36VfMUvSovug3kQzIr2BmGweKfTDOJAvR0jbVkE9Wn0Ms3M5J3zuNgei3cAXDbHwqV0/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-43.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The observatory in the Chichen Itza site resembles very much like todays observatories.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvoo_gJ5cWgDERjaEj7X3GKCFbGZ85gG0NXaWsVd8hzgziQGD4JcwH79QE_SsIdVEl-TOgD3YrGi3FR9rSeS5iQEyDpoUanp1fdhVW0CVW7GBfnQKyI9giqVu7gzFyRStbF-x-ock5Bo/s400/tankah-yucatan-maya-4.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Fresh water cenotes in the jungle are great for cooling off at Tankah.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qvWDEm-qk_YDEsW7pBtivGNuBiknlzYlpqi-MB5UFqxMcaXgJGWBHWsJVN62luW9gY4G-jdbHnqgxBtsK3YHZ1Y_TdYKifD9Ws_FjcOHvko7HrEPwAAarbINSNL97mGw8c6jPDLArNs/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-13.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful stalagmite formations at the cenote caves in Hidden Worlds.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiemNrVV-KwUwphascleNzA4DrElQVdpbEmeivhTiOeR9efiXRGHZrNB8LnmJUmEAr7wnAFYkFcFh3_3KWf88lHoBjxDhKENIFg81-0FZMGftrYttm_4wGMMQ8FW9k4iy-_Jn4hzJte_pk/s400/coba-yucatan-maya-33.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Biking through the jungle to the ancient city of Coba.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPr8Bl2Y5msVZ2rURrTffqmty3crpp3sv7Dsa_G8s-J_Wj31oTduPIg539O2RRMbPK0TdCG4JloHt8QolZmKLgWQB8R_5-S5aBsagCVPpUZ3HVk0Q9lhfBL1UV9XR9ZRtUFXuzOe3Y81w/s400/coba-yucatan-maya-17.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We climbed up the Nohoch-Mul pyramid at Coba.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_6saITnMmh77TTwfF3AK2IkoqrI05d8q7hjOUelORKESzxZqaf3PfqUacvTkRmNN9k5m11ljmNiBjkbzrC3HvP-6QjSCfqGLkZMZUFWBbH23zkWrBBxPoZ-AtqVhC2IEAVnVt4TaIA8/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-17.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Flying trough the jungle on a zip line at Hidden Worlds.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_CiElAM5000szzLj3oSBkU5sAqJABKmwD23JsF_RS1wdyBSY1DnqWZ-mfgqvrN2rpQKUKuoOqnxGRKIP6T8xjlKvqjH4b3W7IKe3bds-8hHBLKNYeh5g45nz3NqP4Yl0E-z89eceecU/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-39.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Siesta time at the beach of the Grand Palladium Resort on the shore of the Caribbean Sea.</div><br />
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It was an amazing adventure full of adrenaline and mysticism in which I felt like Indiana Jones in search for the great enigma of the Mayan calendar . We visited the ancient cities of Chichen Itza and Coba deep in the jungle. We visited the Mayan village of Tankah and enjoyed a meal with the local people. We explored through the jungle to find secret cenotes at Hidden Worlds. We went snorkling in the Caribbean Sea and in underwater caves in the middle of the jungle. And went shopping to the touristic town of Playa del Carmen. All these while staying at the Grand Palladium Resort.<br />
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For more detailed information check out the other sections of this webblog and watch the slideshows. Thanks for watching.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726334665326512140.post-69919897132046869582010-08-18T04:43:00.000-07:002010-08-27T04:48:45.030-07:00Chichen Itza and the Kukulkan PyramidThe ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza is famous for the Kukulkan pyramid which is one of the seven wonders of the world.<br />
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The Kukulkan pyramid is also known as El Castillo. Kukulkan is the feathered serpent also called Quetzalcóatl. This pyramid hides many mysteries and works like a giant sun clock. In the spring and fall equinoxes (March 21 and September 22) the sun projects a shadow and light effect that connects with the sculpture of a massive serpent head at the bottom that looks like the feathered snake is coming down to Earth. The whole structure is geometrically exactly built to coincide with the Mayan calendars. For more information about the Kukulkan pyramid visit this link <a href="http://www.world-mysteries.com/chichen_kukulcan.htm" target="_blank">http://www.world-mysteries.com/chichen_kukulcan.htm</a><br />
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Its about a 2.5 hours drive each way to get there from the Grand Palladium. Since it was 6 of us, including my 67 year old Mom and my 10 year old nephew, we decided to take the bus tour to get there. The tour was about US$60 each and it include everything including lunch and a short stop in Valladolid. We heard that for the same tour they were charging US$90 in another resort near by. Another couple told us that they managed to get a taxi with driver and guide for 4 people for US$100 but that did not include lunch or the price to enter the site.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvaHMfgn-I/AAAAAAAAN50/-t6s4ere1KE/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-19.JPG" /></a><br />
Precisely placed under the stars with the equilibrium of the opposites and time. Light and Shadow. Light and Darkness.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvaD5CWmyI/AAAAAAAAN5o/GJxEos0EBjw/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-16.JPG" /></a><br />
The head of the feathered serpent Kukulkan.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvaLJHPCrI/AAAAAAAAN6A/4Vl-aZk1SzY/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-22.JPG" /></a><br />
If you stand in front of the stairs and clap your hands, the sounds like a laser shooting up into space. So whatever you say here goes....and viceversa.<br />
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<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjINEhtRgtmieH-KPC8zyuvShYRABKwemqEy1iDKFDWoTtNI9ewdxFeXR0u2PbhmuJb1x9veQWOAe8j06rNe1iSXdvSHxiYLH9sKKp71mY0vhuvZaiQxeiCbWt5bd_LQYWhZRJwnpTFkeXu/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-23.JPG" /></a><br />
Maya children selling hand-made handkerchiefs. Good for the heavy sweating.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvZ0dDKp-I/AAAAAAAAN4w/1FJoR1GknJE/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-4.JPG" /></a><br />
The local people that lived around Chichen Itza lived in a hut liked this called "palapa".<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvaY6M2YWI/AAAAAAAAN6s/opMpVlfLwus/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-33.JPG" /></a><br />
The great ball court. In some important games the captain of the winning team was sacrificed.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvaRWUX5FI/AAAAAAAAN6Q/GnR8F-qmrQY/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-26.JPG" /></a><br />
Human sacrifices were made on this building and were private and very sacred and rare. Nothing like the movie by Mel Gibson.<br />
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<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjMKYG6CQz8LRQ2RBUrcfB8AtmHAT9phn9W50Ro7csdx-r-HQMeNr86ek0_27LZI1MH0qM9d-36VfMUvSovug3kQzIr2BmGweKfTDOJAvR0jbVkE9Wn0Ms3M5J3zuNgei3cAXDbHwqV0/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-43.JPG" /></a><br />
The Caracol star observatory very much resembles todays observatories.<br />
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Click on the play button will open another page to see a slideshow of this story in Picasa Web Albums.<br />
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="600" height="400" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdaveseri%2Falbumid%2F5506734114332691569%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br />
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Here is a Google map of Chichen Itza. Click and cruise around.<br />
<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.681353,-88.568945&spn=0.009636,0.013711&t=h&z=16&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>Ver <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.681353,-88.568945&spn=0.009636,0.013711&t=h&z=16&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Yucatan - Mexico</a> en un mapa más grande</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726334665326512140.post-58170494095998037672010-08-16T08:37:00.000-07:002011-01-03T08:55:11.216-08:00End of the world 2012 ??Many of us have heard about the date 2012. There is even a Hollywood movie called 2012 where the whole Earth is destroyed by giant earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes. If you search around the internet you will find alot of information on the subject. Even the NASA says that the Sun´s activity will be so great around 2012 that they are unsured of what is about to happen. So much information is out there that is confusing to understand whats happening.<br />
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Chilam Balam was a Mayan priest who lived in the Yucatan peninsula more than 500 years ago. His main function as a priest was to read and interpret the significance and implications of the sacred texts and prophecies making oracle lectures using the Tzolkin. The book of Chilam Balam survived the fire of the burning of all Mayan books by the Catholic church. This book and a few hyrogliphics on stones is all that remains about the prophecy. A prophecy that is written in verses and metaphors as an oracle.<br />
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The Tzolkin, known as the sacred Mayan calendar, is a tool of oracles; an intergalactic compass to guide us. In nature everything happens in cycles like spirals and fractal mathematics. Alcyone is the central star of the Pleiadian Star System, and our Sun is the outermost star of this system. The 26,000 year long orbit of our Sun and Solar System around Alycone is about to take place. The Tzolkin is the counter, and the 26,000 year cycle is about to end on December 23, 2012. But this does not mean that is the end of the world. The Earth has being around for alot more than 26,000 years. It is the end of a 26,000 year cycle and the beginning of another. It is the end of an age and the beginning of another. And we are very lucky to be here to witness such a great change that is about to happen.<br />
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It is the end of the world as you know it when you begin to wake up and free yourself from the conditioned mind. Religion and money have conditioned humans to where we are now; On the edge of self extinction. We have lost touch with who we really are by the veil of a conditioned ego. The tzolkin serves as a tool to wake up your cosmic memory. An internal revolution-evolution. To be free with only one rule: Don´t do to others what you would not like to be done to yourself. Looking at it from outer space, an embryogenesis is taking place.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/THZUFrJg2GI/AAAAAAAAOMg/zIit8zVjXaM/s400/DSC_3177.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Paper was made from a tree bark like this for writing hyrogliphics.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/THZUG4DhTeI/AAAAAAAAOMk/KYtnNmg71_8/s400/coba-yucatan-maya-38.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This stone in Coba has hyrogliphics about the 2012 prophecy.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/THZUH7DB0nI/AAAAAAAAOMo/H6L6TDimcFI/s400/DSC_3186.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Tzolkin is a galactic compass.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/THZUKngPSGI/AAAAAAAAOMw/16EDPe1qJvU/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-43.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From observatories like this, the Mayan priests watched the stars.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/THZULY5v6WI/AAAAAAAAOM0/HfZnwTbeLqk/s400/chichen-itza-yucatan-maya-24.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Kukulkan pyramid is a reminder of the cycles.</div><br />
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For more information check out the following links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.shiftoftheages.com/" target="_blank">http://www.shiftoftheages.com/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.tzolkin2012.cl/" target="_blank">http://www.tzolkin2012.cl/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.lawoftime.org/" target="_blank">http://www.lawoftime.org/</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/" target="_blank">http://www.bibliotecapleyades.net/</a><br />
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<a href="http://vimeo.com/12201714" target="_blank">http://vimeo.com/12201714</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.greatdreams.com/gem1.htm" target="_blank">http://www.greatdreams.com/gem1.htm</a><br />
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Not only the Mayas know about this event, but other cultures as far away as India know this as well. Coincidence? I don´t believe in coincidence anymore. Its synchronicity. Here is a link to a free e-book on 2012 that explains about the photon belt and the new age of light written by Indians.<br />
<a href="http://www.lightagemasters.com/downloads.php" target="_blank">http://www.lightagemasters.com/downloads.php</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726334665326512140.post-948703886425404562010-08-16T08:26:00.000-07:002010-08-27T03:46:09.420-07:00Coba and TankahThe ancient Mayan city of Coba has the tallest pyramid which rises above the jungle canopy like a mountain. The name of this pyramid is Nohoch-Mul and it is possible to climb up. It is also here where hieroglyphics carved on stone where found relating to the prediction of the end of the world in 2012 by a Mayan priest called Chilam Balam 600 years ago.<br />
We decided to take a tour to go to this site. The tour was US$60 and it included a stop in Tankah with lunch. Tankah is a Mayan village deep in the jungle whith cenotes. There we got to enjoy some fresh water cenotes, zip lines, and had a traditional Mayan lunch with the local village people.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvdef3q0RI/AAAAAAAAOEk/XQnrSz89waA/s400/coba-yucatan-maya-3.JPG" /></a><br />
Biking through the jungle in search of Nohoch-Mul.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvdiPDLUxI/AAAAAAAAOEs/oOSJT-Lwbno/s400/coba-yucatan-maya-6.JPG" /></a><br />
My mom took a taxi. Better for her tiring legs.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvdpz80ebI/AAAAAAAAOE4/t8QsQzPrUYE/s400/coba-yucatan-maya-12.JPG" /></a><br />
The Nohoch-Mul pyramid is the tallest in the Yucatan peninsula.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvdy625h2I/AAAAAAAAOFQ/2gSzV1gOzDQ/s400/coba-yucatan-maya-19.JPG" /></a><br />
Is a dangerous climb up to the top.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvepD6FaMI/AAAAAAAAOHg/IckfV6shheM/s400/tankah-yucatan-maya-6.JPG" /></a><br />
Jumping into the refreshing cenote at Tankah<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGve7k2f_rI/AAAAAAAAOII/gXaljQZ4Yj8/s400/tankah-yucatan-maya-15.JPG" /></a><br />
The cenote was only about 3 meters deep with very clean water.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvfCaa93dI/AAAAAAAAOIU/3rRNd5uL9OI/s400/tankah-yucatan-maya-18.JPG" /></a><br />
We did zip line across the other bigger cenote.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvggglG5iI/AAAAAAAAOJ4/qnbQvSpCOuA/s400/tankah-yucatan-maya-42.JPG" /></a><br />
And we ate a traditional Mayan lunch.<br />
</div><br />
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Click on the play button will open another page to see a slideshow of this story in Picasa Web Albums.<br />
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="600" height="400" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdaveseri%2Falbumid%2F5506738265733682145%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br />
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Here is a Google map of Coba. Click and cruise around.<br />
<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.489256,-87.737074&spn=0.038592,0.054846&t=h&z=14&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>Ver <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.489256,-87.737074&spn=0.038592,0.054846&t=h&z=14&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Yucatan - Mexico</a> en un mapa más grande</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726334665326512140.post-75249017664827824142010-08-16T07:12:00.000-07:002010-08-27T06:19:11.322-07:00Grand Palladium ResortThe Grand Palladium Resort is south of Cancun in an area known as the Mayan Riviera. It was built on 2004 on the shore of the Caribbean sea. The best part of this resort is that is ecologically friendly with the sorrounding nature and everything, including the water, gets recycled. Alot of careful planning was taken into consideration to build this resort in a way that it blends with the jungle and the sea. The animals run around wild and all the plants are originally from the area. Maintanance crew is always hard at work to prevent the jungle from taking over and to keep it nice and clean. The resort has been given the Green Planet Award for its advanced environmental management.<br />
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The Grand Palladium Resort is all inclusive. All food and drinks in the resort are included in the price, including alcoholic drinks and the snack bar in your room. There is a buffet restaurant and several themed restaurants also included. There is never a boring moment with so many things to do, and at night there is a show and a discotheque where the drinks are also free. The Spa circuit is also free, but for massage and wellness treatments, you have to pay.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvbjIueZNI/AAAAAAAAN-Y/mM1DLD19dsg/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-6.JPG" /></a><br />
The Resort is built in a mangrove area.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvb7vHDPPI/AAAAAAAAN_g/Wy5gBiqzv-0/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-22.JPG" /></a><br />
The shacks have a hamack and a canoe.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvcEpUMg-I/AAAAAAAAN_8/TkpNsLseND0/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-29.JPG" /></a><br />
The pool area is huge.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvcCRhBzoI/AAAAAAAAN_0/MqVrSuWv990/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-27.JPG" /></a><br />
The bar extends out into the pool for pool bar service.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvcORHFPSI/AAAAAAAAOAg/BqW1cuXxrkY/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-36.JPG" /></a><br />
The white sand beach of the resort on the shore of the Caribbean Sea.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvccpK_s7I/AAAAAAAAOBU/0y4g4mRsQ0A/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-49.JPG" /></a><br />
The water is very clear and full fish.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvcmci5oFI/AAAAAAAAOB8/TSMP7KSRzwU/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-59.JPG" /></a><br />
Getting a massage at the beach.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvc1yEWKvI/AAAAAAAAOCc/F37CTMgdjMc/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-67.JPG" /></a><br />
The reef area has a pool that gets the water from the sea.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvdCRjNtNI/AAAAAAAAODM/-a_ROo3pEVk/s400/grand-palladium-yucatan-79.JPG" /></a><br />
The spa has a beautiful pool circuit sorrounded by nature.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
Click on the play button will open another page to see a slideshow of this story in Picasa Web Albums with more info and tips.<br />
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="600" height="400" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdaveseri%2Falbumid%2F5506736163654294129%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br />
<br />
<br />
Here is a Google map of Grand Palladium Resort area. Click and cruise around.<br />
<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.448728,-87.284145&spn=0.077205,0.110035&t=h&z=13&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>Ver <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.448728,-87.284145&spn=0.077205,0.110035&t=h&z=13&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Yucatan - Mexico</a> en un mapa más grande</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726334665326512140.post-52749184321214131342010-08-16T05:15:00.000-07:002010-08-23T05:23:45.751-07:00Map of Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.617361,-88.104858&spn=2.467681,3.510132&t=h&z=8&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>Ver <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.617361,-88.104858&spn=2.467681,3.510132&t=h&z=8&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Yucatan - Mexico</a> en un mapa más grande</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726334665326512140.post-2691257227340420532010-08-16T04:43:00.000-07:002010-08-27T03:50:59.954-07:00Hidden Worlds Cenote Adventure ParkHidden Worlds is an adventure park in the middle of the jungle in which you become an explorer in search of secret cenotes. It takes about 3.5 hours to do the entire circuit which is done in small groups with 2 guides. The circuit takes you through the treetops of the jungle on sky-cycles, zip-lines, rappelling into various cenotes to splash down and snorkle. The main ride was called the Avatar, which is a human roller coaster / zip-line that is a totally awesome thrill. The Avatar ride is a new roller coaster technique that has being invented here in Hidden Worlds and is the first one in the world.<br />
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The cost to get int Hidden Worlds is US$70 and we had to spend some money on taxy for the 15 minute ride from the resort. All you need to wear is your bathing suit, shoes that will get wet, and biodegradable mosquito repellent (and a waterproof camera to capture all the fun). Since it was a rainy day, we put on a short wetsuit because the water in the cenotes is very cold.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvXmSTts2I/AAAAAAAANxU/66FouD9fMrU/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-2.JPG" /></a><br />
We first drove deep into the jungle in an all terrain vehicle.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvXrh9FrXI/AAAAAAAANxk/Qkh16clEcjE/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-5.JPG" /></a><br />
Riding the sky-cycle through the treetops.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvX98UNZrI/AAAAAAAANyY/XGgtdEZoiVM/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-19.JPG" /></a><br />
Doing zip-line through the treetops.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvYAX4LO2I/AAAAAAAANyg/A8H3ZxBsx6w/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-21.JPG" /></a><br />
Rappelling down into the cenote.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvYLey5h4I/AAAAAAAANzE/O8Jo8xhm3uI/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-30.JPG" /></a><br />
Splashing into the water with the zip-line.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvYjm1Ux0I/AAAAAAAAN0g/PadKryDQbyc/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-51.JPG" /></a><br />
The Avatar zip-line is totally awesome.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvYtoDapxI/AAAAAAAAN1I/XyaN6P1BOSk/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-61.JPG" /></a><br />
Feels like your gonna fly off on the curves.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvY5CCiXiI/AAAAAAAAN14/er66Iwyqflg/s400/yucatan-cenote-hidden-worlds-74.JPG" /></a><br />
The cenotes are full of estalagmite formations.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
Click on the play button will open another page to see a slideshow of this story in Picasa Web Albums with more info and tips.<br />
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="600" height="400" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdaveseri%2Falbumid%2F5506731873326630001%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br />
<br />
Here is a Google map of the area. Click and cruise around.<br />
<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.302291,-87.383194&spn=0.077279,0.110035&t=h&z=13&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>Ver <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.302291,-87.383194&spn=0.077279,0.110035&t=h&z=13&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Yucatan - Mexico</a> en un mapa más grande</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4726334665326512140.post-45874218388496573742010-08-16T03:11:00.000-07:002010-08-27T03:52:30.362-07:00Playa del CarmenPlaya del Carmen is the main touristic town near the Grand Palladium Resort. From the shore of Playa del Carmen you can see the island of Cozumel on the horizon. The beach here is popular with tourists and local people, but the town really comes alive in the evening with shops, restaurants and bars.<br />
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Its only a 20 minute ride each way. Since we were 6 people we had to get a taxi-van which cost US$80 round trip. We found a couple who joined us and we split the cost between 8 people. If we were only 2 persons, I would have taken the colectivo (local public transpot) which is much cheaper, but being 6 people, our chances of finding enough space in a public van for all was very low.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvY_A5sCsI/AAAAAAAAN2I/gxEaXGtg5oA/s400/playa-del-carmen-yucatan.JPG" /></a><br />
The main street is only for pedestrians and is full of shops, restaurants and bars.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvZJF2ORpI/AAAAAAAAN2o/1AaKjaiMNsQ/s400/playa-del-carmen-yucatan-7.JPG" /></a><br />
Kids play futbol at the beach.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvZFoJQQhI/AAAAAAAAN2Y/ELON_553Atc/s400/playa-del-carmen-yucatan-4.JPG" /></a><br />
This town is the place to buy souvenirs and gifts.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvZECvSGAI/AAAAAAAAN2U/xNlQ0iJmByU/s400/playa-del-carmen-yucatan-3.JPG" /></a><br />
A photo with Mayas dressed in ritual clothing.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvZYTTKh_I/AAAAAAAAN3U/YSAZqd-MYsQ/s400/playa-del-carmen-yucatan-16.JPG" /></a><br />
Mariachis on their way to some party. yiiiiiiiiija!!!!<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvZZQFHsZI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/ZQRCc_wXgdU/s400/playa-del-carmen-yucatan-17.JPG" /></a><br />
Street food vendors.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvZaQ3Y5YI/AAAAAAAAN3c/ypg9qEMjaF0/s400/playa-del-carmen-yucatan-18.JPG" /></a><br />
Fresh seafood restaurants.<br />
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<a><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/__j6zg4-L5qs/TGvZf7TL9cI/AAAAAAAAN3s/czc2zRbWo_8/s400/playa-del-carmen-yucatan-22.JPG" /></a><br />
Some restaurants have live music.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
Click on the play button will open another page to see a slideshow of this story in Picasa Web Albums with more info and tips.<br />
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="600" height="400" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdaveseri%2Falbumid%2F5506733484814611089%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br />
<br />
Here is a Google map of Playa del Carmen. Click and cruise around.<br />
<iframe width="640" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.624752,-87.070599&spn=0.077116,0.110035&t=h&z=13&output=embed"></iframe><br />
<small>Ver <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=es&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=106087193433973270142.00048e563d0feb8570d6b&ll=20.624752,-87.070599&spn=0.077116,0.110035&t=h&z=13&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Yucatan - Mexico</a> en un mapa más grande</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0