So Much To Tell III ... Chich'en Itza

It is no secret that I love learning about different cultures. If I wasn't designing, I would probably be doing something in anthropology or history. That's why when we decided to go to Chich'en Itza, I was happier than a kid on Christmas morning. I LOVED the fact that our tour guide was very informative about the history of the Mayan people and the plight they are facing today. Some on the tour thought he was a little heavy on the details surrounding the Maya but I honestly feel when visiting another country, getting to know the history of the people and the culture is the ultimate form of respect. Here is his lesson in a nutshell:

1) The Maya are a very distinct people that you will easily identify once you see them. Most are no taller than five feet, have high cheek bones and an aquiline nose. Mayan women are master embroiderers and weavers whose work is very distinct and sought after...especially their hammocks. Why would he describe them? Because people have to understand that they ( the Mayan) are the indigenous people of the Yucatan region. Mostly everyone else is a descendant of the Spanish explorers or the intermingling of those Spanish explorers and the Mayan women.

2)The Mayan ruins, whether at Chich'en Itza, Tulum or Cobå really don't have any meaning for modern day Mayans. This is because the temples were used mostly buy the aristocracy and high priests, who kept knowledge (writing, astronomy, etc.) amongst the privileged few. So when a civil war broke out, the everyday farmer, fisherman and weaver had no use for the temples since they did not have any clue to the knowledge it held.

3) The most significant finding among the ruins was the discovery of Mayan Hieroglyphics. The only other evidence of such an advanced form or writing and communication was the Rosetta Stone and thus, Egyptian Hieroglyphics. However, this sophisticated form of communication could only be read by a select few. To make souvenirs for tourists that are very similar to Egyptian cartouches, the Mayan people have to go through rigorous training to be taught the alphabet of their ancestors. ( We bought a calendar print with our anniversary date in Mayan hieroglyphics and the meanings of each symbol. I can't wait to frame it)

4) When the Spanish came to the shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, they found it was easy to colonize the Mayans. Hence, in the middle of small rustic Mayan villages, elaborate Catholic churches were built along with missions to convert these indigenous people. Their gods were lost to them simply because they had no knowledge of any of their own religious rituals and such.

I have to tell you, I really found it hard to believe that the Mayans did not fight for the survival of their culture. There had to be someone who remembered the gods, the rituals, everyday state of being. But I can also understand how a culture could fall unto itself and easily accept (being brainwashed ) what others present to them as truth. It is all too evident in our own varied histories throughout the African diaspora.

So Much To Tell Part II

For our five year anniversary, the husband and I decided to go to Mexcio. Woo Hoo ... any chance to get out the concrete jungle I embrace with absolute JOY! We were looking forward to some sun and much needed relaxation, so we didn't want to stay in Cancun, and there were three criteria we wanted ... 1) Adults Only ( sorry kiddies but the adults need some play time too) 2) Ultimate Relaxation ... partying is okay but for some reason I can't stay up past 12am anymore, and 3) Over the Top Romance. Being married 5 years is a rare occurance and a milestone these days. While doing our research we came upon the El Dorado Royale in the Mayan Riviera. Adults (Couples) only, all inclusive AND affordable. What really reeled us in was the suite with the swim up pool right outside your door. OMG!

We hopped on Jet Blue (#1 in my book ... especially for us long legged peoples) and it was smooth sailing to the Yucatan Penninsula. After a short ride from the airport, we arrived at the resort. Once through security, we entered into a jungle filled with lush foilage and the melodies of birds. At the lobby entrance we were greeted with cool minted cloths, champagne and the most amazing smell being piped through the air conditioning system. The ride to our room on one of the many golf carts that whiz around the property afforded us a mini tour. We were spellbound at the vividness of it all.

The coolness of the room enveloped us, however, we were eager to see what the resort had to offer. We tried to pace ourselves and take it slow and decided to walk around. Usually it takes us about a day and a half to calm down and get into the flow of the place but for some reason it seemed easier this time. We headed to one of the many cafes on the property and enjoyed our first Mexican Pizza. I was hooked. Dinner was an extraordinary affair. The hotel has instituted a Gourmet Inclusive policy which is amazing to say the least. That night I had a Salmon Ceviche that was the most refreshing thing I have ever tasted.

The next day found us refreshed but eager to explore so, we called a taxi and spent the day in Playa del Carmen. It's Fifth Avenue is full of colorful shops and luxurious boutique hotels. I didn't know where to look first. I immediately fell in love with the colorful Mexican Talavera and black clay pottery. When I came upon the lavishly decorated ceramic sinks, I lost my breath and kept trying to figure out how to get one home on the plane! All that ooohing and aahhhing made us ravenous so we headed for a restaurant to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. Stuffed Poblano Peppers, Tamales, Taquitos, Guacamole, Chicken Enchiladas OH MY! Completely satiated, we made our way down the rest of fifth avenue and onto the beach ... but we didn't have our bathing suits with us. So we ignored the call of the white sand and turquoise surf and headed back to our taxi rendezvous point.

Part lll ... The Mayan Ruins at Chichen Itza!

So Much to Tell ... Part I

This past week has been a whirlwind of new experiences and
pure unadulterated bliss.
It all began on June 1st. I had the extreme pleasure of meeting some FABULOUS women. Sahara, Chante, Shameka, Njoya, and I (to name a few) were on hand to celebrate Saunielle's visit to NYC at Native Restaurant in Harlem. Now I have to be honest, I was a bit intimidated. It is always that way for me when venturing out (I used to be extremely shy as a kid). Add that little nagging voice that always sounds like Maya from "Girlfriends" ...(Gurrrrl, what are you doing, you don't really know these people, and besides, when's the last time you were up in Harlem, why you going up there any way, blah, blahh, blahhhh.) Sometimes it's hard to shake the shackles of your childhood...especially when you grow up with negativity all around you. However, armed with the hope of new possibilities I made my way Uptown. It was like meeting up with friends I have known for years. The conversation flowed, the food was great and a beautiful night to boot. When the WIP's came out, we were fascinated by each other's work. I especially fell in love with the Colinette Jitterbug in the Lagoon colorway that Shameka was working with...bought on sale at Seaport Yarn and the piece Saun was working on that included some beading. I have been crocheting for the past couple of months so I brought out the granny squares I have been working on for the Larger Than Life Bag from Interweave Crochet. As it grew later we knew it had to come to an end but we all vowed to meet again. Great food, Great friends and YARN! What more can one ask for?

Stay tuned for Part II ... here's a hint, Mayan temples and over the top romance ...........