More from Mexico...

On Monday we visited the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba, and climbed the highest Mayan temple in the Yucatan (yep, it was very high!). We also conquered some zip lines through the jungle. That was pretty awesome, too. And on Tuesday we went back to Isla Mujertes for some R&R. The beach there is delightful, and the town is incredibly colourful. It was a wonderful second-last holiday day for us here in Mexico.

Hand-made hammocks and more...

After visiting ruins on Saturday, we stopped in the small village of Ek Balaam. It is truly in the heart of rural Mexico, and is comprised of dozens of rustic hut-type dwellings. The people here largely make their living by weaving hammocks for the American market, and many homes had several completed hammocks hanging out front, as well as looms in their yards. Chickens and turkeys had free reign of the village and took full advantage of their right to the gravel roads! Our time in this village provided a fascinating glimpse of a more traditional way of living in Mexico. (Along the way to Ek Balaam we stopped by this beautiful church, and a craft store next to a small Mexican prison... interesting, indeed!)

Mayan history comes to life...

Chichen Itza and Ek Balaam, two sites of Mayan ruins in the Yucatan peninsula, were our destinations for Saturday, June 14th. And what amazing destinations they were! The grand pyramid at Chichen Itza was simply stunning. An imposing structure, it dominated the large archaeological site, which also features a huge ancient palace, temples, an enormous Mayan ball court (where they figure the losers of important games were sacrificed to the gods! yikes!) and more. Ek Balaam is less developed, and many structures are still covered in vegetation. The main pyramid there featured a large carved entrance to a 9th century Mayan king's tomb that was very impressive. Brian and the girls made it to the top of this structure, but I had to stop half-way as vertigo began to take its toll!

Jungle Adventure

On Friday, June 13th, we spent the day with an eco-tour company here in the Yucatan called Alltournative. They treated us to sea kayaking and snorkeling on a reef, followed by a crazy, off-road Unimog trip through the forest to reach some gorgeous cenotes (underground caverns and caves). We swam in one big cenote before getting our snorkel masks back on to snorkel through some caverns festooned with stalactites and stalagmites. Our guides lit up the path with flashlights as we swam so we could see the beautiful formations, and we were accompanied by many small fish that swam right up to our masks as we bobbed along. It was amazing to see such a beautiful part of God's creation!

More Mexican Photos!

Mexican Adventure!

We are on day 3 of our Mexican get-away, and we are having a wonderful time! Today we spent the day at Isla Mujertes and it was absolutely sublime. Azure skies, white-sand beaches, sea turtles and iguanas in abundance and time to relax and enjoy the ocean breeze... what could be better. The condo we're staying at has a lovely view of the beach, and we are looking forward to exploring Mayan ruins and cenotes soon. See you soon, amigos!

Goodbye friends...

On Saturday evening, the TCIS community gathered together for a big dinner and a chance to pay tribute to our colleagues who are leaving the school at the end of the year (the end of next week, in fact). We will especially miss the Wilders, the Boyers and Steve McNutt. TCIS will not be the same without you! Here are photos of some of our friends and colleagues.

Birthdays, birthdays...

On Sat., May 30, Hannah celebrated her birthday early with her best friends. What birthday would be complete without sticker pictures and noriebang?? Cora celebrated her birthday early this week, too, and here are also some random photos from downtown.