July 8th
Today we had quite an adventure. After breakfast we started on our hike to the Mayan ruin of Xunantunich. As It has been raining for a few days off and on, it was muddy and swampy! At one point we had to trek through shin-deep water to get across rivers. It was well worth it though! Chena, the owner of the place we are staying, guided us and taught us about medicinal herbs. People come to her seeking advice for their personal ailments.
We learned about plants that help reduce high blood pressure, treat lupus, address cold symptoms, and even reverse hair loss. It was fascinating to learn how local plants can help cure ailments. Upon reaching the ruins, we stopped for a yummy lunch and prepared for our tour around the ruins. We saw the main temple, a pyramid where sacrifices were done, and the royal palace where the Mayan nobles lived. The land felt magical as we climbed up to the top, from which we had a 360 degree view of Belize and the border with Guatemala!
After the ruins, we took a bus back to our huts and closed the day writing Haikus.
ps. We’ll type one up and send it along later
