A little higher please

I have mixed feelings about these "swim with the dolphins" programs that are popping up all over Mexico. While I can certainly understand people would love to frolic with these graceful and playful pals, how would you feel if you had to perform for your breakfast, lunch and dinner? I also question the training of the people running these programs. A debate for the ages... Photo taken in December 2011. If you'd like to see more animals, check out Camera Critters.

Sunny day in paradise

From the Mayan ruins to the inauthentic Mexican village. I don't care much for these places, but I have to admit that swim-up bar did look inviting on this hot, sunny day. Photo taken in December 2011. If you like skies, take a look at Skywatch.

Nature taking over

Another look at one of the Mayan pyramids. This one has not been restored and you can clearly see how Mother Nature has asserted her rights over this man made structure. Photo taken in December 2011.

Awww nuts!

I have never seen coconuts like these before. Perhaps they provided sustenance to the Mayans? For certain, they provided me with a nice photographic subject!

Rosetta stone

Our guide told us this stone is the equivalent to the Rosetta stone for Mayan writings. Our guide was so informative, he really made our journey through the ruins even more exciting.

Mayan details

The Mayans were very sensitive to the cardinal directions. Their temples and pyramids were always built so that each side was facing a certain direction. This was the north side and as these stones are quite old, I was  surprised they didn't have more moss. Photo taken in December 2011.

Sacrifices

Here's a look at the sacrificial altar of this Mayan site. Our guide explained that only the best citizens were chosen for sacrifice - those who would be considered today as the business, spiritual and intellectual leaders of the community. I guess this is one of the reasons their civilization did not survive. Photo taken in December 2011.

Ruined Mayans

Here's a look at one of the main pyramid temples at the Chacchoben site in Mexico. Our guide said this pyramid has actually been rebuilt and restored. It was only around five feet tall or so when it was originally excavated. Most of the other ruins however have not been rebuilt as modern archeologists believe it's better to leave ruins in ruins. Photo taken in December 2011.