Lamanai

I have been in Belize now three months and I've finally found time to do some tourist stuff! LOL  As many of you know, my life here is NEVER boring.   If there is anywhere in Belize I would recommend you see, Lamanai would be one of them.  Traveling by small motor boat, we rode 25 miles up the New River to reach the entrance of the protected reserve. Located on the banks of the New River Lagoon, we were greeted with a delicious spread of Belizean food. Trust me when I say that if there is anything that Belize knows how to do well, it’s cook BBQ chicken!  

Meaning, "submerged crocodile", the name Lamanai is mispronounced by most visitors and locals.  Historians believe that Lamanai was first settled about 3,00 years ago.  Most of the temples that have been excavated were built in what is known as the Pre-classic period (around 100 B.C.).   At it’s hight the population of the area we know as Lamanai was over a million strong.  Unlike other areas that were taken over my the Spanish conquistadors, this Mayan mecca was still populated when the first Spanish missionaries arrived.  Churches were quickly built by the invading foreigners, building over the current buildings, temples and tombs.  In the 1640’s the Mayan’s rebelled, burning down the missions and attempting to run off Spanish invaders.  

Between the British settlers and the outbreaks of imported diseases, the Mayan population was soon extinct.  In 1974 Canadian archeologist, David Pendegast of the Royal Ontario Museum began excavation of the current site. Money soon ran out, leaving only six buildings fully excavated.  The largest of the pyramids is N10-43 which raises 112 feet from the Jungle floor.  The steps of the temple is in excellent condition after some recent restoration and is open to climbing for all guests.

Waiting for the boat to pick us up we were greeted by the “welcoming party.”  There are many dogs here in Belize, sadly most of mistreated and often abused.  If there is anything I hate to see, that is a skinny and hungry dog. I wish I could adopt all the dogs here in Belize....makes me miss my two little boys at home all the more. 

While waiting for the boat to arrive, Damon McKillop and his sweet wife, Marcia, decided to take some "romantic" pictures.   Needless to say they got some teasing for this stunt.  

I have discovered there is no feeling like the wind in your face, the smell of the clean air around you as you ride up the river.  The journey was so peaceful I almost fell asleep on the ride up river. Sadly Damon McKillop made sure I stayed awake. LOL

This was actually a rare view from the river.  The few homes that dot the river bank are mostly poor, wood shacks with thatched roofs. 

Some of our party from Canada. They were a blast to go with and I miss all of them so much. 

(L to R: Arron, Jeremy Parrish, Sheryl Taylor, Donny Taylor, Damon McKillop)

Most locals travel the river in small home made canoes like this.  Fishing and boating is the main activity on the river since it does have crocodiles and isn't "swimming friendly."

The Spider Monkey Resort and conservation located a few miles up river.  The semi domesticated spider monkeys often come into the motor boats looking for food.  Our tour guide Eddie pulled the boat close to an overhanging branch.  Using some bananas he had brought we were able to lure a female spider monkey into our boat twice.   The second trip for her she crossed behind by back, jumping down next to me before walking down the middle of our boat to get her "prize."  Because she moved so quickly I wasn't able to get a good pictures of her. It was interesting to note that only the females will venture into the boats or near people, the males wait in the trees, the females bringing back any captured goods. 

This picture was quickly snapped over my shoulder as the female walked behind me.  

("Hang on my little Spider Monkey.")

  The typical meal here in Belize: red beans & rice, stewed or BBQ chicken, coleslaw, warm potato salad and fried plankton. There was ice water and cokes in the cooler. All the food was prepared by our tour guide, Eddie’s wife and was some of the best I’ve eaten. 

A replica of a Mayan hut that would have been the typical home.  This, along with other original pieces are located in the on-site museum. 

Some of the Mayan pottery that was excavated in the original 1970 dig.

Our tour guide, Eddie starting the "walking" part of our tour.  A former History teacher he was very well versed in both the site history as well as the cultural. 

The first of the six temple pyramids on the walking tour.  Known as P9-56 it was discovered that the current temple was built over a previous one that was erected five centuries before.

 The tallest pyramid temple at Lamanai, rising 112 feet in the air. Most of the group climbed to the top...I wisely choose not too as I KNEW that I would freak out trying to climb down.  I had planned on it but thought better of yet when I saw how steep the climb was. The view from the top I heard was amazing.  I did climb to the half way point....doesn't that count? :)

Some of the Canada group making the trek to the top.  All the ladies in our group made the brave climb up. Yes, I got teased but at least I was safely on the bottom and not clinging to one of the poor guys as he helped me down.  Don't think that would have been a nice image....at least for me it wouldn't have been. :)

Luptia got a hold of my camera and wouldn't give it back until I posed for a picture. This is the first proof I have that I'm ACTUALLY here. Yes, folks....I'm still alive! :)