Journey To The Republic Of Guatemala Land Of The Maya

The Central American country of Guatemala was populated by the Maya people whose empire extended from Honduras to the south to today's southern Mexico. Remnants of their presence are found throughout this region, with monumental architecture, cities, palaces, and great pyramids. Wherever one looks, the explosion of growth and development captures the viewer in its thrall. Even the many glyphs adorning these sites with their unique writing style are a marvel to behold. They lived here for an estimated two thousand years, and then, in the early 16th century, the Spanish came and conquered these people. By then, their greatness had already ended in the midst of the 10th century, when their culture and civilization collapsed. But they retained their culture by way of thousands of pictographic books which detailed their way of life and their advancements. But the Spaniards, zealous in their Catholicism, sought out and destroyed every such book they could find and burned them all. Except for three such books, known as the Maya Codices. Historians and scholars began the slow process of deciphering the Maya past. Great effort was expended and the reality of their lives, culture, kings, wars and daily practice began to emerge. And the world was astounded by the emerging picture. Perhaps a first in the world, was their mathematical calculation with 'zero,' a phenomenal achievement. Interestingly, the glyph of the zero depicted a woman - what mathematical genius was she to use zero in calculations? Their astronomy of the heavenly spheres was astoundingly precise, as was their knowledge of geometry and trigonometry. Their religion, however, included human sacrifices, following the practice of other nearby civilizations, such as the Aztecs, the Inca in South America, and others. The Spaniards stopped such worship and offerings and now subjugated these people into serfdom called encomiendas, or enforced working for the conquistadors and their descendants. Independence from Spain came in 1821, but the Mayan living conditions did not change. The country became divided between the Spanish descendants, now known as the Criollos, the middle class, known as Ladinos (not to be confused with Jews in 9th century Castilian Spain), and the Maya and other indigenous. The social distance from the upper to lower classes was immense. And that distance came forward during Guatemala's Civil War, from 1960 to 1996. The violence and massacres during this period was so evil, the president of the country, Rios Montt, was charged and convicted of Genocide, the first time a country charged its own leader with this crime. At a previous age and time, the face of Guatemala presented immense achievements. Today, violence, crime, and cultural penury is self-evident. Guatemala is a third-world country, where the majority of its people live in great poverty while the upper class has the land, its abundance and vast wealth.

Invites you to jump on one of the country's brightly painted chicken buses and visit its bustling marketplaces, Mayan monuments, colonial town squares, and whitewashed churches, where baroque Catholic rituals meld with ancient Mayan beliefs to create a unique style of worship.

McConahay draws upon her three decades of traveling and living in Central America's remote landscapes to create a fascinating chronicle of the people, politics, archaeology, and species of the Central American rainforest, the cradle of Maya civilization.Captivated by the magnificence and mystery of the jungle, the author brings to life the intense beauty, the fantastic locales, the ancient ruins, and the horrific violence. She witnesses archaeological discoveries, the transformation of the Lacandon people, the Zapatista indigenous uprising in Mexico, increased drug trafficking, and assists in the uncovering of a war crime. Over the decades, McConahay has witnessed great changes in the region, and this is a unique tale of a woman's adventure and the adaptation and resolve of a people--From publisher description.

Containing more than 600 entries, this valuable resource presents all aspects of travel writing. There are entries on places and routes (Afghanistan, Black Sea, Egypt, Gobi Desert, Hawaii, Himalayas, Italy, Northwest Passage, Samarkand, Silk Route, Timbuktu), writers (Isabella Bird, Ibn Battuta, Bruce Chatwin, Gustave Flaubert, Mary Kingsley, Walter Ralegh, Wilfrid Thesiger), methods of transport and types of journey (balloon, camel, grand tour, hunting and big game expeditions, pilgrimage, space travel and exploration), genres (buccaneer narratives, guidebooks, New World chronicles, postcards), companies and societies (East India Company, Royal Geographical Society, Society of Dilettanti), and issues and themes (censorship, exile, orientalism, and tourism). For a full list of entries and contributors, a generous selection of sample entries, and more, visit the Literature of Travel and Exploration: An Encyclopedia website.

Discovering the Heart of the Mayan World: A Journey Through Guatemala" is the ultimate travel guide for those who are seeking an immersive cultural experience in Central America. This beautifully designed book offers an in-depth look at one of the world's most fascinating and captivating destinations, Guatemala. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant indigenous culture, Guatemala is the perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the best of what the Mayan world has to offer. And with this comprehensive travel guide, you'll have everything you need to plan the trip of a lifetime. The book begins by providing a detailed overview of Guatemala's history, from the ancient Mayan civilization to the Spanish conquest and the country's modern-day political and cultural landscape. With a deep understanding of the country's history, you'll be able to appreciate the rich cultural heritage that permeates every aspect of Guatemalan life. Next, the guide takes you on a journey through the country, with detailed descriptions of the country's many regions, including the bustling capital city of Guatemala City, the lush tropical rainforests of the Petén, and the stunning colonial cities of Antigua and Lake Atitlán. Each region is covered in detail, with recommendations for the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Whether you're interested in exploring the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization, admiring the colonial architecture, or simply soaking up the natural beauty of the country, you'll find everything you need to know in this comprehensive guide. In addition to practical travel information, the guide also offers a wealth of cultural insights and information about the indigenous peoples of Guatemala. From the colorful textiles and traditional arts and crafts to the rich spiritual beliefs and rituals, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the country's vibrant and diverse culture. With breathtaking photography and detailed maps, "Discovering the Heart of the Mayan World: A Journey Through Guatemala" is not only an informative travel guide but also a visual feast for the senses. Whether you're planning a trip or simply looking to deepen your knowledge of this fascinating destination, this book is the perfect starting point. So why wait? Start your journey today and discover the heart of the Mayan world! Get your copy of "Discovering the Heart of the Mayan World: A Journey Through Guatemala" today and start planning your next adventure!