Cayo Scoop! The Ecology of Cayo Culture

The Science Museum of Mineesota's exhibit on the Maya appropriately opened yesterday on the Summer Solstice.  They have a great video talking about the exhibit, and they feature Xunantunich and Caracol on it.  The exhibit features artifacts from Cahal Pech too.  

http://www.smm.org/maya

http://kstp.com/news/stories/s3074018.shtml

"The Maya created one of the great civilizations of the ancient world.  Maya: Hidden Worlds Revealed, opening June 21, 2013 at the Science Museum of Minnesota, explores ancient Maya society through the eyes of powerful kings and queens and the farmers, artisans, administrators, and craftsmen who supported the elite and made up the foundations of these ancient states.  The exhibition will feature artifacts from throughout the Maya world, interactive exhibits and evocative environments to make the lives of the Maya relevant, accessible, and approachable."

Great article about camping overnight at Caracol for the Summer Solstice.  The National Institute for Culture and History did a wonderful job.  Dr. Jaime Awe is given praise for his great presentations.  

"I felt like I stepped back in time, when we made our way back to the camp grounds after dark.  Torches lit the entire plaza and pathways that led down to the kitchen, outdoor showers and outhouses.  I suppose I felt closer to how the Maya felt- with the sounds of the jungle, the smell of the smoke, and the hazy view the smoke leaves behind – as the only obstacles to being one with nature.  There was no loud music blaring, car horns tooting, or sirens going off.  We enjoyed the most delicious Maya dinner I have ever had.  It felt like a huge celebration feast for the summer solstice."

Tomorrow night is the Summer Solstice Celebration at Caracol.  At 11:09pm tomorrow night, Summer begins, and what better place to experience that than at Caracol?  Caracol is offering overnight camping tomorrow night.  The Institute of Archaeology has arranged 4 overnight stays for the year, and this is the second.  Call 822-2106 if you'd like to go.  Better hurry!

Check out this magical video that gives a really good idea of some of the activities they did at the Caracol Overnight camping trip for the Spring Equinox.  The sunrise at the end is spectacular!  You can see Dr. Jaime Awe explaining the Maya, and you get to see the night fire ceremony too.  

The next Caracol Overnight is on June 20th.  Contact the Institute of Archaeology for more information at 822-2106 or email them at iaresearch57@gmail.com.

If you missed the Vernal Equinox camping trip at Caracol, then you can do the Summer Equinox camping trip on June 20th.  Link goes to the FB event.

"The follow up to the Vernal Equinox, this is another chance for an overnight to Caracol, the largest Maya site in Belize."