A list of the most magnificent million (+/-) memories of my life as a Peace Corps Volunteer.
1. Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) Cave: Located in the Cayo District of Belize the ATM Cave is must see. Actun Tunichil Muknal, Mayan for “Cave of the Stone Sepulchre” was recently rediscovered in 1986. The cave is home to an amazing assortment of Mayan artifacts, most of which are in excellent condition. The cave is named for the skeleton of a young women who is pictured below. The remains of 15 people are located throughout the cave. It is believed that the cave was a used by the ancient Maya as a site for human sacrifice.
2. Snorkeling at Laughing Bird Caye: Declared as a National Park in 1991 and listed as a UNESCO World Heretige Site in 1996, Laughing Bird Caye is one of the most beautiful places to spend a day in Belize. The Caye lies just 11 miles off the coast, a short boat ride on a calm day. The day I visited was very windy, the trip felt more like a carnival ride then a pleasure cruise. The island is spectacular, there are number of thatch buildings for shade, one can snorkel right off the beach, and most tours come with an excellent lunch. The aquatic wildlife was wonderful, there are more species then I could ever hope to name.
3. Tikal: The premire Mayan ruin in all of Meso-America, Tikal is huge. Although not the largest Mayan site it is home to the tallest Temple, Temple 4. The view from the top is worth making the trip up the stairs, you can see it below. The complex was once home to over 100,000 people, the park is 16sq miles, it can take up to three days to see it all. One of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Guatemala, Tikal is awesome.
4. Iguana Hunting in Aguacate Village
5. The 4-Horsemen Ride Out
6. Snorkeling off Caye Caulker
7. Blue Creek Village Cave
8. Pizza making at my house
9. Walking to Guatemala with Josh
10. Getting “lost” on the way to the Laguna Village Cave
