Back from Belize!

We just returned recently from Belize

where we traveled for a wedding. 

Some beautiful sights to behold

as well as some stunning wildlife. 

This is just the first post 

with some photos to share. 

While in Punta Gorda for the wedding

(in Belize's southern Toledo District,)

we visited the ancient Mayan ruins of Lubaantun,

which means 'place of fallen stones.'

(The ancient name of the site is not known.

The current name is a modern Mayan word.)

The city dated from the classic Mayan period

roughly 700-900 AD. 

The site claims to be the origination of one of the 

infamous Crystal Skulls

(though Wikipedia disputes this

as well as the idea that any of the skulls are pre-Columbian.)

But it is known for the many small, ceramic figurines found here

many of which were whistles.

Like many Mayan civilizations,

the site was abandoned for no known reason

after flourishing. 

We came across many flowers of beauty...

and some interesting signs.

Before the wedding,

we began our trip in San Pedro at Ambergris Caye

to explore the cayes (pronounced 'keys', meaning islands) 

and do some snorkeling along the Barrier Reef. 

From there, we visited San Ignacio

to take our guided trip to Tikal in Guatemala

(pictures of which will be in a future post.)

And after the wedding, 

we spent a few days relaxing on the beautiful beach

at the Jaguar Reef Lodge on Almond Beach. 

A view of the accommodations.

A guest living under the porch. 

And the view from my porch hammock.

I'll be back with more photos from our trip to 

the amazing Mayan ruins of Tikal. 

(All photos copyright: Kirsten Steen)