another day in the jungle: December 2007

Saturday, December 29, 2007

Laundry Day

Although most people in El Remate have water piped into their homes, the same is not true for the small villages between here and Tikal. Once a week the women pack up all the laundry and the kids and bus the few kilometers down the road to wash their clothes here in the lake on ancient "washing stones". This family group bathed themselves and cleaned a weeks worth of clothes while keeping an eye on the Mayan Fire Ceremony that was sharing their space.

Another Dramatic Sunset

Here is another of the dramatic sunsets that we are privy to here in the village almost every single night!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Unificacion Maya 2007

Early on the morning of December 15th, 2007, a group of people began to assemble on a spit of land that protrudes into Lake Peten Itza from the middle of the village of El Remate to begin the first of 7 Mayan Fire Ceremonies to take us to the Winter Solstice late on the night of December 21st.

The ceremonies were facilitated by Tata Pedro Cruz (left) who was supported by Tata Mariano (middle) and Nana Maria (right).

At various times throughout the ceremonies, Tata Pedro would keep time with his drum as the prayer incence was offered to the Sacred Fire and the 20 Naguales were called to be present.

There was lots of time for music ...

And Ayah was once again leading the Unificacion Dancers through the dance of Unificacion that they have been developing for three years

Monday, December 24, 2007

Walker Dies (1999-2007)

It is with great sadness that I report to all who knew him that Woof Walker (known as Walker) died on the evening of December 22nd. Walker was our good and faithful friend for 9 years. He was the best jumper ever and could clear any normal fence at a single bound. His big soulful brown eyes won many a heart. He was deeply loved and will be achingly missed.

Monday, December 03, 2007

A New Laboratory

Thanks to the generosity of AGAT Labs, of Calgary,Alberta, we are now able to do various basic tests for diagnosis of frequently seen diseases and conditions.

RoseMarie Nielson, of Canadian Blood Services, also from Calgary, volunteered to come down and set up the lab and train a person to use the microscope and various other testing strips and devices.