Took the kids to Chichen Itza because it is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and really, how often do you get to see one of those?
Somewhere around 987AD and up to 1200 AD the Maya tradition of the North Yucatan fused with the Toltec culture of central Mexico and established its capital in Chichen Itza. This structure the kids are in front of is the Pyramid of Kulkulkan. This Pyramid is tied in many ways to the Mayan calender. There are 4 sets of stairs with 91 steps on each side (364 total ) plus the top step equals 356. The Mayans were very advanced mathmaticians and engineers. They paved their roads with limestone and it glowed at night allowing them to travel in the cooler hours with plenty of light from the glowing limestone.
These Mayan children were there with their parents selling crafts and jewelry and carvings. The little girl was a serious haggler and would not trade for Hershey kisses......she kept saying "Pesos, only Pesos" She drove a hard bargain but for 20 pesos I got two embroidered handkercheifs that her mother had made. The dress she is wearing is traditional Mayan dress, if she were married she would add a colorful shawl and if she were a widow, a black one. The Mayan people that we met were very sweet and are trying hard to hold on to traditions and customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
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