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December 9, 2005 01:35 PM
Tikal
There's nothing quite like a sprawling ancient city to make you squirm under the weight of history on your shoulders. There are plenty of cities out there that can do it to you, they don't have to be Mayan. I've been to Egypt and felt it all along the Nile River. I bet there are some doozies in Cambodia and I'm sure Machu Picchu in Peru has a similar effect as Monte Alban in Oaxaca did.
So far, this trip, Tikal (pictured above), in the northern jungles of Guatemala has been the most impressive. Even today, only a fraction of this giant city has been wrestled from the jungle; as you wander about you can see mounds of every size that are undoubtedly fantastic temples and palaces. To climb and touch these ancient buildings is to bear witness to the ghosts of lost generations and be forced to acknowledge that nothing will last. Given enough time, everything, all of it, will be swallowed. I can't help but imagine that the Spider Monkeys take this all for granted.
Comments
Ummmm Rye, me and jodes were just wandering when you started your job writing for Lonely Planet!!
can't wait to see you at christmas lova
miss you
Modern history of Tikal:
It was used as background scenery of the Rebel Base in the film Star Wars.
'nuff said.
Survivor too?....
How you guys doing for cash? Gettin low yet?
What are your plans for Christmas guys?