Ek Balam

Sunday, July 06, 2008

The morning began once again with the incessantly loud calls of the alarm clock screaming in my right ear from its spot on the nightstand. I enjoyed three fluffy pancakes for breakfast, as had already become my routine at the Meson in comparison to the egg omelet at the Flycatcher in Santa Elena. It was less of a shock today to see our dilapidated jalopy waiting for us at the entrance to the Meson. Unfortunately, it was with much hesitation that I crawled into the back of the taxi trying to avoid the most questionable stains on the upholstery since I had foolishly worn khaki Bermuda shorts.

It was a short ride to Ek Balam, where once again we were joined by an English speaking tour guide, who seemed no more than a teenager versed in the basics of Maya art, mythology, and daily life. Our tour guide spoke quickly though without certainty as to the meaning of his words as we whisked by the four sided arch and the small ball court to the main temple. Just like yesterday at the Nojoch Múul, Joe assumed the role of the official photographer as Cherylie began her ascent and I dashed to the top in a barely recognizable blur of khaki and blue. As we made our ascent, Cherylie discovered the fossilized remains of seashells within the stone steps and so she felt quite like the archaeologist making a grand discovery. I was actually surprised to see them myself and amazed at her perceptiveness.

Reaching the first platform I whirled around to face the vista of bright green and cerulean blue for my photo shoot with the world famous photographer at the base of the pyramid. Nearly a hundred frames later, at least that’s what it felt like, Cherylie finally arrived and we stood in awe of the stucco masks adorning the façade. It was quite different from anything I have seen on this trip and likewise it is hard to believe that something so intricate was preserved so well. From the top we saw an ancient chultun used to collect water with a gorgeous blue and green bird perched on the edge of the stone well, its tail feathers moving from side to side like the hand of a clock – tick, tock, tick.

On our return to the entrance we stopped to see a building undergoing excavation and restoration with many portions covered in a vinyl blue tarp and piles of stones waiting patiently for a place to call their own in the once crumbled temple. Everyone was physically drained, but I decided to climb one last temple solo before leaving Ek Balam behind. It was a quick task to climb the mid-sized temple for a wonderful view of the main pyramid across the plaza and Cherylie and Joe standing at the bottom like small ants.

Upon my return to the Meson, I ordered a cream of corn soup before retiring to our comfortable accommodations to work on my homework for class tomorrow. Cherylie and Joe decided to go on a walk to purchase more Xtabentun as gifts since Cherylie and I had sampled it yesterday during our outing. As we stood in the souvenir shop, the vendor presented us with a shot glass and a sip of Xtabentun, Cherylie’s face scrunched in a look of consternation as she thought, “Where did you get that glass, boy?” and “How many people have used this glass before me?” I could not help but bubble over with laughter, and I was sure Joe would get the same treatment with a shot glass whisked off the shelf and a cold bottle of Xtabentun produced for the delight of his taste buds.

Feeling less stressed about my homework, especially since the waiters are quite familiar with me already and are more than happy to help me practice my Maya, Cherylie and I finally got the opportunity to enjoy the sparkling pool just feet from the entrance to our room. It was so refreshing to soak in the water without a care in the world for once on this trip. As the afternoon progressed I heard the familiar sound of Leah’s voice and looked over my shoulder to see her smiling face standing on a balcony overlooking the pool. I was so excited to learn that Leah and I would be rooming together at the Meson since we both enjoy a room as a cold as an icebox.
With Joe feeling under the weather Cherylie and I went to dinner alone where we ordered a bottle of white wine to celebrate the wonderful memories we have experienced the last few days. I ordered pasta carbonara and was so eager to enjoy something as far from Mexican cuisine as possible, which was extremely light and extremely satisfying.

After finishing our meal I reunited with my classmates for a quick meeting to discuss the upcoming week. Garrett has finally succumbed to some illness, which would eventually affect all but me and one other student before the end of our adventure. I took a quick peek at my new accommodations, which barely compare to the luxury of the suite I currently reside in. I feel overwhelmed by the final week of my trip and worried about the stark difference in the two rooms I will occupy here at the Meson. All in all, I am anxious and nervous about tomorrows excursion to Xocen, especially since I will be sharing a host family with Christa.