Longwood Study Abroad KINS 361

So today was our last full day and we did not take it easy... we started off to the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve to visit Rio Frio Cave and the On Rio Pools. We then had lunch and a tour at Oxmul Coffee, a local family owned and operated coffee farm that grows, harvests and roasts Belizian coffee beans in medium and dark roasts. We then stopped off at the market in San Ignacio and ended our evening with our farewell dinner at Guava Limb, a local farm to table restaurant in San Ignacio.
Sad to end our trip but tomorrow we start our treck back home.

Today was a very unique experience that removed us from technology and had us getting very physical.
ATM cave tour is one for the books. About an hour from San Ignacio, off the beaten path and through farming fields lies a cave regarded by the ancient Mayan as an entrance to the underworld. We hiked through the jungle for about 40 minutes to the mouth of the cave, but not before 3 separate river crossings. We then waded through water, scaled rocks, and went deep into the cave for about 2 hours. There were several human remains seen and very specific instructions on where to step, crawl, and climb as we made out way to the sacred chamber where the remnants of the ancient times were present and being naturally preserved.
No pics as we were not allowed to have any phones of cameras but still highly recommend.
Now it is time to relax in my hammock until dinner

Yesterday and today were both jammed backed. We left Mexico and made our way to Belize.
Started off with a drive to the Cancun airport to hop on what felt like a private plane, but it was not. It was a small 14 passenger.
Landed in Belize City and had a driving tour of the major highlights (Cathedral, Swinging Bridge, Museum, Belize sign, and Lighthouse).
Then checked into our hotel for the night.
Today we woke up and had another academic visit at The Inspiration Center (an NGO and non-profit for community-based rehabilitative services - PT, OT, SLP).
We then hit up the Belize Zoo on our way out of town to transfer to San Ignacio.

Today we wrapped up our time in Mexico by visiting one of the only fully functioning Haciendas in the world, Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, where they harvest henequen fiber.
After touring the harvesting and production facility we took a refreshing dip in one of the 8 cenotes on site.
We then went to a speaking engagement at Fundacion BIA, an community outreach organization that focuses on s*x education in schools of the Yucatan as well as s*xual transmitted disease testing and treatment support.

Today was dedicated to learning more about the Mayan culture and traditional Mayan medicine.
We started off at the Gran Museo del Mundo Maya offering a comprehensive look at Mayan civilization and ended at Kuchil Kaab where we met Doña Anselma and her family, who are not just keepers of the Melipona beekeeping tradition but also guardians of vast traditional medicinal knowledge.

Yesterday was a long and hot one but we all got to mark off one of the 7 Wonders of the New World and UNESCO World Heritiage site by starting off at Chichen Itza, one of the most famous Mayan Pyramids. It was hot but worth it.
Next up was lunch at Selva Maya, followed by Cenote Saamal, and then Valladolid.

Today was spent out in nature and by the sea! Got to see many different birds but the flamingos stole the show.
Celestun Biosphere Reserve was an amazing experience.

So let's try this again... sorry if this is a repeat post but I fully thought I posted this hours ago.
None the less, we landed safely in Mexico yesterday and had a low key afternoon and ended with our Welcome Dinner. Today was a 1/2 day walking tour with our guides Richardo and Perla. We visited many historical and cultural sites and even ended our evening by watching a traditional and ancient Mayan game of Maya ball (Pok ta Pok) in the main square.

It is bitter sweet today as we are leaving Australia. Time for the long haul home.

One 15 hour flight and then a 3 hour from DFW to RIC.

The past few days have been full of adventure and learning. Yesterday everyone was free to explore on their own. Many did the Zoo, Aquarium, Bondi Beach, the Library, and Museums.
Today was a lecture at University of Technology Sydney on Aboriginal Health and Midwifery.
We will be heading back to the states tomorrow exhausted but excited to share all our stories and memories with everyone!