Prophecy? Phenomenon? Hysteria? Or is it just time to turn a page? In this case, it appears to be the conclusion of a calendar (a 5,126-year long one) and as with many Maya traditions, a time to celebrate both old and new.
JB Journeys is offering a fun and information-packed itinerary in Honduras for December 15-22nd of this year. Honduran ruins remains among the least-visited of Mayan sites, not because the country has less
to offer. On the contrary, present-day Maya live throughout the country, the backdrop of an ancient civilization, still practicing traditional methods. And not because the ruins at the archaeology park of Copán are lacking. According to Dr. David Sedat, one of the week’s presenters, it ‘contains monuments bearing hieroglyphic instructions unrivaled in their artistic style, detail and number.”
Shannon Kring Buset, co-host of this JB Journeys itinerary, says “this extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime tour features several of the world’s leading Maya archeologists, scholars, epigraphers,
and archeoastronomers, who will present the latest breakthroughs in how the ancient Maya thought about 2012. It will also introduce you to the living Maya, as well as to ceremonialists, who will welcome us
into their lives and sacred rituals. And, because no trip to Honduras would be complete without a visit to the rainforest, we’ll start along the Atlantic Coast, at the world-class eco-resort, the Lodge at Pico Bonito.”
This journey combines spectacular scenery, luxurious accommodations, world-class cuisine, and plenty of opportunity for relaxation and renewal.
While the Caribbean area of the country has been considered the agricultural center for much of the 20th Century, it is now the heart of a growing eco-tourism business. At one time, all jobs were
with Dole, Chiquita, or dependent business, now many are employed in receptive tourism providing professional jobs, a cleaner work environment, and a career path with these small eco-touristic companies.
The tour originates in the Caribbean area, at The Lodge at Pico Bonito, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Each of its 22 quaint cabins (oft described as ‘Frank Lloyd Wright meets the CCC) has
all the amenities one would expect in a large luxury hotel, yet is surrounded by flora and fauna of every size shape and color. Toucans and hummingbirds fly among lush landscape. Hikes, whitewater rafting,
and snorkeling are offered as part of the package.
Once in the village of Copán Ruinas, the western outpost of the Mayan Civilization, tour participants will take part in firsthand archaeology, cultural and spiritual presentations among today’s Maya and with scholars of world renown. The renovated family homestead-now-boutique hotel, Hacienda San Lucas, will serve as headquarters for the tour. The Hacienda’s great lawn, with an expansive view of the ruins, will be the site of many of or talks and workshops.
Topics covered at workshops and receptions include Astronomical Symbolism, the Galactic Alignment, and Maya Cosmo genesis 2012.
Among the presenters will be
· Dr. David Sedat – field director of University of Pennsylvania Museum’s Early Copán Archaeological Project. He described how the Maya used defined time periods for political gain, and led the team
that discovered two of the richest tombs ever found in the Americas; the resting places of Copán’s dynastic founder and his queen, the so-called Lady in Red. A dinner is scheduled at his home in Copán.
· Dr. Barbara Macleod of Austin – speaks a number of Maya dialects and was among the scholars who broke the Mayan code.
· Shannon Kring Buset – co-host of this journey, is an award winning author, speaker, and commentator on national TV and publications around the USA . She also hosted an Emmy-winning cooking
show on PBS and is a partner in WildHeart Vision, a media company that promotes ancient and indigenous wisdom on film. Since 2007, Kring Buset has focused on the ancient Maya of Honduras.
Kring Buset’s documentary, 2012: The Beginning, will be shown in the village one evening; many of the towns’ people are featured in the film.
Traditional Maya celebrations and tours include
· Private guided tours of Copán Ruins with Dr. Sedat
· Sunrise Solstice Ceremony
· Mud mask treatment at Spa Ixchel, set among a working shade-grown coffee plantation
· Temazcal – a ritual of transformation and renewal held in a womb-shaped dome
· Maya Sacred Fire Ceremony facilitated by AumRak, Guatemalan medicine woman
Shannon Kring Buset will be in Austin in 2012 to show her documentary, 2012: The Beginning, (time and date to be announced), along with Dr. MacLeod for a question and answer session.
The cost for the 7-night itinerary is $2,895 per person double plus international airfare. Early reservations are recommended. For a full description, photos, and how to reserve your spot, please visit www.jbourneys.com, call 512.217.4836 or 512.217.4814, or e-mail at jbjourneys@yahoo.com.
JB Journeys is an Austin-based, woman-owned travel company, dedicated to sustainable travel around the world. They offer a ‘boutique’ portfolio consisting of hand-picked, quality, adventure vacation options, including boutique hotels and off-the-beaten path excursions. Each aspect has been carefully chosen to provide travelers authenticity, cultural immersion, active adventure and life-enriching travel, and to respect the environment, promote the economy, and preserve the cultural heritage of the destination. The owners are well-traveled destination specialists with first-hand experience.
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