As a child (and still as an adult), I have always been fascinated by history, so the thought of visiting one of the great sites of human civilization–the ruins of Chichin Itza and Xel Ha in Mexico–while on vacation just over a year ago, blew me away.
Although magnificent, what struck me was how small and human they seemed. It was as though these ancient cultures were ruled by giants, and yet, as close as I was allowed to approach, I was met with steps that would not be challenging for a short-statured adult.
I remain in awe of who these people were and what they accomplished, but having visited their cultural centres, I must admit that I came back a little disappointed. They were as you and me, and for whatever reason, that has dulled their sheen in the wondering eyes of the young boy I was.
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When in Chichin Itza, this is the photo we all try to take
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Despite the ravages of man and weather, the skull carvings are still plainly visible
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So many of the buildings are decorated with horrific faces making faces
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The ancients looked to the stars for portents of the future
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This ruin reminded me most of the photos I had seen of places like Myceanae
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The winged serpent god snakes his way down the side of the temple to ravage the tourists
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As the blazing sun dipped in the withering afternoon, I angled carefully for this shot
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I can only imagine the majesty of this place overlooking the sea
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So far from Athens and Uruk and yet so reminiscent