Richard And Jo Demeester's photos

The Observatory

The Observatory

25 Jun 2009 244
Also called El Caracol (the snail) because of the spiral stairway inside. A very interesting building in the ruins of Chichén Itzá.
Pre-dinner Drinks With Ambiance

Pre-dinner Drinks With Ambiance

25 Jun 2009 185
In a beautiful colonial mansion. The candelabra behind Jo was a lovely touch.
Decorations On A Platform For Sacrifices

Decorations On A Platform For Sacrifices

25 Jun 2009 295
The “Platform Of Skulls”. A place of sacrifice. The Mayans were not that big in the sacrifice department, but Chichén Itzá was a mixture of Mayan and Toltec culture, from the north of Mexico. It appears the Toltecs were sacrifice obsessed, with many sculptures showing decapitations and human heart offerings.
A Magnificent Mayan Pyramid, Pyramid Of Kukulcán

A Magnificent Mayan Pyramid, Pyramid Of Kukulcán

25 Jun 2009 264
This structure is the principal attraction of Chichén Itzá. Beautifully constructed, with many significant connections with the Mayan calendar, the temple on top was where priests would determine the best times to do things, from planting crops to invading neighbours. This structure apparently shows some Toltec influences.
Cute Pyramid With Rounded Corners

Cute Pyramid With Rounded Corners

24 Jun 2009 191
The rounded corners appear to be far less common. In my opinion, they soften the appearance of the structure considerably. This structure is in the Mayan ruins of Cobá.
Nature Integrated

Nature Integrated

24 Jun 2009 266
Tree roots hold together the roof structure of a passage leading under a Mayan pyramid in the ruins of Cobá.
Cocktails On Tulum Beach

Cocktails On Tulum Beach

23 Jun 2009 244
Less than a kilometre from the ruins and the rocky cliffs they are built atop, the beach opens to many kilometres of powdery white expansive beaches with gentle and warm waters of perfect turquoise for great swimming. Beth and Ben from Wales joined us for some cocktails.
An Iguana Looks Out

An Iguana Looks Out

23 Jun 2009 191
Maybe the iguana is shaking his head at the crowds, or maybe he's just taking in the overall vista of the ruins. There were many iguanas wandering about, and with such crowds almost daily, they are quite accustomed to people.
Mayan Ruins At Tulum

Mayan Ruins At Tulum

23 Jun 2009 179
I think this particular structure may have been one of the temples in Tulum (sorry, can't quite remember). It shows what a beautiful stretch of water the city looked over. There are a few beachy stretches and coves beneath the rocks.
... And Looking Down

... And Looking Down

21 Jun 2009 203
Surrounded by forest, an amazing view was to be had from the top.
Looking Up ...

Looking Up ...

21 Jun 2009 201
The tallest structure at Lamanai, build around 100 BC.
Belize's National Flower

Belize's National Flower

21 Jun 2009 176
The Black Orchid.
A Character From Mad?

A Character From Mad?

21 Jun 2009 211
An ancient pottery fragment at the Mayan ruins of Lamanai, looking a bit like a drawn character from Mad Magazine.
Another Turtle

Another Turtle

19 Jun 2009 216
I know he doesn't look so green, but it's a Green Sea Turtle.
School's In

School's In

19 Jun 2009 180
Although, there appears to be some misfits in amongst these.
Being Chased By An Eagle Ray

Being Chased By An Eagle Ray

19 Jun 2009 2 1 215
That Eagle Ray really had no issue with us. It was all we could do just to stay out of his path.
Jo And The Stingrays

Jo And The Stingrays

19 Jun 2009 182
Jo admires some Rough-Tailed Stingrays as she snorkels over them.
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle

19 Jun 2009 254
I really had to back up to get out of the way of this beautiful turtle who was coming through, regardless of our presence.
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