Field Trippin’
I promised we would do things. Things - plural. And so we did exactly two things! In between the scientific observation we were conducting at the beach and the important taste testing carried out throughout Tulum’s expansive patio scene, we found some time to squeeze in a little vacation from our vacation.
First up - one of the modern seven wonders of the world, Chichen Itza! Built over centuries by the Itza Mayans, Chichen Itza is one of those places that makes me confident that our current version of humanity is one of the least capable versions. I mean you see these perfectly constructed pyramid structures and temples, all of which take into account the annual patterns of the sun and stars; there are intricate, complex and symbolic hand carved limestone sculptures bigger than a car all standing in a perfectly straight line and totally level. All of these amazing physical feats of architecture and engineering, in addition to the fact that the Mayan empire was as expansive and sophisticated politically as the Greeks across the oceans (a civilization they did not even know existed) make you start to think - I am a total idiot.
The Mayans made their own plaster from the native trees and soils to decorate temples for their gods. I have a hard time making breakfast most days.
They had their own written language. I could break spellcheck with the number of typos in these posts.
My point here, is this - putting aside the centuries of violent wars and slave labor (just little things)- I think we can all agree that the Mayans and their contemporaries around the world were objectively better at important things; and every time a 21st century computer whiz applies his ingenuity to the creation of a new Snapchat filter a Mayan king sacrifices another appendage.
But let’s not dwell on humanity’s shortcomings. Let’s talk about what our peers are getting right.
Mainly - Bacalar.
A couple hours south of Tulum with only jungle and a handful of mango stands to look at along the way, you’ll find the watercraft of your choice and an unbelievably blue lake to float on. Quiet and sleepy but with plenty of lakeside patios to enjoy, Bacalar is meant for the easy come, easy go kind of tourist. I want to keep it a secret, but I want you to know that there are still tiny yet majestic places out there in the world, free of spring break bros and instagram influencers trying to sell you their private swimwear line. There is Bacalar!
So there you have it. We did things! Learned a little. Chilled a little. And that’s called keeping a promise.
