Unique Manifestations of the Human Spirit

"The world in which you are born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit." Wade Davis

TTS21 is on a quest to discover the "unique manifestations of the human spirit" in Central America. During the past few weeks, we explored the ancient Maya cities of Tikal and Palenque and discovered a culture whose devotion to the cosmos, ingenuity in architecture and technology (bathrooms in the palace of Palenque? Huge rock quarries turned reservoirs on the outskirts of Tikal?), and intimate relationship to the jungle environment in which they lived astounded us. The ancient Maya existed in a world of fierce competition for resources; Maya city states were regularly at war with each other for power and access to land. The Maya priests and kings carefully and tediously maintained relationships with their gods and goddesses who controlled nature and allowed for good harvests and healthy citizens. A deal was struck between the common laborer and the god-like king and high priests: in exchange for communing with the gods and keeping close track of the movements of stars and planets in order to better predict the weather, the people would build palaces and pyramids and give a portion of their crops to the king. During the height of their power, the Maya lived and participated in the global economy of Meso-America. With no large domesticated animals, no sail, and no wheel, they traded jade, corn, chiles, and cloth piled high in canoes with civilizations in Mexico and South America. They shaped not only the cultural landscape of Meso-America, but the land itself. The "fall" of the Maya, long a subject of intrigue for archaeologists, anthropologists, philosophers, writers, and filmmakers, holds important lessons for modern civilizations. Massive deforestation, over-population, and misuse of soil changed the environment and caused drought and famine. The story of the Maya serves as kind of warning for the modern world to treat our environment with respect and intelligence.

We discovered another manifestation of the human spirit in the colonial city of San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. San Cristobal served as the capital of the Chiapas throughout the colonial period;
colorful, colonial buildings with large, wooden doors line the streets and catholic churches sit high on the hills overlooking the town. It's colder here than in the Eastern lowlands where Palenque and Tikal lie half buried in the rain forest, and the girls are excited for a respite from the heat, humidity and mosquitoes! San Cristobal is the urban heart of the Zapatistas, a movement of indigenous and rural poor demanding a political voice and guarantees of land. The Zapatistas opposed policies like NAFTA, which allow for indigenous land to be bought and sold as a commodity and floods the market with cheap food from North America, leaving the campesinos/nas with little ability to support themselves. Signs that this movement is alive and well are all over San Cristobal. Our daily talks with local people active in the movement give us a better idea of the plight of the poor and the indigenous in Mexico.

TTS21 looks ahead to returning to Guatemala after mid-terms to continue our exploration of Central America. We are excited to spend time with the parents and the communities around Lake Atitlan. Our perspective on and understanding of the complex world in which we live grows each day as we travel and learn together.


Caroline
History, Travel Journalism, Literature & Global Studies Teacher, CO