In serach of the Massassi on Yavin 4. Tikal. Guatamala.

The Pre-Columnian Mayan civilisation happy going about their lives, you know before the arrival of the conquistador and the mass killings of the indigenous population. (why do we revere these Imperialist invaders? the English were one of the worst I can't deny. Plundering the riches in return for what? enslavement, disease and religion ffs).

Tikal itself was one of the Mayan's largest urban areas and during the Maya Classic Period it was the most important city state in the region. An artist's interpretation; the site was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1979.

It was also used as film set in the star wars series, "A new hope" ( don't know never seen any of them).

Oh my days, do these magnificent structures resemble space rockets?

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Deep in the jungle where all is peaceful and calm there are There are more than 3000 structures on the site. Yet to date only five percent of the area is restored and accessible for the tourist conquistadors.

Early morning, beat the crowds, get some snaps and bugger off was the plan.
........Once through the canopied walkways

A lot of wide open spaces to wander through, apparently if one claps ones hands in front of the temple, the orientation of the buildings transforms the clap into the sounds of the national bird, the Quetzal. I did, nope nothing, sorry to disappoint you Mr tourist guide. Others gushed enthusiastically clapping away to the hearts content. Me? cynical and deaf.

The most striking feature of Tikal are the huge, steep-sided temples, rising to heights of over 150ft.

Circa 1882.

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Obviously now much restored, a shrine, the top house a burial chamber for Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil, I prefer his nickname "Sky rain"

It is classified as Tikal Temple 1, or more majestically as the Temple of the Great Jaguar

Above the tree tops

Clambering up the tallest structure, Temple lV 220ft high from the floor the top. Out of breath, feeling and looking like sweaty betty, the views had to wait until I was once again fully rested and composed.

Also used as astronomical observatories the pyramids, constructed with extreme precision were also used to calculate the 260 Day Mayan Calendar.

See time is a figment of imagination, created by man in an attempt to control.

Tikal as a city empire collapsed around AD 900 with no apparent reason, lost to time the jungle reclaimed itself. Mother Earth is so adapt at self healing. Blessed be.

Birds and bugs

According to the man with the book on local birds this is a Collared Aracari, who am I to argue.

A tree, but up close......

.....this scary looking creature is an insect, commonly known as a "peanut bug",due to a rather enlarged forehead. It grows to about five inches long. Apparently if it bites you it is fatal, unless one indulges in sexual activity within 24 hours.

There were a lot of "life saving" ladies on the coach, but damn! could I get one of these things to bite me, could I hell as like

Ho Hum. I shall keep my light sabre under wraps then