The Mayan Culture: Past And Present

By Gary Wonning

It doesn't take long to discover that Belize is a land of contrasts. From the poverty and disarray of the cities to the quiet countryside, many differences are soon found.
With poverty and crime running rampant in cities such as Belize City and Belmopan, the traveler has to be constantly aware of his surroundings and protect whatever is being carried. Remember, that camera hanging around your neck is worth more than the average Belizean earns in a year. All that aside, the Mayan people are wonderfully warm people, many of whom go out of their way to please visitors.
Traveling into the countryside one discovers thatch roof homes with no doors or windows. Because of the warm climate, they can live comfortably all year with a gentle breeze flowing through the open windows and doors. I was struck with the concept that although no utility lines were visible, a lot of homes had a satellite dish in the front yard. Asking my guide about this he stated that the TV's and VCR's were powered by a car battery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gary Wonning
• Release date: Jun 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781479149797

Gary Wonning

  Growing up on a dairy farm  in rural  southeastern Indiana ,Gary was  raised in a conservative Christian environment and looked forward to a life much like his ancestors had lived.  The two car garage, white picket fence and 2.5 kids was his life’s dream. Due to some twists of fate his life changed suddenly and a different path was taken.   At this time,he began to question everything he was brought up to believe, his political views, his religious and spiritual beliefs and every value society places on us as members of the human race. During his Vision Quest, which lead him to Egypt, Australia, the Canary Islands, Belize and most of the United States, he reevaluated and examined everything he believed in.   Having always had an interest in things of a spiritual and esoteric nature this was without question  a predetermined path. Through and because of his interest in photography he was able to study and document many ancient cultures throughout the world, in particular the Australian Aborigine, the Maya, and the Ancient Egyptians.   Although his travels have changed his perception of life and many of the spiritual values he once held, one belief remains unchanged.   His belief in the basic conservative core values of life that have been carried down through the ages from time immemorial. Those same core values that led to the founding of our great country and are instilled in our sacred documents, The Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, and the United States Constitution.   His belief in a Supreme Being or God have not faltered. In spite of this, he has found there is much more to life than conventional wisdom leads us to believe.   Time and time again history has shown that when a people or civilization fall from a belief in their God and basic common sense values, their way of life ceases to be. Let’s not let that happen to us. To contact Gary: www.journeysthrulife.com. Email: [e-mail].

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DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to the Maya Indians for the contributions they have made and continue to make to the world as we know it.

It doesn't take long to discover that Belize is a land of contrasts. From the poverty and disarray of the cities to the quiet countryside, many differences are soon found.

With poverty and crime running rampant in cities such as Belize City and Belmopan, the traveler has to be constantly aware of his surroundings and protect whatever is being carried. Remember, that camera hanging around your neck is worth more than the average Belizean earns in a year. All that aside, the Mayan people are wonderfully warm people, many of whom go out of their way to please visitors.

Traveling into the countryside one discovers thatch roof homes with no doors or windows. Because of the warm climate, they can live comfortably all year with a gentle breeze flowing through the open windows and doors. I was struck with the concept that although no utility lines were visible, a lot of homes had a satellite dish in the front yard. Asking my guide about this he stated that the TV's and VCR's were powered by a car battery. No wonder the video stores were the largest stores in town.

He stated that when the battery ran down, it would be taken into town and recharged at the local gas station. Jokingly, I asked why he just didn't switch batteries with the tour van we were traveling in to re-charge it? His reply, "I couldn't do that, it would be stealing from my