A thousand years went by. An entire civilization rose and fell. Left behind countless footprints of its presence. How did a culture so ancient, so rustic, so limited in it's facilities, manage to contribute so much? The Mayans were nothing short of geniuses. Experts in medicine, astronomy, architecture, they were one with nature, getting from it and giving back to it. They went on to predict seasons, understood the path of the sun which enabled them to define the concept of a year earlier, much earlier than the modern world with all its advanced tools could. They designed and built stupendous monuments, never using the of aid of animals for the most part. A vast majority of these architectural feats still stand intact, standing the test of nature, time and invaders. Built with the most basic materials, these monuments are symmetric, the sculpting on them, unbelievably sophisticated. Most of the constructions are dedications to the Gods. Brings about the thought that the Mayans were fully aware that there were forces beyond their control, things they didn't know existed that could cause potential harm. Also probably why, they tried to understand and assimilate, basic things. Things that a high percentage of people of our day and age will never spend a minute of their lives pondering about.
You know the year is off to a great start when you get to go off to a land where you journey through times past, become part of a stunning phenomenon, sunbathe in pristine beaches, all while enjoying the company of wonderful friends. When I go on vacations such as this one, I realize that what I have seen so far is infinitesimal in comparison to what the world has to offer. So much to see, so much to take in, so much to learn, so little time.
We are incredibly lucky. We have so much, in terms of resources, comforts and facilities, that we tend to forget to stop and say thanks to these predecessors of ours who toiled, gave blood, sweat and tears to make the world what it is today. The least we can do is give back, in our own little ways, and at the very least, attempt to contribute towards making the world what it will be in a thousand years from now.
You know the year is off to a great start when you get to go off to a land where you journey through times past, become part of a stunning phenomenon, sunbathe in pristine beaches, all while enjoying the company of wonderful friends. When I go on vacations such as this one, I realize that what I have seen so far is infinitesimal in comparison to what the world has to offer. So much to see, so much to take in, so much to learn, so little time.
We are incredibly lucky. We have so much, in terms of resources, comforts and facilities, that we tend to forget to stop and say thanks to these predecessors of ours who toiled, gave blood, sweat and tears to make the world what it is today. The least we can do is give back, in our own little ways, and at the very least, attempt to contribute towards making the world what it will be in a thousand years from now.
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