RCG Women’s Journey to the Yucatan, Mexico

THE ANCIENT MOTHERS OF THE AMERICAS
AGAIN ISSUE THEIR CALL:.

Sat., April 2 through Sun., April 10, 2005

$1375 (early registration discount)

The Yucatan is unlike any other part of Mexico. This is the home of the ancient Mayan civilization. Today the Maya still live here and are proud to be Yucatecos and prouder still to be Mayans.

Relax & allow the past, present & future to come together as we explore the mysteries of ancient Mayan sacred sites & visit with modern day Mayan Priestesses, Priests, Shamans, Teachers, and other Yucatecos.

Climb ancient pyramids, swim in the Gulf of Mexico as well as in refreshing clear water cenotes, shop for local treasures at the markets, enjoy the culinary specialties of the area, dance in the streets and dream deeply in the velvet nights. Come & enjoy the magic that is Yucatan!

WORKING ITINERARY

Saturday,
April 2: ARRIVAL:
Please plan to arrive in Merida by 5 pm or earlier. You will be met at the Merida International Airport & taken to Luz en Yucatan, a wonderfully restored convent turned into a hotel, conveniently located in the central historical area of Merida. It will be our home for the next 8 nights. Our opening circle will take place at 6 pm, followed by a welcome dinner at 7 pm. After dinner we take a walk up to Noche Mexicana to check out the craft fair and performance of traditional music & dance.

Sunday,
April 3: MERIDA, “THE WHITE CITY” & CAPITAL OF THE STATE OF YUCATAN:

• 10:00AM open-air city bus tour of this charming colonial city with grand monuments, shaded parks, art galleries, churches, museums, and markets
• noon walking tour of the Plaza Mayor, Merida’s main square, also known as “el centro.” Bordered by the cathedral of San Ildefonso (the oldest cathedral on the American mainland,) the Palacio del Gobernador (seat of the state government of Yucatan,) the Palacio Municipal (Merida’s city hall,) and the Casa de Montejo (original residence of the ruling family.) On this grand main square artisans & musicians gather every Sunday from as far away as Guatemala & Chiapas for the weekly street fair known as “Merida en Domingo” (Sunday in Merida)
• lunch
• visit the craft and food fair in el centro
• 8:00PM Women’s Role in the Ancient Maya Civilization: a talk given by a Mayan Priestess

Monday,
April 4: CELESTUN FLAMINGO SANCTUARY (ON THE GULF OF MEXICO):

• boat trip to view flamingos, as well as cranes, ibises, and hundreds of other bird species in the lush mangrove forests of this biopreserve
• lunch at the beach in the fishing village of Celestun
• swim in the Gulf
• back to Merida for the evening
• 9:00PM check out the folkloric dancing in the main square

Tuesday,
April 5: IZAMAL, “THE YELLOW CITY:”

• walk through this enchanting all yellow town, so named for its colonial buildings painted a rich mustard color. Here the ruins of 4 large pyramids overlook the town center, and horse drawn buggies known as “victorias” still serve as taxis
• visit the Franciscan monastary of San Antonio de Padua, built on the platform of one of the pyramids. In beautiful condition after extensive restoration, here resides the image of Nuestra Senora de Izamal (Our Lady of Izamal,) the Yucatan’s official patron
• traditional Yucateco lunch at Kinich Kakmo restaurant with a chance to sample some of the best of the Yucatan cuisine
• visit the pyramid Kinich Kakmo
• check out Hector’s treasures at Hecho a Mano, a shop famous for its traditional art & crafts
• return to Merida for the evening
• 9:00PM check out open air dancing to live big band music in Santiago Park

Wednesday,
April 6: CHICHEN ITZA: (the group splits in two for these next two days)

• visit a Mayan shaman in a village near Chichen Itza for a healing ritual
• lunch at Piste (town just outside of Chichen Itza)
• tour the Mayan sacred site of Chichen Itza with a Mayan Master Teacher. This is the most extensively excavated & the most famous of all the great Mayan cities
• participate in Mayan rituals and ceremonies on site
• discussion period with Mayan Master Teacher
• return to Merida for the evening

Thursday,
April 7: BACKROADS:

• visit rural areas, villages and see the country outside of Merida
• swim in a cenote (sacred natural fresh water wells of the ancient Maya)
• picnic lunch
• visit the village of Acanceh with it’s ancient Mayan pyramid and 16th century church co-existing together on the main square.
• stop to visit a hacienda for drinks or dessert
• return to Merida for the evening
• 9:00PM right outside our hotel in Santa Lucia Park there is the Serenata: a free open air concert featuring romantic music, poetry, and dance.

Friday,
April 8: FREE DAY:

• Join in an optional visit to Uxmal. While not as famous as Chichen Itza, this is perhaps the most beautiful of all Mayan sites. We will take the public bus there in the morning, have lunch at the restaurant on site, and return to Merida later in the afternoon. As we will be using public transportation, the cost will be very reasonable. Or, use this day to relax by the pool or spend additional time exploring Merida.
• 9:00PM check out the typical regional dances performed free in the courtyard of the nearby University of Yucatan.

Saturday,
April 9: DZIBILCHALTUN & PROGRESO:

• tour the museum and sacred site at Dzibilchaltun, one of the oldest Mayan sites in the Yucatan
• swim in the cenote at Dzibilchaltun
• ritual in Dzibilchaltun with Mayan Master Teacher and Mayan Priestess
• lunch in Progreso, a charming port city on the Gulf of Mexico, where Meridanos come to enjoy the Gulf waters and white sand beaches
• swim in the Gulf, relax on the beach or walk along the Malecon, Progreso’s seaside promenade
• return to Merida for the evening where we will have our farewell dinner & closing circle.

Sunday,
April 10: PROGRAM ENDS.
Perhaps time for a little more shopping? Then head for home or your next destination. Breakfast is included if your departure schedule allows for it. Taxis will be arranged for your return to the Merida airport.

PROGRAM FACILITATOR:

Our activities are being coordinated by Trudy Woodcock, founder of Iluminado Tours. She will be with us to share her infatuation and enthusiasm for the Yucatan. Originally from Canada, she first traveled to the Yucatan in the 70’s & immediately fell under the magic spell of the area. She now makes her home in Merida and spends her time running her business, Iluminado Tours, studying Mayan spirituality, and seeking out new and interesting places in the area to visit.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

We will be staying at Luz en Yucatan, a 17th century convent in the central historical area of Merida which has been transformed into a charming hotel. It is very conveniently located. We have reserved the entire hotel to allow for an intimate group experience. All 10 rooms have private baths, most have kitchens & A/C. The few rooms without A/C are cooled by fan. Rooms without private kitchens are welcome to use the hotel’s group kitchen. The hotel also has a small pool. Accommodations will be in double rooms. It you are traveling solo, you will be provided with a roommate.

FOOD:

The culinary specialties of the Yucatan are legendary: among them are pavo rellenos (turkey layered with chopped spiced beef & pork & served in a rich dark sauce,) papadzules (tortillas stuffed with chopped hard-boiled eggs in a sweet pumpkin seed sauce & oft topped with a tomato sauce,) poc-chuc (slices of pork marinated in the juice of sour oranges and served with pickled onions,) pollo pibil (herb-infused chicken wrapped in banana leaves and baked,) sopa de lima (a lime soup containing shredded chicken, tomatoes, sweet peppers and strips of fried tortillas,) crepas de chaya (large flour tortillas filled with a stuffing of chaya, a spinach like leaf, and garlic & covered with a light cheese sauce), and salbutes (Yucatecan-style fast food consisting of fried tortillas topped with shredded turkey, pickled onions and slices of avocado.) There are also seafood, other Mexican, and international dishes available at Merida restaurants. We will make every effort to accommodate food needs/preferences. Vegetarian options will be available with request in advance.

WEATHER:

At this time of year, the heat starts picking after the cooler mid-winter temperatures. It will be hot, but still a good time to travel around. Be sure to bring your hat & sunscreen. Also be sure to bring your swim suit & we will do our best to keep cool. It will still be the dry season, so rain should not be much of an issue. Though it’s always good to have a rain poncho or umbrella, just in case.

PARTICIPATION IS LIMITED TO 20 WOMEN, and we anticipate this trip will fill up well in advance of the registration deadline. Register early to avoid disappointment.

PRICE:

$1375 (with registration by 10/1/04, add $100 after that date if space is still available), includes double occupancy accommodation, all breakfasts, all lunches except on Friday (free day), and welcome & farewell dinners. Transportation, site fees, & guide fees for all group activities are included. Transfer upon arrival from the airport to our hotel is included with arrival on first day of program. AIRFARE FROM YOUR HOME CITY TO MERIDA IS NOT INCLUDED.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

With registration by October 1, total cost is $1375 (US$)

• Nonrefundable deposit by October 1 of $375, check or money order payable to RCG-Travel
• Additional $500 due by December 1
• Final $500 due by February 1

With registration after October 1 (if space remains), total cost is $1475 (US$)

• Nonrefundable deposit of $375 upon registration, check or money order payable to RCG-Travel
• Additional $500 due by December 1
• Final $600 due by February 1

Depending upon when after Oct. 1 you register, amounts & dates due may vary.

TO REGISTER:

download and print registration form ( Word Document or PDF format) (note form consists of 4 pages) & mail with $375 deposit to:

Lynnie Levy
RCG-Travel
158 Jackson Street
Madison, WI 53704 USA

Questions? Need additional information? Unable to download registration form? Contact Lynnie Levy at the address above, e-mail lynnlevy@chorus.net or call 608-246-2193. If you are not familiar with Goddess Spirituality or RCG, it is essential that you make contact prior to registering.