So I've decided that I'm going to share some of my favorite places on my blog. The first is in Belize. Xunantunich. If you say it fast enough it sounds like TunaSandwich... ha ha .. a little tour guide humor. Anyway- The core of Xunantunich consists of 6 plazas surrounded by 26+ temples and palaces. One of it's structures El Castillo (pictured first) is the second tallest structure in Belize. We got to climb up to the top- but here's the catch... it was during a storm and we allknow lightning strikes High Places... So we had to take off our shoes so we wouldn't be as good of conductors in case we did get hit by a bolt or two. It was very eerie to have the hair all over your body stand on end when the charge was so close.
Before we climbed up to the top of the complex we were given an opportunity to experience the accoustic qualities of the plaza. One of the young adults from our tour read a portion of King Benjamins speech from the top of the castle while we were gathered at the bottom. It was almost like I was transported back to the days of the Nephites and Lamanites. It was surreal to say the least. It was one of many experiences that made the Book of Mormon come alive for me. It's interesting how that happens the more and more you read it.
Lamani-
My brother and I went there in 2001 to explore the ancient Mayan ruins. It was one of the best trips of my life (it would have only been slightly better if Cole hadn't made friends with the Howler Monkeys who wanted to eat me. That child made the exact noises as those dirty tree dwellers (it's not a quiet noise either- for those of you who know my brother he can be loud)... so they became interested in us... and followed us all the way back to the boats). We made it out ok but it was pretty scary for a few min. there.
boats on the left... angry guy who wanted me to not take pictures on the right. 
