Dzibilchaltun!

Dzibilchaltun was our first ruin of the trip -- the word is fun to pronounce, once you figure out how to do it!  It is pronounced zee-BEEL-chahl-toon.  Dzibilchaltun is home to The Temple of the Seven Dolls (we don't know the original Mayan name for any of the temples, or any of the cities we will visit, for that matter).  The main door to the temple is notable for its position relative to the sun -- at the Spring Equinox the sun rises directly through the doors.  The site is notable for its "sacbe," or sacred white road (covered with limestone), which reflects at night so walkers can see where they are going.  It also has large unexcavated areas, as well as a gorgeous cenote (like a sinkhole) connected to a cave and then to an underground river.  The cenote, which is a popular swimming area, is filled with water lilies in bloom, as well as tiny red (endemic) fish.

To the delight of Professor Winterberger, Edwin, our tour guide (far left, pointing) is a serious bird watcher!  Winterberger promises not to hog Edwin TOO much!!