In my wanderings around the globe, I've found lots of characters who are tricksters. Sometimes the pranks work. Sometimes they backfire in the trickster's face. In this particular story, the trickster is Coyote. Does the trick succeed or fail? You're just going to have to read the story to find out. Who is smarter? The coyote or the hen? I have traveled across the Maya world visiting archaeological sites. In Chichén Itzá, Mexico, I wondered around the great pyramid with thousands of visitors. Further south at Tikal, in Guatemala, I walked among the ruins with hundreds of fellow travelers. Best yet, at Copán, in Honduras, I strolled the area with a few dozen people. Upon arrival in the village of Copán Ruinas, Honduras, I was greeted immediately by Humberto. He only spoke Spanish, but I understood that he wanted to offer me a hotel room. It was a very long day of travel and I loved the ease of finding this room. And, it was the best possible thing that could have happened to me in Honduras. Humberto and his wife, Gilma, helped me find a worthy wall for a mural in the village. Also, Gilma's brother worked with local youth who dressed up as Maya warriors for cultural events. As it turned out, they had a performance while I was there. Not only did I get to see it, but I was the official photographer as they performed for the President of Honduras and the Secretary General of the United Nations! I have the warmest memories of extraordinary experiences as I crossed the Maya world. Everywhere I travel, I meet the most wonderful people along my path. None welcomed me any more than Humberto and Gilma. Thank you for everything, my friends. Gracias por todo, mis amigos. I wanted to visit the Maya world long before I actually set foot there. And, the destination of choice was the ruins of Tikal in Guatemala. It's magnificent! The main temple there inspired the one drawn in the pages of this book. For the complete Tikal experience, you also need to stay in Flores during your journey. It's a delightful island community that serves as a base camp for Tikal. Stroll along its colorful homes, buy some very beautiful fabric, and get a taste of local Maya cuisine.
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