Another Mexican tour: Martha visits an ancient Mayan city
A trip to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico wouldn’t be complete without visiting some of the fabulous ancient Mayan ruins. We had the great pleasure of touring Ek Balam, which means black jaguar. This city was at its height from about 600 – 900 A.C., when the Mayans suddenly abandoned the site and mysteriously vanished. Because the surrounding jungle is so dense and invasive, it wasn’t long before all the structures were engulfed and seemingly, disappeared. These Mayan pyramids, like so many others, were discovered when archaeologists began poking around odd hills and mounds in the jungles. With careful excavation, the amazing buildings and fabulous artifacts were unearthed after being buried for hundreds of years. Come with me and visit Ek Balam.
There is still a bit of the model in you. Lovely shots of Mexico. You certainly captured the essence of that richly beautiful place.
Posted by: jai carney | September 12th, 2008 at 1:37 am
Such beautiful pics...love your outfit!
(See you on Wednesday
)
Posted by: Sues | September 12th, 2008 at 3:12 am
the mayan carvings are just beautiful...wouldn't they be wonderful inspiration for a line of fabrics, jewelry, stamps or stationary???
Posted by: lil | September 12th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Excellent! But Martha what did your sensible shoes look like? Were they new, did they wear blisters? How about those ankle biting bugs? And what happened to your hat?
Posted by: Margie | September 12th, 2008 at 5:03 am
Hi Martha, Thank you so much for taking us along on your tour of the Mayan ruins on the Yucatan Peninsula. Your photos are absolutely fantastic and these ruins are certainly intriguing. There are so many unanswered questions about these mysterious ruins. Perhaps some day, there will be answers. I love the smock-like dress Paula loaned you. You look absolutely beautiful, relaxed and very happy. Have a great weekend. Can't wait to see you on Monday. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 12th, 2008 at 5:24 am
Hi Martha,
My son talked about visiting the Mayan Pyramids this year on his vacation but went to Vegas instead. Maybe next year and in the meantime, I'll be sure to show him your impressive pictures.
I don't know how anyone could climb up all those stairs and then make the scary descent! I would turn into a ruin on top of the Mayan ruins because I don't think I could do it. It reminds me of the last time I climbed up on the roof; I didn't think I'd ever get down.
The Mayan culture is so fascinating; I read that they were master astronomers and used the pyramids as their observatories. That high up in the air, I guess so! Maybe that little building with all the openings was like their Gazebo...nah. Thanks, Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 12th, 2008 at 6:27 am
can you not get us beauty tips? what product do you use? /sweden.
Posted by: emma | September 12th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Can you imagine these buildings covered back up as Mother Nature took over??!!!...I can't...Wow! Such intricate architecture!...glad they were discovered and rescued out of hiding!
It DID seem like you were higher (and at a steeper angle), looking from the top to the bottom of the steps! (why is that?!) I thought, too, Martha, that you had a necklace on of nugget-type gems, not knowing that it was incorporated in your dress!
You've had an amazing summer! Thanks for taking us with you!
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | September 12th, 2008 at 9:13 am
Martha may I say you are still a knock out, lovely photos of you.
Pam from California
Posted by: Pam from California | September 12th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Martha you are amazing! I'm not sure I would have made it all the way to the top. As for coming down.... I would have had to be airlifted off. Beautiful views and photos. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Tammy | September 12th, 2008 at 10:46 am
Martha, I live in El Paso Texas and you can see Mexico and New Mexico from my backyard. I hope you had a fantastic time in the Yucatan Peninsula. While you were there did you try Mexican Chocolate? I have two blogs, one is dedicated to Mexican chocolate. Come visit my blog sometime. I love your show, your magazine and now your blog.
http://chocolateloreandmore.blogspot.com
Posted by: Teresa | September 12th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
Go Martha. I alway knew that you would bounce right back. Can't keep a good woman down. Love your pics
Posted by: Mary Johnson | September 12th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Were you able to visit the tiny village of Ek Balam as well? We were there a few years ago. It is off the highway, so not influenced much by modern culture. The people survive on agriculture and hammock-making. We visited and gave eye exams and glasses to the villagers. Many of the women were becoming unable to do their embroidery and make hammocks due to presbyopia. We also worked a bit with the school children. I love your photos of the ruins; we visited them in a downpour with a local guide (12 years old and an expert). Enjoy the rest of your adventure!
Posted by: Nancy in CA | September 12th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Awesome. No other word for it. You are such an inspiration.
Posted by: Andrea | September 12th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I love the dress, and particularly the petticoat. Not sure if it was best for climbing though.
I went to the pyramids outside of Mexico City, Teotihuacan. The steepness was very much the same. When I climbed to the first level of the big one, I could hardly get down. I often experience vertigo, and boy did it kick in then. No one believed me and thought I was just too lazy to do all the climbing. It took me at least 4 or 5 times longer to get down, as to climb up.
Obviously the steps on these buildings were not constructed for ease of use. At least not for us mere mortals
Posted by: maureen | September 12th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
You do look marvelous!
Looking forward to Monday's program.
Posted by: Valerie | September 12th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Awesome photos Martha!!! The view is just spectacular.
I can't wait for your show on the 15th.
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las Vegas | September 12th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
The view from the ruins were simply spectacular and yes I agree with everyone else - you still have the model in you. Love the poses and your hair and make-up is so divine.
I think Kevin got a little sun burn - hope you guys got plenty of sunscreen.
Posted by: Norbie K. of Las Vegas | September 12th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
What a fascinating historical place to visit, love the pictures and you look so beautiful.
You are always an inspiration Martha. Thank you!
God Bless
Rowaida Flayhan
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | September 13th, 2008 at 2:44 am
Thank you, thank you for sharing these beautiful photos of Mayan ruins. I have always wanted to see them. I have a bad leg and so could not climb all those stairs! but am glad to do so vicariously thru you.
Posted by: Ann Bradstreet | September 13th, 2008 at 6:08 am
Hi Martha,
What a fascinating historical place to visit, love the pictures and you look so beautiful.
Love your outfit!
You are always an inspiration Martha. Thank you!
God Bless
Rowaida Flayhan
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | September 14th, 2008 at 4:00 am
Hi Martha,
Picture #14 looks simular to historical southern kitchens. Living in the south you need good cross ventalation!
Posted by: Lori Todsen | September 14th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Hi, Martha,
I was happy to read your post about the ancient Mayan ruins at Ek Balam. Thanks for the historical background information as well as the beautiful photos.
I like the hupil Paula Cussi lent you.
Kathy
Posted by: Kathy | September 15th, 2008 at 12:40 am
Hi Martha and Laura and all,
Always love your pictures, and I agree, the one of you in the doorway is one of the best ever if not the best. Took a high school band trip to Mexico many years ago but recalled every step of the ruins viewing the pix. Thanks Martha, and so good to have you back. Good luck and great success in your 4th season!
Love, Tina Y
Posted by: Tina Y | September 15th, 2008 at 3:23 am
I just called "Claudia", the programmer at WGNO-New Orleans, and asked her WHY The Martha Stewart was taken OFF the morning, and will now be on at 1:05 A.M!! Why? Because "they have to put a NEWS program on, and with all the Soap Operas on, there is no room for MS!!!
I told Claudia, this was NOT ACCECTABLE, BECAUSE NO HOUSEWIFE IS AWAKE AT 1:05 A.M. Claudia said, "Thanks for calling".
Martha, DO SOMETHING, PLEASE...
Posted by: Lynn Swegel | September 15th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Hi Martha! Im so glad you visit Mexico, Im from Guatemala, we share that beutiful and such a great civilization with them, we also have a lot of beutiful places to visit like Peten one of the biggest mayan cities with a lot of things to do! when are you going to visit this beutiful country, we were glad to have you here!!! but may be some day ... nice pictures and hope you have great summer vacations,
Geraldina
Posted by: Geraldina | September 15th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
It was an honour to have you visit Mexico!!! I am Mexican married to an American (the most dedicated dad I`ve known and #1 husband). We lived in China four years, survivors of the Tsunami (at Phuket, Thailand) and returned to Mexico City. We`ve been at the Magical Mayan ruins. Hopefully, you can return to Mexico and visit San Miguel de Allende, Puebla (where the famous Mole Poblano is from), Palenque among some of our many beauties.
If you are ever looking for an amazing recipe for the famous CHILES EN HOGADA, Pozole or any other famous mexican recipe my mom is an awesome cook (I don`t say that because she is my mom, everyone that knows her and has tried her cooking loves it) and would be happy to share some recipes with you.
Posted by: Norma | September 17th, 2008 at 4:46 am
Beautiful! Thank you.
Posted by: Shannon Hurst Lane | September 18th, 2008 at 10:51 am
WOW!! To say the least. Loved your pics and what an adventure. I am a HUGE fan of yours!! THANKS a whole bunch Martha. In this era of negative immigration laws its good to see some positive pics of my people and places de Mexico.
THANKS AGAIN
LIZ
Posted by: elliepumarejo | September 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
I was delighted that you chose this magical place to highlight in your travels. My family and I stayed there for several months two years ago. I try to explain what it was like, but nobody can really understand until you've been there and lived among the people, tasted the fruits and vegetables, walked along the beautiful white sandy beaches, alone. We plan to move there soon and open a bed & breakfast called "Mis Tres Hijos", as well as breed blue great danes. Can you imagine a great dane walking down the narrow, sometimes non-existent sidewalks of Merida? Very few American's know of this place which is sad because it has so much to offer, but good because its beauty would be spoiled if it became too popular. Thanks for sharing. It was fun.
Posted by: Andrea Smith | October 13th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Hello Martha,I was amused to see that your guide for part of your show about Yucatan was Jim Callaghan,whom we first met about 20 years ago.We have been in Cozumel since we left Mexico City in 1985,after the earthquake,and out of interest,I would like to be able to send you a lithograph print of the Observatory at Chichen Itza,as a "souvenir" How can I send it to you? The web site does not do it justice.
There are masses of things to mention,but first I would like to deal with address in New York City...please,and I always appreciated the times when you included your mother on the show.My mother´s birthday was 12th September,and she lived until almost 91. I used to chuckle at the similarities...scraping out every last bit out of the bowl,and the old European mentality,etc etc...I have been a keen admirer of all your work and achievements since I first came into contact with Living magazine,and of course since cablevision connected the Yucatan to New York. Saludos.
Jennifer C.Gilchrist Studio One Cozumel
Posted by: Jennifer C.Gilchrist | December 2nd, 2008 at 12:03 pm