Julie at Maya Center

I spent my internship at Maya Center, a village sitting at the foot of the Mayan Mountains. I worked with Aurora Saqui, an herbalist in the village. Along with her husband, she owns Nu’uk Che’il Cottages, a conjunction of a restaurant, cottages, and a gift shop. I helped her do various things the first week, including cooking in the restaurant, making herbal remedies, working in the gift shop and learning and writing about the Mayan culture and beliefs. The second week we compiled work from past interns, Aurora, and myself to put out a book on Mayan culture, traditions and the importance of plant life for medicinal purposes, crafts, and for food. It was a great experience, as I learned so much about the plant life, and the traditions of Mayan beliefs. Aurora has a deep passion for her culture and a fear for its future - as she is seeing each new generation forgetting their heritage. I am grateful to have been able to share a little of that passion and some hope through the writing of the book. It was inspiring being around someone who knows such a great amount about the uses of plant life around her, both wild and domesticated.