There is a great deal of mystery, myth and falsehood surrounding Mayan Civilization. A highly-intelligent society, and one of the six major “cradles of civilization,” the Maya were some of the earliest humans to develop societal structures, ingenious methods of farming, complex language, a calendar system and astounding architectural advancements (just to name a few). Just as quickly as this society progressed, however, it quickly dissipated – a fact that has astounded archaeologists for over a century. Arguably one of the most memorable scenes in cinematic history involves Harrison Ford, as adventurer/archaeologist, Indiana Jones, witnessing the extraction of a human heart of a poor soul before him. While he eventually escapes, the scene is no less terrifying Most will know that film was directed by Stephen Spielberg, but what they may not know is that he hired a historical consultant for that film, “Indiana Jones: The Temple of Doom.” This consultant was Dr. Richard D. Hansen, one of the foremost archaeologists and scholars of Mayan Civilization. Hansen recently spoke at length at a private event, Pantai Inn’s “Welcome to the Land of the Maya” celebration on Feb. 16. The celebration, in conjunction with Bella Guatemala Travel, featured Guatemalan weavers, with their ancient and beautiful looms, specialty rum and coffee, and chocolate, of course. Pantai Inn owner, Laurnie Durisoe, could not have been more excited to host the event. It doesn’t hurt that the Pantai was recently named as the No.1 hotel/accommodation in San Diego by TripAdvisor. Durisoe, a native San Diegan, has been working in the hotel industry since she was 13. “We are so thrilled to have had Hansen speak at the event,” said Durisoe. “His knowledge in this area is beyond extensive – he was awarded the National Order of the Cultural Patrimony of Guatemala by Guatemalan President Oscar Berger. Also, Bella Guatemala hosted a ticket raffle for their ‘Lost Kingdom of the Maya’ tour, which will occur from May 3 to 14 and June 24 to July 5.”
While the Pantai Inn is adorned in traditional Indonesian décor, and over the years they have been providing a taste of home for Balinese dignitaries and families alike, the event celebrated the best of two ancient, culturally-rich worlds. One from the East, the other from the West. Both cultures maintain a reverence and extensive knowledge of the land in which they inhabit, so to celebrating Guatemalan and Mayan culture at a pristine collection of cottages and bungalows facing the Pacific Ocean coincided quite naturally.