Three years ago I met a Mexican man with a big heart and immediately I was swept away by his world filled with rich culture and exquisite beauty. This man, who became my wonderful boyfriend Pablo, taught me about the ancient civilizations of his country, the Mayans, Aztecs, and we dreamt together of one day visiting what's left of these fascinating cultures.
So finally we decided it was time to explore this world we loved. For the past two years we set off to isolated parts of Australia with the plan to work very hard, save a lot of money and at the start of 2009, take off on a magical year long journey through his home country Mexico. We knew this trip had to be really special after all our efforts to save for it but we didn't know yet what that special essence would be.
As our plans began to form and we researched places to stay; we came across the Hacienda Chichen, located on the doorstep to the famous Mayan Pyramids of Chichen Itza. We scanned their web page and discovered the Maya Foundation in Laakeech, a volunteer based foundation run through the Hacienda that helped support the Mayan communities in the area.
This was it, the 'special' we were looking for and after a few emails back and forth we were set to volunteer our services teaching English to the Mayan communities at Chichen Itza.
The trip to get to Chichen Itza from Australia was long, around three planes, two buses and 26 hours long, but as soon as we pulled into the circular driveway of the Hacienda, it was all worth it. Tropical gardens flanking colonial architecture, the rooms camouflaged, hidden deep in the jungle like flora. We were very surprised, we would be staying here! This place was amazing!
We were shown to our Bungalow on the outskirts of the Resort and settled in for a well deserved rest and to plan the days ahead.
As English volunteers we were set to teach at the school from 8-10.30am followed by a private half hour lesson with Magali, a Mayan lady working in the Yaxkin Spa and Toh Boutique. Rest time and lunch was from 11.30-2pm before a session with the staff. In between we helped wherever necessary and prepared for the following day's classes.
On the first day of our volunteering when we saw the faces of these beautiful kids staring at us it was impossible not to break into a huge grin. I felt like an alien! Their expression was as though they had never seen anyone like me before, and I must admit I certainly stood out in the crowd of dark milk skin, black as night hair and deep brown eyes with my opposing features; pale skin, blonde hair and bright blue eyes!
Pablo didn't look so out of place with his handsome dark features. They would whisper to their friends and giggle trying to get the courage to approach for a better look. Some would come to touch my skin and nails, even hug me around the waist. When I greeted them in Spanish they gasped and laughed out loud; I didn't know my Spanish was so terrible.
We were introduced to the director Orlando, a tiny man with a big smile who spoke not a word of English, no-one did. He shook our hands, kissed our cheeks and dragged us to separate rooms to meet the kids we would teach. Separate rooms! This I didn't expect with my very basic Spanish vocabulary while Pablo is fluent in both.
The wide eyed kids watched in awe or sympathy maybe as I struggled to compose myself and begin the class. 'Hola, mi nombre is Lahnee y yo soy Australiana' Hi my name is lahnee and I'm Australian seemed like a good place to start.
From then on it got a lot easier, the kids felt comfortable with us and we felt comfortable with them, over each session we developed a brilliant relationship that blossomed into a mutual respect for each other's culture and life. We were even invited back to the family homes for food.
Our first class teaching the Hacienda staff was a lot different. We met informally on the beautiful terrace at the Hacienda and taught them the basics to help them in their workplace. Pablo was here to help me this time so he focused on those who spoke no English while I practiced conversational skills and grammar with those who spoke some. The group was extremely smart and so enthusiastic about learning; it truly was a delight to teach them every day.
The Hacienda was like an ancient wonderland and the staff, 95% Mayan locals, made sure we got to experience as much of their culture as possible. The gratitude they expressed was more than we expected, everyone truly welcomed us into their family and showed us their giving nature throughout our month long stay.
The first real expedition we had was to the breathtaking Chichen Itza itself. We spent time exploring and marveling at the amazing ancient city in all its glory. What a special feeling to be accompanied by a local Mayan guide explaining to you the mysteries of his primordial world. Strolling past giant stone pyramids and crumbling ruins depicting sculptures of Mayan Gods and deities with intricately carved detailing; stunning!
The fun and learning did not stop there. We were also invited to attend sacred rituals and ceremonies held in true underground caves filled with Mayan artifacts. We were blessed by Mayan Priests, shown the ways of Mayan medicine and taught to cook delicious traditional cuisine. Beatriz the 'Nohoch Mama' or big mummy of the community offered us the gift of holistic massage therapies of love and chocolate, the food of Kings. Not a bad match if you ask me.
We were delicately covered in rich natural chocolate and banana leaves on a bed of bugambilias, wild growing Mexican flowers. Heaven! Visiting Pearla the huge white 'Perchero' horse and her keeper Jose was also a real treat.
These experiences will no doubt last with us forever. The most amazing of these was of course the volunteer work we did with the beautiful school kids of Xcalacoop and the Hacienda staff.
When the time came to say goodbye it was so much harder than we thought. It doesn't occur to you until this time the exact impact the people you meet have on your life. Through volunteering with this community we learnt so much more then we could have ever taught them. It truly sank in when we met one of the kids' grandmas.
Her house was a tiny hut with dirt floors and little furniture, all handmade. There were no cupboards in the kitchen so food was sitting around being attacked by flies and there were no real doors, just sheets hanging up.
We sat at the table with her and she began to tell us about her life and the words she said struck a chord, "I don't have much, but what I have is yours, I don't have much food but I have beans to make frijoles and corn for tortillas and that makes us have plenty. We are one of the lucky families and feel blessed for all God has given us; we even have a roof now to keep us sheltered."
The simple fact that this woman said these words with utter pride made my heart hurt. For us it is impossible to imagine living without a roof on our house.
During our time we developed life long bonds especially with the owners Belisa and Bruce who have made this place what it is and put their heart into its success. As our gift to them all we left with a promise to return to help out again. Pablo offered photos and assistance with the web site and I offered as an English Web volunteer, helping answer emails from anyone who also wants to volunteer their time and skills or donate to help continue the brilliant work of the Foundation.
This is a commitment we will take home with us to Australia so that for years to come we can help change the lives of these people just as they changed ours.