Izapa Sunrise Story by Mary Jo McConahay

Veteran journalist Mary Jo McConahay, the author of Maya Roads, One Woman's Journey Among the People of the Rainforest [2] (Chicago Review Press), has published a narrative on gadling.com (one of the best travel blogs ever) entitled "Sunrise At Izapa, Mexico: The Place Where Time Began." [3] The reference is to the unique structure alignment of the temples at Izapa archaeological zone [4], in southwestern Mexico. The site is the focus of John Major Jenkins' galactic alignment theory, and considered by some to be the birthplace (or one of several pre-Classic birthplaces) of the Long Count Calendar, which is ending in a few short days. Izapa will be host to several special events and ceremonies in late 2012. [5]

"Izapa," McConahay writes, "is off the beaten path even for Maya trail travelers, on the Pacific coast where Guatemala and Mexico come together. It's not Palenque with its grand temples, or the intimate painted walls of Bonampak ... Hungry families plant corn and beans right up to the ruins, errant stalks and tendrils invading old stones. But 3000 years ago Izapa was a powerful city-state, much bigger. An archaeologist told me that sometimes a peasant farmer, acres away from the center, is clearing brush with his machete and – clang! – he hits the stony remains of an old staircase, or a sacred altar." [read the rest of McConahay's story] [3]