Palenque & "the 100th human" December 17th-21st, 2009 Led by: Chris Fenwick Author of the 100th human

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There are many beautiful and magical sacred sites in Mexico, but few hold the energy of the underworld like Palenque. From the moment you arrive into this area you will feel like you have descended into the depths of your inner being. It is this spiritual energy that forms the basis for our week of heart-felt transformation and personal expansion.

We will travel in time from the remains of the Olmecs at La Venta to the incredible structures of the Maya experiencing many shifts of landscape reflecting our own internal processes. The most striking aspect of this set of ruins is their connection with the underworld. Death and the underworld had a very profound significance to the Mayans. For example, the location of Palenque was significant as an observer standing on top of the watchtower of the palace during the winter solstice would see the sun plunge down straight into the earth, leading the way to the underworld. Pacal, the most powerful of all the rulers of Palenque had his tomb constructed at that very location. His pyramid tomb thus appears as a direct gateway to the underworld.

During this week we will immerse ourselves in the mythology of the underworld exploring the aspects of ourselves long abandoned or forgotten, leading to the rebirth of our integrity and oneness. We will utilize the energy and intent of these structures to delve into our own underworld and then merge with the sun. As is typical for a Journeys of the Spirit retreat, you will experience class time daily, time for sharing with the group, reflection and meditation time, and one-on-one personal time with your group leader (along with fun and shopping time too of course!). It is our intent that you return home with an open heart and mind along with the tools you need to make the changes in your life you desire.

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Day 1 December 17th - ARRIVAL (-/-/d) We meet in Mexico City and transfer to our flight to Tuxtla Guitierrez. You will be met by your bilingual guide and driven to San Cristobal de las Casas (about 2 hours). There you will settle in at the Hotel Diego de Mazariegos in the center of San Cristobal. Enjoy a welcome dinner and then gather together as a group and get to know each other and share our intent for our week.

Day 2 December 18th - SAN JUAN CHAMULA & SAN CRISTOBAL (b/l/-) After breakfast we board bus to the village of San Juan Chamula. We will witness the central church, which is very much a part of the villagers’ life, in its mix of Christianity and Maya religion and local markets. Chamula is located in the Chiapas highlands, at an altitude of 2,200 meters (7,200 feet), inhabited by the indigenous Tzotzil Maya people, whose Tzotzil language is one of the Mayan languages. We will witness the central church, which is very much a part of the villagers’ life, in its mix of Christianity and Maya religion and local markets. The floor of the church is covered with pine needles, copal can be found burning, and people receive treatments from the local shamans and curanderas. There hasn't been a traditional Christian mass in this church since approximately 1968. Afternoon free for exploring San Christobal. Overnight at Hotel Diego de Mazariegos.

Day 3 December 19th - TONINA (b/l/d) After breakfast, transfer to the Ocosingo where we will visit the Maya site of Tonina. The center of Tonina is built on the side of a large hill in seven terraces producing the overall effect of a stepped pyramid. Numerous chambers and passageways exist and there are several fascinating buildings located in front of the main complex, which may have been used in conjunction with structures on the main buildings. Tonina is believed to have conquered Palenque and led to its eventual collapse. In the 7th century a dynasty change occurred from the long standing "Lord of the Lineage of the Underworld" to the "Snake Skull-Jaguar Claw." Some of the most powerful carvings can be found at Tonina along with an unusual tunneling passageway. Enjoy a box lunch to take advantage of the entire day visiting the site and its underworld mythology. We'll also visit the and the museum which features some amazing glyphs. Overnight at Hotel Nututun


Day 4 December 20th - PALENQUE & MISOL HA (b/l/d) After breakfast, transfer to the waterfalls of Misol ha (if open). Enjoy the morning, basking in the sun and swimming in the pool of the falls. Return to Palenque to explore Palenque and its wonderful energy in the afternoon. More than 500 buildings in Palenque are known, but more than 80% of the city is covered by rain-forest. The outside walls of Palenque's buildings were not finished in the usual Mayan limestone face but were plastered to show a smooth finish. Beautiful carvings decorated the interiors. Stucco and terra-cotta were also employed. Some buildings, particularly the "Temple of the Inscriptions," show extensive writing, not all of which have been deciphered. Return to Nututun in time for dinner.

Day 5 December 21st - PALENQUE (b/l/-) We will obtain a special permit to enter the site of Palenque before sunrise for a very special ceremony celebration. All day to discover the spectacular ruins of Palenque. Box lunch and afternoon for visiting the site or the modern museum. Overnight at Hotel Nututun

Day 6 December 22nd - VILLAHERMOSA - DEPART (-/-/-) We leave our beautiful hotel and make our way back to the airport and get ready for our flights home. We say our last goodbyes, hugs and kisses as we prepare to take our new dream of heaven back to our lives!

Most meals (4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners) are included in this itinerary (as indicated on the itinerary in brackets). All tips for the drivers, guides, and bell-boys are included. All of Chris's teachings are included. All excursions and entrance fees for the sites are included. All transportation/hotel transfers upon your arrival in Tuxtla Guitierrez and departure via Villahermosa are included.

Non-included items would be: phone calls, laundering services and souvenir shopping! Tips for the maids are not-included (we suggest planning on leaving $1.00 USD per day). Your round-trip air flight to and from Mexico is not-included. Please fly into Tuxtla Guitierrez (TGZ) on the 17th arriving no later than 4pm. Going home on the 22nd please do not schedule your flight to leave before 12:00 noon from Villahermosa (VSA). Most folks will be flying into Mexico City or Cancun on an international flight and then transferring to a national flight to our destination. If you run a multi-city search on most travel sites you will be able to book this ticket without a problem - for example Expedia can do this for you at a great price.

The actual schedule of spiritual teachings and what we will be doing day to day is not definite. This is because we teach by channeling spirit which comes in the moment. Every day will be a magical experience for all of us, teachers included! Keep your heart and mind open to the experience life brings us.

The 2009 trip cost is: $1859.00 USD per person, double occupancy. If you need a single, please let us know asap, as the cost differential is $375.00 for this journey.

A deposit of $500.00 is needed by: October 1st, 2009. Final payment is due: November 1st, 2009. Any cancellation made in writing before: October 1st, 2009 will result in a cancellation fee of $0.00. Any cancellation made between: November 1st, 2009 and December 1st, 2009 will result in a loss of deposit of $500.00. Any cancellation made between: December 1st, 2009 and the trip departure will result in total loss of deposit ($500.00) plus any other non-refundable payments from our Mexico operator. Trip cancellation insurance is recommended to cover such issues. Please know that I am happy to create a monthly payment plan for you - but do note that you must have paid the trip in full by the departure date. Just email me and we can charge a specific amount monthly to your credit card.

You may print each form separately, or download all 7 forms at the same time and then print them from your computer. All the documents are in Adobe PDF format. If you don't have Acrobat Reader in your computer (most people do), please go to CLICK HERE to download it. You will find that these forms contain all the information you could possibly want regarding this journey. Enjoy!

Dear Spiritual Traveler
Don't Forget Me List!
Statement of Health
Trip Application
Limitation of Liability
Release of Liability
Terms & Conditions
Download ALL forms

These are a few books that I feel will help you prepare for your upcoming journey. Please enjoy these recommendations. If you have any of your own, let me know and I will consider posting them! If you click on the book itself it will link you to Amazon.com.

Having experienced many Spiritual Journeys, it is nice to have all the information you might need before you go! I have included a list of online resources that will prove to be useful as you plan and prepare for your next Spiritual Journey. Simply choose a link from the drop down menu below and the corresponding website will open in its own window making it easy for you to return to this site and continue your exploration.