Steve's Genealogy Blog » Daily Journal

The Acropolis in Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Steve — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:48:22 +0000

The largest structure in the ancient Mayan city of Kohunlich is called the Acropolis. As in other buildings with residential funcions, stone beds can be seen with small cubbyholes beneath where the resident could store possessions. The descriptive plaque near the Acropolis states:

This, the largest construction in Kohunlich, was originally a “C” shaped building. Its most notable features are its eight meter high vaulted interiors and its false steps façade, which can be seen on the North and Eastern sides, built in the Río Bec style from Southern Campeche. This building was later covered in its entirely by a huge platform upon which what seems to be a residential complex with restricted access was built. Finally, during a later period, another residential building was added towards the South- West. In its interior, some “Graffiti” can still be seen on its stuccoed walls.

The Acropolis

SOURCE: The Acropolis (Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, México); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 02 February 2012.

Bed in the Acropolis – 1

SOURCE: Bed in the Acropolis – 1 (Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, México); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 02 February 2012.

Bed in the Acropolis – 2

SOURCE: Bed in the Acropolis – 2 (Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, México); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 02 February 2012.

View of the Temple of the King from the Acropolis

SOURCE: View of the Temple of the King from the Acropolis (Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, México); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 02 February 2012.

Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Steve — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:30:31 +0000

Kohunlich is an ancient Mayan city in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is located in southeastern Mexico on the Yucatán peninsula, close to the borders of Belize and Guatemala. The entrance sign states:

Kohunlich Archaeological Site
Cultural heritage of the people of Quintana Roo
Cultural heritage of the Nation

Entrance Sign at Kohunlich

SOURCE: Entrance Sign at Kohunlich (Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, México); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 02 February 2012.

Details about the area are provided on one of the descriptive signs in the site (reproduced here with spelling and grammatical errors on the original):

The site is of a city built in the early VIth century A.D, and abandoned in the XIIth or XIIIth century A.D. Its original name is now lost to us since “Kohunlich”, which apparently comes from the English “Cohoon ridge” (Cohoon being a type of tropical palm), is a relatively modern name. Its architecture resembles the Río Bec style, to the South of Campeche, and the Petén style, to the North of Guatemala and Belize. This shows the close ties and importance Kohunlich would have had with the other areas of Mayan culture. During its days of grandeur, the site looked very different from how we see it now, since all the buildings would have been stuccoed and painted predominantely in red. Some were also decorated with stuccoed figures and geometric designs. It boasted a complex drainage system which diverted rain water to an artificial reservoir or “aguada”. The constructions that can be visited served for different purposes, these being mainly residential, administrative and religious. They constitute only a part of the site, since the rest was made up of worker and peasant quarters, who supplied the foodstuffs and manufactured the various shell and flint artifacts.

Cohune Palm (Orbignya cobune)

SOURCE: Cohune Palm (Orbignya cobune) (Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, México); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 02 February 2012.

Fruits of the Cohune Palm

SOURCE: Fruits of the Cohune Palm (Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, México); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 02 February 2012.

Turtle Carved from the Nut of the Cohune Palm

SOURCE: Turtle Carved from the Nut of the Cohune Palm (Kohunlich, Quintana Roo, México); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 February 2012.

The Coast of Haiti

Steve — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:30:47 +0000

The coast of Haiti is beautiful with tall green mountains surrounded by turquoise water. Fishermen earn their living from small boats with makeshift sails and a water taxi stands idle near the coast. Off the coast of Haiti lies the island of Tortuga, made famous in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies.

The Haitian Coast

SOURCE: The Haitian Coast (Haiti, Hispaniola); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 31 January 2012.

Haitian Fishermen

SOURCE: Haitian Fishermen (Haiti, Hispaniola); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 31 January 2012.

Water Taxi

SOURCE: Water Taxi (Haiti, Hispaniola); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 31 January 2012.

Tortuga

SOURCE: Tortuga (Haiti, Hispaniola); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 31 January 2012.

Labadee, Haiti

Steve — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:30:51 +0000

I just recently returned from a trip to the Caribbean where I visited Hispaniola, an island shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The village of Labadee is located on the northern coast of Haiti. One of the oldest structures in Labadee is Nellie’s Place which once served as a trading post there. Hibiscus flowers are common in the Caribbean, and Haiti is no exception. Small boats are anchored offshore.

Labadee Village

SOURCE: Labadee Village (Labadee, Haiti); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 31 January 2012.

Nellie’s Place

SOURCE: Nellie’s Place (Labadee, Haiti); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 31 January 2012.

Hibiscus

SOURCE: Hibiscus (Labadee, Haiti); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 31 January 2012.

In God We Trust

SOURCE: In God We Trust (Haiti); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 31 January 2012.

Ye Men of Galilee, Why Stand You Looking up to Heaven

Steve — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 06:53:42 +0000

Ten stained glass windows in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Albany, New York depict scenes from the life of Christ. The tenth, Ye Men of Galilee, Why Stand You Looking up to Heaven, appears in the east wall, near the front of the church.

Ye Men of Galilee, Why Stand You Looking up to Heaven

SOURCE: Ye Men of Galilee, Why Stand You Looking up to Heaven(Albany, Albany County, New York); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 January 2012.

{1:3} He also presented himself alive to them, after his Passion, appearing to them throughout forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God with many elucidations.
{1:4} And dining with them, he instructed them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but that they should wait for the Promise of the Father, “about which you have heard,” he said, “from my own mouth.
{1:5} For John, indeed, baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit, not many days from now.”
{1:6} Therefore, those who had assembled together questioned him, saying, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom of Israel?”
{1:7} But he said to them: “It is not yours to know the times or the moments, which the Father has set by his own authority.
{1:8} But you shall receive the power of the Holy Spirit, passing over you, and you shall be witnesses for me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth.”
{1:9} And when he had said these things, while they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him from their sight.
{1:10} And while they were watching him going up to heaven, behold, two men stood near them in white vestments.
{1:11} And they said: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall return in just the same way that you have seen him going up to heaven.”

SOURCE: Conte, Ronald L. Jr., translator and editor. The Sacred Bible. Catholic Public Domain Version. Acts of the Apostles 1:3-11. Online <http://www.sacredbible.org/catholic/NT-05_Acts.htm>. Accessed 26 January 2012.

The inscription on the window states:

Ye Men of Galilee, Why Stand You Looking up to Heaven – Acts

In Memory of Dennis Harley March 9 9

The Guards Were Struck with Terror

Steve — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:01:59 +0000

Ten stained glass windows in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Albany, New York depict scenes from the life of Christ. The ninth, The Guards Were Struck with Terror, appears in the east wall of the church. Note that the Gospel which this window represents is Matthew 28:4, not Mark 28 as the window itself states.

The Guards Were Struck with Terror

SOURCE: The Guards Were Struck with Terror (Albany, Albany County, New York); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 January 2012.

{28:1} Now on the morning of the Sabbath, when it began to grow light on the first Sabbath, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulcher.
{28:2} And behold, a great earthquake occurred. For an Angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and as he approached, he rolled back the stone and sat down on it.
{28:3} Now his appearance was like lightning, and his vestment was like snow.
{28:4} Then, out of fear of him, the guards were terrified, and they became like dead men.
{28:5} Then the Angel responded by saying to the women: “Do not be afraid. For I know that you are seeking Jesus, who was crucified.
{28:6} He is not here. For he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where the Lord was placed.
{28:7} And then, go quickly, and tell his disciples that he has risen. And behold, he will precede you to Galilee. There you shall see him. Lo, I have told you beforehand.”
{28:8} And they went out of the tomb quickly, with fear and in great joy, running to announce it to his disciples.

SOURCE: Conte, Ronald L. Jr., translator and editor. The Sacred Bible. Catholic Public Domain Version. Matthew 28:1-8. Online <http://www.sacredbible.org/catholic/NT-01_Matthew.htm>. Accessed 26 January 2012.

The inscription on the window states:

The Guards Were Struck with Terror. St. Mark XXVIII (sic)

Gift of Thomas and Elizabeth McEnaney in Memory of Their Family, John McEnaney in Memory of His Wife Jeannette and Family

It Is Consummated

Steve — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:01:05 +0000

Ten stained glass windows in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Albany, New York depict scenes from the life of Christ. The eighth, It Is Consummated, appears in the east wall of the church.

It Is Consummated

SOURCE: It Is Consummated (Albany, Albany County, New York); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 January 2012.

{19:23} Then the soldiers, when they had crucified him, took his garments, and they made four parts, one part to each soldier, and the tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven from above throughout the whole.
{19:24} Then they said to one another, “Let us not cut it, but instead let us cast lots over it, to see whose it will be.” This was so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, saying: “They have distributed my garments among themselves, and for my vesture they have cast lots.” And indeed, the soldiers did these things.
{19:25} And standing beside the cross of Jesus were his mother, and his mother’s sister, and Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.
{19:26} Therefore, when Jesus had seen his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son.”
{19:27} Next, he said to the disciple, “Behold your mother.” And from that hour, the disciple accepted her as his own.
{19:28} After this, Jesus knew that all had been accomplished, so in order that the Scripture might be completed, he said, “I thirst.”
{19:29} And there was a container placed there, full of vinegar. Then, placing a sponge full of vinegar around hyssop, they brought it to his mouth.
{19:30} Then Jesus, when he had received the vinegar, said: “It is consummated.” And bowing down his head, he surrendered his spirit.

SOURCE: Conte, Ronald L. Jr., translator and editor. The Sacred Bible. Catholic Public Domain Version. John 19:23-30. Online <http://www.sacredbible.org/catholic/NT-04_John.htm>. Accessed 26 January 2012.

The inscription on the window states:

It Is Consummated – John XIX

Gift of John and Catherine Daily Memory of Their Family [Jenwick?]

My Father, If It Is Possible, Let This Chalice Pass from Me

Steve — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:01:24 +0000

Ten stained glass windows in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Albany, New York depict scenes from the life of Christ. The seventh, My Father, If It Is Possible, Let This Chalice Pass from Me, appears in the east wall of the church.

My Father, If It Is Possible, Let This Chalice Pass from Me

SOURCE: My Father, If It Is Possible, Let This Chalice Pass from Me (Albany, Albany County, New York); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 January 2012.

{26:36} Then Jesus went with them to a garden, which is called Gethsemani. And he said to his disciples, “Sit down here, while I go there and pray.”
{26:37} And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and saddened.
{26:38} Then he said to them: “My soul is sorrowful, even unto death. Stay here and keep vigil with me.”
{26:39} And continuing on a little further, he fell prostrate on his face, praying and saying: “My Father, if it is possible, let this chalice pass away from me. Yet truly, let it not be as I will, but as you will.”
{26:40} And he approached his disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter: “So, were you not able to keep vigil with me for one hour?
{26:41} Be vigilant and pray, so that you may not enter into temptation. Indeed, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
{26:42} Again, a second time, he went and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this chalice cannot pass away, unless I drink it, let your will be done.”
{26:43} And again, he went and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.
{26:44} And leaving them behind, again he went and prayed for the third time, saying the same words.
{26:45} Then he approached his disciples and said to them: “Sleep now and rest. Behold, the hour has drawn near, and the Son of man will be delivered into the hands of sinners.
{26:46} Rise up; let us go. Behold, he who will betray me draws near.”

SOURCE: Conte, Ronald L. Jr., translator and editor. The Sacred Bible. Catholic Public Domain Version. Matthew 26:36-46. Online <http://www.sacredbible.org/catholic/NT-01_Matthew.htm>. Accessed 26 January 2012.

The inscription on the window states:

My Father, If It Is Possible, Let This Chalice Pass from Me

Gift of Francis Catherine Cross Memory of Their Families

Having Loved His Own Who Were in the World He Loved Them to the End

Steve — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:01:28 +0000

Ten stained glass windows in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Albany, New York depict scenes from the life of Christ. The sixth, Having Loved His Own Who Were in the World He Loved Them to the End, appears in the east wall near the rear of the church.

Having Loved His Own Who Were in the World He Loved Them to the End

SOURCE: Having Loved His Own Who Were in the World He Loved Them to the End (Albany, Albany County, New York); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 January 2012.

{13:1} Before the feast day of the Passover, Jesus knew that the hour was approaching when he would pass from this world to the Father. And since he had always loved his own who were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
{13:2} And when the meal had taken place, when the devil had now put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray him,
{13:3} knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he came from God and was going to God,
{13:4} he rose up from the meal, and he set aside his vestments, and when he had received a towel, he wrapped it around himself.
{13:5} Next he put water into a shallow bowl, and he began to wash the feet of the disciples and to wipe them with the towel with which he was wrapped.
{13:6} And then he came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to him, “Lord, would you wash my feet?”
{13:7} Jesus responded and said to him: “What I am doing, you do not now understand. But you shall understand it afterward.”
{13:8} Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you will have no place with me.”
{13:9} Simon Peter said to him, “Then Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!”

SOURCE: Conte, Ronald L. Jr., translator and editor. The Sacred Bible. Catholic Public Domain Version. John 13:1-9. Online <http://www.sacredbible.org/catholic/NT-04_John.htm>. Accessed 26 January 2012.

The inscription on the window states:

Having Loved His own Who Were in the World He Loved Them to the End. – St. John XIII.1

In Memory of John Downey His Wife Elizabeth from Stephen Downey Families

Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me Forbid Them Not

Steve — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 08:01:17 +0000

Ten stained glass windows in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Albany, New York depict scenes from the life of Christ. The fifth, Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me Forbid Them Not, appears in the south wall, facing Central Avenue.

Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me Forbid Them Not

SOURCE: Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me Forbid Them Not (Albany, Albany County, New York); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 January 2012.

{10:13} And they brought to him the little children, so that he might touch them. But the disciples admonished those who brought them.
{10:14} But when Jesus saw this, he took offense, and he said to them: “Allow the little ones to come to me, and do not prohibit them. For of such as these is the kingdom of God.
{10:15} Amen I say to you, whoever will not accept the kingdom of God like a little child, will not enter into it.”
{10:16} And embracing them, and laying his hands upon them, he blessed them.

SOURCE: Conte, Ronald L. Jr., translator and editor. The Sacred Bible. Catholic Public Domain Version. Mark 10:13-16. Online <http://www.sacredbible.org/catholic/NT-02_Mark.htm>. Accessed 25 January 2012.

The inscription on the window states:

Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me Forbid Them Not – St. Mark

Gift of Samuel V. Cragier in memory of His Wife Catherine & Family – Aug. 2nd 1910.