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.

Copyright © 2012 by Stephen J. Danko

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.

Copyright © 2012 by Stephen J. Danko

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.

Copyright © 2012 by Stephen J. Danko

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.

Copyright © 2012 by Stephen J. Danko

A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah

On this mountain the Lord of hosts will provide for all peoples.
On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples,
The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever.
The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces;
The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth, for the Lord has spoken.
On that day it will be said:  “Behold our God, to whom we looked to save us!  This is the Lord for whom we looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”

The word of the Lord.

The second reading was from Romans 6:3-9, the same passage that was read at my father’s funeral last month.

A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans

Brothers and sisters:

Are you unaware that we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?  We were indeed buried with him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life.

For if we have grown into union with him through a death like his, we shall also be united with him in the resurrection.  We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that our sinful body might be done away with, that we might no longer be in slavery to sin.  For a dead person has been absolved from sin.  If, then, we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.  We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him.

The word of the Lord.

I was unable to attend the Mass of Christian Burial for Uncle Ray because I was out of the country at the time.  My cousin Susan who held Ray in her arms when he passed from this life was kind enough to let me know the details of his death and funeral.

Raymond John Niedzialkowski, 90, of Worcester, Massachusetts, formerly of Randolph, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, Monday, Jan. 30, 2012 at Autumn Village Nursing Home in Worcester, with his loving niece Susan Lee at his side.

He was born on August 30, 1921 in Worcester, Massachusetts to parents Kostanty Niedzialkowski and Helen Chmielewska Niedzialkowski.

Ray was pre-deceased by his wife, Mary O’Connor Niedzialkowski, who died in 1982, his sister Jane Niedzialkowski Danko and brother Frederick Niedzialkowski. He is survived by his sister Natalie Niedzialkowski Rawding of Duxbury, Mass, Henry Niedzialkowski of Worcester and several nieces and nephews.

He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the Coast Guard on both Atlantic and Pacific shores, attended art school in Boston and owned and operated Floors the Ray Way in Randolph for 50 years.

Ray was an artist with a poet’s soul, an unfailing sense of humor and a love of all of God’s creatures.

A funeral Mass with a calling hour just prior was held at 9 AM on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at St Mary’s Church, Rte. 28, North Main St., Randolph, Massachusetts.  Interment was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Randolph, Massachusetts.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ray’s memory to an Animal Rescue League of your choice.

Funeral arrangements were handled by the Hurley Funeral Home. For online guest book, please visit www.thehurleyfuneralhomes.com.

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

Copyright © 2012 by Stephen J. Danko

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

Copyright © 2012 by Stephen J. Danko

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?]

Copyright © 2012 by Stephen J. Danko

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

Copyright © 2012 by Stephen J. Danko