VLA “World Scholars Program” in the Yucatan Peninsula from Darryl Parham on Vimeo.
1. Visited the government headquarters of the state government of Yucatan in Merida in order to learn more about the history of the Yucatan Peninsula and to see the murals of Fernando Castro Pacherco that commemorate the Spanish conquest of Mexico
2. Toured the sisal plantation at Hacienda Sotuta de Peon in order to learn more about how the Spanish forced Mayans to work on sisal Plantations. Sisal is a fibrous material used in the production of ropes.
3. Visited the city of Valladolid in order to see Spanish colonial architecture
4. Toured the Ria Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in order to learn more about environmental conservation in Mexico. The reserve protects over 523 plant species, 335 bird species, 95 reptilian and amphibian species, 71 fish species and 58 mammal species
5. Visited the Mayan village of Santa Elena where students were able to learn about the educations system in Mexico
6. Participated in the bilateral cultural exchange with Mexican students where VLA students performed tabura and step dances for there Mexican peers
7. Visited and toured the Mayan ruins of Chinchen Itza, Uxmal and Kabah in order to investigate the history, architecture, religion, politics, arts and achievements of the Mayan civilization
8. Toured the ruins of the Tulum and the modern city of Puerto Morelos in order ot see how fishing and maritime industries functioned in the past and present