“But remember…bee yourself” —Genie (Aladdin).
Dear reader:
A few years ago I discovered that equinoxes are an important occasion for me. Not for spiritual reasons, but because I love a longer day; the equinoxes let me know where in the process we are. Now, knowing also helps me let you know that it’s almost time to plan a trip to see the archaeo-astronomical phenomena in Dzibilchaltún and Chichén Itzá (one at dawn, one in the afternoon). Don’t let them go by!
Now that I got my excitement out of the way, I can also tell you about how happy I am about this edition, where we showcase a group of Earth heroes; these tiny (pacifist) warriors of biodiversity: bees, and specifically, Yucatán’s native bees. This month I was lucky enough to visit a few Melipona bee farms and, for the first time, touch the bees (or rather, invite them to touch me). Seeing and greeting them that up close, seeing how truly defenseless and curious they are, while being aware of all of the (man-made) dangers they face and everything they do for us… it’s truly a wonderful experience, and something I wholeheartedly encourage you to do while you’re here. Plus, trying the different flavor notes that each kind of honey has is an outstanding experience for any self-respecting food lover (like myself).
If you believe that bees, stingless or otherwise, are better off where they are (i.e., far away from you), worry not: we also have plenty of content for you. Find out about the origins of the ubiquitous “Maya calendar” stone you’ll see all over, learn when the best time and place to have Cochinita Pibil is, and take in the sunset over the city from above… Luckily, the days are getting longer, you’ll have time to do it all!
By Alicia Navarrete
Communicologist born circumstantially in México City, but who says “uay” since 1985. Life has allowed me to see the world, which in turn has allowed me to discover how much I love the place where I live.
Photography by Kire Grabador and Arianne Osalde for use in Yucatán Today.
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