As a teenager, my sister and I were dragged to Chicken Pizza (that’s what the tour guide called Chichen Itza and he thought he was hilarious) by my mother. I thought it was a wasted day away from the pool and sun of our resort in Cancun, but it turned out to be a fascinating experience. We climbed the pyramid, examined the ball court, and walked through the temples of the site. I later minored in anthropology in part because of my mother’s love of history and discovery.
Archaeology, infectious disease, and politics combine for a very quick read in Preston’s Lost City of the Monkey God. The scientific exploration and ‘discovery’ of an untouched site in Honduras was told in a very personal voice, especially after he and the team found out what sand fleas can do to a person.
There’s a good dose of self-awareness in his writing as he tries to tackle many issues in modern archeology. Protection vs exploitation, “ownership” of the artifacts, etc. It had me thinking long after I finished the book. Highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience a modern Indiana Jones-type adventure.
Love this review, Paul! I couldn’t believe it when I saw Chicken Pizza! I must have had the same tour guide! 😂 I also went as a teen, and double majored in anthropology! Perhaps it can be traced back to my visit to Chichen Itza! I have this book, and I really need to read it!
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Hahahaha! That is awesome!
So good to hear that others had to ‘suffer’ also:)
I liked the book. Esp as a discussion starter.
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