{"product_id":"2940151874212","title":"The Mayan Culture: Past and Present","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis book is dedicated to the Maya Indians for the contributions they have made and continue to make to the world as we know it.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt doesn't take long to discover that Belize is a land of contrasts. From the poverty and disarray of the cities to the quiet countryside, many differences are soon found.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith poverty and crime running rampant in cities such as Belize City and Belmopan, the traveler has to be constantly aware of his surroundings and protect whatever is being carried. Remember, that camera hanging around your neck is worth more than the average Belizean earns in a year. All that aside, the Mayan people are wonderfully warm people, many of whom go out of their way to please visitors.Traveling into the countryside one discovers thatch roof homes with no doors or windows. Because of the warm climate, they can live comfortably all year with a gentle breeze flowing through the open windows and doors. I was struck with the concept that although no utility lines were visible, a lot of homes had a satellite dish in the front yard. Asking my guide about this he stated that the TV's and VCR's were powered by a car battery. No wonder the video stores were the largest stores in town.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHe stated that when the battery ran down, it would be taken into town and recharged at the local gas station. Jokingly, I asked why he just didn't switch batteries with the tour van we were traveling in to re-charge it? His reply, \"I couldn't do that, it would be stealing from my employer.\"\u003cbr\u003eToo bad more people don't have that attitude!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Florida Hoosier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47074028945648,"sku":"2940151874212","price":4.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/2940151874212_p0.jpg?v=1764015098","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/2940151874212","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}