Day 7 of Eco Design

Don Ki'

In order to better acclimate myself into the wondrous nature surroundings us, I have not showered in 2010. Studying the idea of perma-culture has been incredible enlightening. Perma-culture literally comes permanent agriculture but the more modern ideas are more encompassing than just the growing of food. The idea can be a completely self sustaining homestead or one that finds uses for its waste. Here at Kaxil Kiuic, the Reserve finds many ways to be self sustaining but is not completely. We visited another reserve today still "on the grid," meaning getting power from the energy company. For this place, power came from the government.

Today we had lectures on the geology of the area, topographic mapping, water collection and a brief introduction to site planning. Yes, this was information overload. We later had yummy sandwiches in the van made by the ladies from the local Mayan village who cook for us, and went to the market in Oxkutzcab. The places we have traveled feel extremely alive with life and color. Constantly the locals stare, but only out of interest and welcome. I have felt completely safe and even welcomed in almost all situations, as I wrote about with the bull fight. I picked up some gifts at the market and some great knowledge of where the produce comes from to sell.

Later we went to the U Kitz Ka'an Reserve. As I mentioned above, this place is attempting sustainable agriculture as well. It was interesting to compare their techniques to those we saw at a research center early. We discussed the difficulty with actual implementation with ideas created in a research area. Marista, the university we toured earlier, tries to develop techniques to bring into local villages in need of food and income.

Dinner will soon be served and I must go eat! Don Ki' means awesome in Maya and I use it to describe food, which has been incredible.

- Example of a roof support at U Titz Ka'an. The supports at Kaxil Kiuic are very similar.

- Our guide for the farm tour. He is pictured with one of their pregnant goats.
- In honor of the great state of Arkansas, a domesticated hog. The farm uses the hogs' manure for composting and the hogs become a source of food. Woooo Pig Soiee.
- These are indigenous bees to the area. They are being grown at the farm because bees populations are dropping for various reasons. The farmers help the bees create their hives in these boxes to protect the hive.
- A close up of seedlings the farm grows on a raised garden. The height keeps pests away and a canopy can shield the seedlings in intense heat.