Palenque .... part of the Mayan world

    Very hot and dusty is how I remember my first visit to Palenque, about 25 years ago. That and the (enormous) five-foot long iguana that was eyeing me from a too-close distance.
    Years have changed the ruins, at least in my imagination. Now, green grass replaces the dust, tree cover holds back the sun and increased numbers of tourists keep the iguanas away. Additionally, the once tiny town of Palenque, several miles from the ruins, is a shopper's dream. Streets filled with local people whose main pursuit is browsing among the stores, all of them open to the street as if in an enclosed shopping mall.
    The ruins of Palenque are spread over a large area but only a small amount has been uncovered. The temples that are visible appear different from other Maya sites and visitors are able to walk through lighted passage ways to explore various rooms.
    For anyone who has never visited ruins, Palenque should be among the top three or four to consider.