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- cross-posted to:
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Summary
A German tourist was arrested and attacked after climbing the Temple of Kukulcan at Chichen Itza, Mexico, during the spring equinox.
Video footage shows locals shouting insults and physically confronting the man as National Guard personnel detained him.
The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is off-limits to climbers due to preservation laws and safety concerns.
Violators face fines up to $16,000 and possible prison time.
The incident occurred amid a crowd of 8,000–9,000 visitors.
Perhaps you’ve not visited this place, so for an impression: the area itself is very large and open and the site has restricted access with a fairly pricey admission fee.
Voices don’t carry very far in this environment, however the issue is that there are literally hundreds if not close to a thousand vendors literally screaming for attention. My objection is to the authorities who have permitted this kind of presence at a heritage site. Of course locals have taken advantage of the situation, that much is very clear.
I’ve been there many times.
“My objection is to the authorities who have permitted this kind of presence at a heritage site”
Not allowing them would wreck the local economy. It will not happen.
So that’s it? We concede that this is the acceptable way we as a species best want to present our anthropological heritage? Forgive my comments on how we can strive to do better.
If you want Chichen Itzá to turn into a quiet library it’s not going to happen.
It’s one of the seven wonders of the modern world, you have the same experience if you visit the Vatican or the pissa tower.
There are many other sites in Yucatan that don’t receive as many visitors like ek’ balam and mayapan. Those are usually less crowded.
I’m not sure why you’ve chosen to be obtuse and misinterpret my comments. I’ve not said that Chichen Itzá should become a library.
The Vatican and Pisa are actually terrific examples of sites that are not overrun with tour guide and market stand mafias running every tourist scam under the sun.