We had a unique opportunity today to visit Maria, the goddess wife of Maximon, the local deity of the Maya Tzu T´juil. We were invited to the home of a friend of mine whose family is hosting, Maria, that is taking care of her for the year, feeding, clothing and guarding her. We bought flowers as a gift for her and were given warm beer to drink by the by now, drunken cofradia priest. We were all sitting in a small warm, smoky room, filled with incense and worshippers while next door the hired marimba band played its tinkly music. There were gourds and bananas hanging from the ceiling with paper streamers. The priest took Maria from where she was resting so we could see her better, the incense they were burning added a very mystical atmosphere to the party. It was a unique opportunity to participate in the culture and traditions of these hospitable people.