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What To Do After the Kids Move Out

No two couples are alike, but there are some very common strategies people take when it’s time to enter the post parenting segment of their lives…
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Are you still wondering what to do now that your children have finally moved out? Some parents wait for years to enjoy the financial and personal freedom that comes with having a house all to themselves. Raising kids is a major accomplishment, but it takes its toll even on the hardiest of moms and dads. Then, when it’s time to enter the next phase of your life, namely the empty nest, you’re often at a loss about what to do.

No two couples are alike, but there are some very common strategies and approaches people take when they realize that it’s time to enter the post parenting segment of their lives. In addition to purchasing a smaller home, other options include selling life insurance policies to bolster cash reserves, relocating to a resort or vacation town, traveling to exotic locations, or donating time to charitable causes. The main thing to remember is that you’ll almost certainly have more time and money available now that the nest only has two occupants. Here are some ideas to get you started on your new adventure.

Buy a Smaller House

For many middle-aged moms and dads, the first thing on the agenda after sons and daughters move out is to buy a smaller home. Unless you have a need for lots of extra space or intend to take in renters, downsizing to a more efficient living space makes great economic sense. Not only can you bank a significant amount of money on the trade but you will enjoy a simpler, less cluttered lifestyle. Speak with a realtor who specializes in transactions like these and learn how to do it the right way so you won’t have to wait months to find an acceptable property and sell your old one.

Sell Your Life Insurance Policy

Consider selling an unneeded and unwanted term insurance policy through a process called a life settlement. You can do everything online and get your money in a matter of a few days. First, review an informative guide that describes exactly how the transaction works. That way, you can get your funds quickly and never have to pay another premium again. Keep in mind that there are no restrictions at all on how you use the money you get from the settlement. Put it into the bank, spend it on a major vacation, use it to buy a new home, or whatever you wish.

Consider Relocating

For many working adults who bid their grown children farewell, there’s no better time to relocate to a new city. Popular destinations include faraway locales like the Philippines, Alaska, Chile, and Hawaii. If you don’t want to go that far, think about staying closer to home but moving to a nearby by resort town where you can take advantage of water sports and outdoor fun.

Donate Your Time

If you like the idea of helping the less fortunate, consider donating some of your free time to social organizations that need help, like local charities that feed the homeless, churches that need volunteers for fundraising projects, and global non-profits that work to end hunger and famine.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Top Attractions You Can’t Miss Out On When Visiting Athens

If you are visiting Greece, do not miss out on walking around Athens. From architectural scenes to its amazing nightlife, the city will leave you in awe…
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Greece is one of the most fascinating countries due to its rich history, architectural influence, and mythology. The Greeks have always been some of the most artistic, intelligent, and innovative people of all, and proof of those traits still stands to date. Most of the Greek islands are picturesque and offer a great holiday experience by nature; you must visit Athens to view the variety of historic gems in that country alone. The city attracts thousands of tourists every year due to its prosperous antiquities, shopping and food scenes, and its spectacular nightlife. Here are some top attractions you cannot miss when visiting Athens, Greece.

1.   Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis of Athens is the most popular attraction of this historically rich city as it glorifies ancient Greek culture, architecture, and mythology. The site is perched atop a hill and overlooks every part of the old city below. The Acropolis is home to some of the most important ancient Greek buildings that culturally signify their architectural and religious sanctity; the Parthenon, the theatre of Dionysus, and the Temple of Athena. The Parthenon is a Doric masterpiece and is known for its splendid proportion and flawless construction. All of these structures were built more than 2500 years ago and were majorly destroyed during conflicts and negligence.

2.   The Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus

The main center of ancient Athens, the Agora, was a marketplace where ancient Greeks traded goods and sold items. It was also known to be a place for democracy and philosophical cohorts. The Temple of Hephaestus is located at this site and stands in proper condition to date. It was constructed for the God of Fire, Hephaestus, and is lauded for its intricate craftsmanship. If you visit the ancient Agora today, you can still imagine the busy arenas and shopping scenes of the olden days, with the people loitering around the central streets.

3.   Acropolis Museum

With so many artifacts, excavations, and archaeological findings in Athens, you must visit at least one museum to gain some factual historical and cultural knowledge. The Acropolis Museum displays several sculptures, artifacts, excavations, stories, models, and architectural details found on the main site. If you are a geek of ancient architecture, history, and culture, your Athens holidays would be incomplete without visiting one of their most famous museums in the city. The top floor is a glass atrium that shows the Acropolis and the Parthenon at eye level. You can also find several scaled models and preserved sculptures of gods and goddesses significant to ancient Greeks.

4.   Temple of Olympian Zeus

This temple was made in honor of Zeus, one of the most important gods of Greek mythology. Next to the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is also considered a significant structure but is not as well preserved as the Parthenon. The construction of this temple began in the 6th century BC but was only completed after emperor Hadrian took over the task and managed to finish it by the 2nd century AD. Dionysiou Areopagitou stands near the temple’s entrance, which is also where Hadrian’s Arch is visible.

5.   The Roman Agora & Hadrian’s Library

The Roman Agora is located just alongside the ancient Agora and is relatively newer than other surrounding structures. Despite being constructed after the ancient Agora, the construction somehow merged after a while, which is why both structures share the same site. The Tower of the Winds is also a part of this famous site. In AD 132, Emperor Hadrian built the Hadrian’s Library near the Roman Agora to signify the building’s stance in Greece. The site can be viewed from afar during your walk towards the Parthenon. However, if you still want to see the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library from up close, you can buy a ticket to enter the site.

6.   Plaka

Located near the Acropolis, this old and attractive neighborhood in Athens boasts of some picturesque streets, meeting points, and restaurants. Typically, locals and tourists hang out around Plaka during the evenings. You can also spot several shopping areas and points to buy souvenirs. You can also visit the Mitropolis cathedral and several museums in this area. Kidathineon and Adrianou are well-known for their shopping scene and you can also grab some local food and drinks at one of the restaurants on these streets.

If you are visiting Greece, do not miss out on walking around Athens. From architectural scenes to its amazing nightlife, the city will leave you in awe. You can easily cover the top attractions in Athens within 2 to 3 days, so plan your itinerary accordingly. Athens also provides free walking tours during the day, which cover the main attractions and some interesting facts about Greece and the spectacular city.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Outdoors and High Lifestyle: How to Combine Them for Amazing Results

Here’s how to combine outdoor activities with luxury for better results. Whether it be a secluded location or an extreme sport, these two can complement each other perfectly… CONTINUE READING >>

Achieving a high lifestyle isn’t always easy. It takes hard work, dedication, and the right resources to get there. And while some people may think that you need only be concerned about your finances or status in society to achieve it, that’s not true at all; living an active lifestyle is just as important.  It doesn’t matter whether you’re on top of the world or struggling financially; if you want to live like a billionaire, then make sure you spend time outside every day. You’ll feel refreshed and energized for what lies ahead. With these simple tips, you’ll be able to start living your best life today!

Why you should combine outdoor activities with luxury

Running a business with a high revenue can be exhausting both physically and mentally. Leisure-time professionals from https://www.lodgeswithhottubs.org.uk/ claim that the best way to reset from our busy lives without leaving the comfort of our homes is through installing a hot tub in our outdoor space and enjoying lively moments with our loved ones (even if it’s just for a few days). Also, traveling to a secluded location to relax will enable you to collect yourself and get back on track.

It is important not to forget about your well-being because it can affect other aspects of your life as well. Not only will you have the opportunity to spend some quality time with your friends or family, but you’ll be able to rediscover what makes you happy.

How to find the perfect balance between work and leisure

Trying something entirely different will allow you to rejuvenate yourself both physically and mentally which can be achieved by combining outdoor activity with luxury.

If you’re more of an active person, then why not try paragliding over the Alps or see what it’s like to fly 3 m high with a parachute on your back. You can even try your hand at snowboarding or skiing in the snow-covered mountains.

Offering you a different kind of thrill, water sports are also available to be enjoyed by people of all ages. Being able to see the beauty of nature from this perspective will allow you to contemplate the vastness and awesomeness of our planet.

Visit a spa and unwind

Relax and let go of all the stress you have built up over time by visiting a spa that will allow you to feel completely refreshed. Thanks to advanced treatments, your body will also be able to recover much faster than before.

The warmth of a sauna will reassure you and let you forget about your worries so that at the end of this experience, you will have a feeling of tranquillity which is something we can all benefit from. You can also try out some new exotic treatments such as fish therapy or any other type of activity that pampers your senses.

Balance activity and tranquility

After all, you have to be the one to know the type of people that surround you every day. It is now up to you to find a balance between your friends or family members that are thrill-seekers and those who prefer something different. A great way to bridge their interests is to go away together somewhere where everyone can indulge in activities of their preference.

●      Choose your destination carefully

Even if you want to go on holiday with someone, it doesn’t mean that you will automatically enjoy the same activities. Before choosing a location for your next trip, talk about what everyone wants to do and then decide together which are the most interesting activities available at this specific place.

If you’re not sure where to start, why not think about visiting Scandinavia. This part of the world is known for its stunning mountains and wide-open spaces so you’ll be able to enjoy an unparalleled experience both on land and water.

●      Challenge your limits

If you’re always looking to do something new, then you might want to try out some extreme sports apart from the usual ones you’re used to. Mountain biking, rock climbing, or canyoning are just some of the many activities that could change your life for good.

Doing something completely different with people important to you will allow you to find new ways of spending time together. This can become fruitful for your business ventures as well because it will give you a clear head and serenity. Maybe you will stumble upon some new ideas on the way.

In this article, we’ve discussed how to combine outdoor activities with luxury for better results. Whether it be a secluded location or an extreme sport, these two can complement each other perfectly and create a balance in your life that will allow you to enjoy the benefits of both types of experiences. Secluded glamping getaways are tucked away in beautiful nature nooks for those very reasons.

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Club Mahindra Membership: Everything You Expect and More

2020 was a decisive year, not for a good reason. The COVID-19 pandemic has stagnated the world. Pandemic has enforced us to put our regular lives on hold. Our plans for studies, weddings, as well as travel, had to be put on hold. This blockade has struck the hotel and tourism industry.

But as people slowly learn to deal with new conditions, tourism is experiencing a particular resurgence. Pandemics have moved much of our lives to the digital realm. But you can’t take a vacation digitally. So, after months of blockade, the trip is back, and Club Mahindra is the favoured choice.

This is confirmed by the steadily increasing reliability of Club Mahindra Resort. According to its membership base, one of the country’s leading vacation rental companies reopened the first resort in August. Initially, 30 facilities were opened, and about 69 resorts were open by December 2020.

This reflected the dromomania of vacationers who were initially reluctant to give way to the increasing number of occupants, driven by the need to get out of their restricted lives.

Why did the Club Mahindra membership model prove so popular?

The main reason is the level of flexibility it offers; according to recent Club Mahindra membership reviews, travelling in the midst of a pandemic has become much more voluntary and much less planned. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, making it impossible to plan a vacation in advance.

Also, people feel much more comfortable driving than an airplane, so they choose a destination that is within driving distance of your place of residence. Vacationers can design vacations individually, dividing the number of days and nights into destinations and durations. But most importantly, Club Mahindra membership offers a 25-year vacation package, especially given the pandemic where people are concerned about rising inflation-related costs and rising prices due to other factors.

But it’s not just a cheap vacation. Club Mahindra membership gives you a choice of travel destinations to get you started. Club Mahindra reviews mentioned more than 100 resorts in India and abroad. Usually in remote and scenic locations, these remote resorts offer everything from beach vacations and summer vacations to adventure vacations. They also have 170 partner resorts and hotels in India and about 18 countries around the world. It’s over 270 vacation offers per year for their members!

Travel options with Club Mahindra Memberships!

All Club Mahindra Resorts are designed to provide a complete vacation experience. Many of Club Mahindra membership reviews show that they provide accommodation and a place to revitalize members and guests.

Each Club Mahindra Resort offers a variety of unique recreational prospects to provide healthy entertainment for the entire family. The property is situated in some of the best places around the globe. There are plenty of options to choose from, from the bustling city centre, which offers breath-taking excitement, to the peaceful nature reserves with breath-taking views.

Luxurious accommodation options are also available. Most hotels offer box-shaped standard rooms. Not so with Club Mahindra membership. Club Mahindra Resort offers members a choice of cottages, bungalows, suites, cabanas, luxury tents and even floating cottages. The rooms are spacious and have a private kitchenette and dining area. This allows members travelling with their children or those who want to enjoy the taste of the house to prepare their own meals.  According to Club Mahindra resort reviews, dining at Club Mahindra Resort is a delicious blend of local and international flavours. But that’s not all; the experience surrounding food makes it special. Members are served a variety of delicious dishes, from riverside meals to royal dining experience.

According to recent Club Mahindra membership reviews, members praised and assured that Club Mahinda holidays adhered to strict disinfection protocols and maintained the highest standards of hygiene.

The choice is ultimately important. This is what consumers want, which is reflected in many positive reviews of Club Mahindra membership. A good vacation is what we all need after gaining access to over a thousand unique experiences, along with affiliated resorts around the world with Club Mahindra membership, against the push and pull of COVID-19.

7 Things About Red Dragon Strain We Are Sure You Didn’t Know

There are a lot of different products that you can try. However, when it comes to kratom, one of the most popular strains is the red dragon. This kratom strain is relatively new. However, despite that, it is trendy. Users of all ages are taking this strain to help them resolve multiple issues. This product has many medicinal and recreational benefits that everyone can enjoy. It is an excellent product that helps address both physical and mental ailments. Since this product is relatively new to the market, not everyone is aware of all the details. Therefore, many people are curious to learn more about this product and its effects on the body. Let us consider seven things about the red dragon strain that we are sure you did not know beforehand.

7 Things About Red Dragon Strain We Are Sure You Didn’t Know

There are so many different strains that it can become challenging to comprehend everything regarding kratom. Understandably, if you are new to the world of kratom, you must be looking for some clarity. Recently, the red dragon strain has been getting all the attention. If you are considering purchasing this kratom product, you should be aware of a few crucial details. Let us look at seven facts about this product that will help you make your decision.

1.    The Origins of this Strain

Most people know that kratom generally grows in Southeast Asian countries. However, not many people know where this particular strain originates. This strain commonly originates in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. It is an extract that manufacturers obtain from the Mitragyna Speciosa tree. According to reports, residents of these areas consume these leaves after dark for relaxation. This strain has a lot of similarities with the red vein kratom strain. The ideal conditions for growing this species are soil fertility and pleasant weather conditions.

2.    The Red Dragon Strain Has Two Primary Forms of Consumption

There are a lot of strains that you can consume in many different ways. However, when it comes to this strain, there are two primary methods of consumption. Both these methods are convenient, and you will not have to put a lot of effort in to feel the benefits. The first method is by consuming the powdered form of this product. Users can conveniently mix the powdered form of this strain with the foods or beverages of their choice. You can also take this powder directly. If you want to be a little creative, you can use this powder for baking different products such as brownies and cakes. If you do not like the powder form, you can go for capsules. Capsules are the fastest method of consuming this product. You can quickly pop in your recommended dosage, and you can swallow it with a sip of water. Many people prefer this method for taking kratom because they find it to be more convenient. Ultimately, you will have to decide based on your needs. Both ways are equally impactful, and you will be able to feel the full effects of taking this product.

3.    This Kratom Strain is a Source of Multiple Benefits

Some people mistakenly believe that the only benefit of this product is relaxation. However, this idea is not accurate whatsoever. Users consume this strain because it offers a variety of positive impacts. First, it is an excellent source of energy. After taking this product, you will feel a great sense of motivation that will help you improve your productivity. This product is also highly effective in treating pain and inflammation. Whether chronic pain or just another headache, this product will help you resolve all your physical discomforts. After taking this product, you will experience a great sense of relief because it is an excellent tool for combating stress. You will be able to tackle the symptoms of anxiety and depression directly. One of the most popular uses of this product is for its sedative properties. Users consume this product to help them fall asleep at night. Many users say that after taking this product, they experience improved sleep quality and sleep duration. You will no longer feel restless in the bed, and you will be able to rest adequately.

4.    The Presence of Alkaloids in the Red Dragon Strain

Many people are unaware that this strain has alkaloids present in it. Since this product is relatively new in the market, there are not many scientific studies about it. Therefore, the presence of alkaloids in it is mainly unknown. The presence of alkaloids in it ensures that it has many benefits, and it also provides that this product has high potency.

5.    The Side-Effects of Taking the Red Dragon Strain are Minimal

There are little to no side effects that you will experience after taking this product. According to the research so far, there are no severe side effects of taking this product. However, in certain circumstances, users may experience mild side effects. These mild side effects may include vomiting, sweating, nausea, and difficulty in concentration. According to reports, these effects only occur when there is improper usage of the product. Therefore, if you follow all the precautions, you should never face any issue with this product.

6.    You Should Never Exceed Your Dosage

When it comes to this product, there is little scope for messing around with the dosage. Although there is no recommended or prescribed universal dosage, everyone has a threshold. You will be able to figure out your ideal dosage in a few sessions. Your dosage will depend on a few factors, such as the severity of your condition and your body type. You should never exceed your ideal dosage; otherwise, you may risk facing some adverse consequences. According to reports, the side effects of taking this kratom product only appear when users cross their recommended dosage.

7.    Legality and Availability of the Red Dragon Strain

The legality of this kratom product will depend on the area. In many parts of the world, this is available for purchase. However, many places prohibit the sale and use of this product. Therefore, before you make any decision regarding the sale or purchase of this product, you should check its legality. To ensure that you do not fall for any traps, always buy your products from reputable brands. Please do not purchase your product from unofficial sources because there is no way to verify its authenticity.

Conclusion

This strain is trendy, and its popularity is increasing with time as more people learn about its immense benefits. You can conveniently buy this product online from the comfort of your home. It offers many benefits that everyone can experience. Since it is a natural product, you should not face any significant adverse consequences. You can use this product to help you improve your quality of life.

Why Choose an Eco-Friendly Water Bottle?

Ultimately, there are dozens of reasons why you should go green and choose eco-friendly bottles and here are just a few…
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The awareness with regards to the negative effects of single-use plastic bottles on the environment has been seen to increase during these recent years but sadly, even though environmentalists and environmental advocates put a great emphasis on the harmful effects of disposable water bottles, people still choose single-use bottles instead of the reusable ones. Despite extensive efforts, the use of these bottles still increases through the years, averaging up to 5 billion water bottles every year.

While recycling is easily accessible to every household, the numbers continue to rise, putting marine ecosystems, water beds, and various habitats of different species of flora & fauna at major risks.

With that said, here are some of the reasons why you should choose an eco-friendly water bottle over single-use plastic water containers.

Environmental Benefits

Apart from the functionalities that set apart the eco-friendly water bottles from regular water bottles available in the market, these revolutionized water bottles also have significant positive impacts on our environment, and here are some of them:

Reduces the Amount of Waste in Landfills

Tossing away single-use water bottles and transitioning to reusable eco-friendly bottles will ultimately reduce the amount of plastic waste that goes into every landfill. Using these kinds of water bottles will prompt you to no longer buy disposable water bottles that are uneconomical and are quite expensive compared to bottling up your own.

To give you a scale of how alarming the situations are in the U.S. landfills, 2 million tons of water bottles saturate every established landfill. This number corresponds to 80% of single-use plastic bottles that are bought and end up in junkyards. Critically, these plastic bottles take at least 1000 years before they completely disintegrate.

Ultimately, an eco-friendly water bottle will cut down the people’s consumption of water bottles while being able to have a cost-efficient way to keep themselves hydrated.

Avoid Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

Using eco-friendly water bottles reduces your risks of exposing yourself to harmful chemicals.

There are known chemical-related risks that are linked with drinking from bottled water. Unlike reusable bottles, these water bottles are manufactured with some harmful chemicals that can seep into the water over time which is common in stocked bottles or the ones that were exposed to the sun. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the particular toxins present in these bottles that can cause various types of cancer and kidney or liver damage. Another side effect of BPA is that it can cause abnormalities and issues like infertility. It is strongly linked to disabilities in children and birth defects in nursing mothers. It can significantly decrease fertility in both males and females and can cause chromosomal abnormalities.

Finally, exposure to toxins found in plastic bottles is also related to higher rates of illnesses in adults. Some of these illnesses include type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Eliminating single-use plastics in your way of life would definitely tone down the dangers that these plastic bottles bring you.

Protect Animals And Their Natural Habitat

Single-use plastic bottles are major contributors to the degradation of land and marine biology. Huge plastic bottle debris can pollute ecosystems which can affect its entirety. It can be ingested by some animals which can lead to complications.

In some recent studies, there have been instances that they have extracted some micro microplastics from a fish’s intestine which is quite alarming considering that some people consider fish as their staple food.

In a different view, disintegrating single-use plastic bottles can lead to toxic chemical leaches and can contaminate both surface habitats as well as water-based that all living organisms depend on.

Contaminations can be reduced if everyone decides to use eco-friendly water bottles instead of single-use bottles of water.

Recyclable

A reusable and eco-friendly water bottle is 1500 single-use plastic water bottles less every year. It is important to remember that eco-friendly bottles can come a long way when you are trying to reduce residual wastes and carbon footprint.

Recycling would also allow one household with four family members to save around $123,000 in a span of five years. That is $24,000 annually, for not purchasing plastic bottles. Reusable bottles would also reduce the costs of production.

Reusing bottles would simply mean that there would be lesser trash in the landfill which will have a significant cascading effect on our environment, especially to the above mentioned in this article.

Business Benefits

Apart from its environmental benefits, choosing an eco-friendly bottle can also bring benefits to the corporate business world, and here are some of them:

Can Increase Brand Awareness

Using eco-friendly products like branded aluminum water bottles can instantly take the spotlight for your business as a lot of consumers appreciate these little efforts to help maintain our environment. It puts great emphasis on the importance of having a “green business” which will serve as your edge against other stores that use otherwise.

Simply put, using unique products can increase the consumers’ brand awareness and they elicit them to support you by buying what you sell.

Can Boost Business

New products are effective drivers for any business. The emergence of newly built designs of reusable water bottles can drive the consumers’ demand up which can significantly increase the revenue of the company. New products can also spark interest to consumers which can elicit an immediate sale with the revolutionized product.

Not only will it provide benefits for the consumers but will also help decrease the demand of the people for bottled waters. This puts emphasis on the concept of substitution where consumers choose a substitute product because of the price and other benefits that they can get from it.

Wrapping Up

Ultimately, there are dozens of reasons why you should go green and choose eco-friendly bottles and these reasons are just a few.

Remember that more than the hype it brings to society, you need to know the very purpose of the product and in that way, the whole rationale of buying reusable bottles would resonate with the other decisions that you make, internalizing the true meaning of going green.

We are happy to present this collaborative post to offer valuable information to our readers.

Following in the Footsteps of the Ancestral Puebloans

I think it is safe to say that most of us didn’t know that there were skilled builders creating impressive, sophisticated, enormous stone structures right here in North America over a thousand years ago…
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Pueblo Bonita at Chaco Canyon

I like to look at maps. Always have. As a kid I would sit with an atlas for hours.

Now, later in life, my affinity for cartography helps me discover places to visit that I may have never learned about without it.

One such instance happened a few months ago. I was scanning a map of New Mexico for no apparent reason and noticed a place I was wholly unfamiliar with, Chaco Canyon. The Chaco Culture National Historical Park to be exact.

One of the first things I noticed was the lack of any roads leading to the park. As I zoomed in a few local dirt roads began to appear, but this is without a doubt one of the most remote and inaccessible locations in the entire National Park system. But don’t let that discourage you, because this is also one of the most important pre-Columbian historic sites in the United States.

And don’t get the wrong idea, it is certainly possible to get there. A truck or SUV is definitely preferable, but weather permitting, a car can make it. And after an hour or so of bouncing along a rough dirt road the payoff is definitely worth it.

The ruins at Chaco Canyon offer remarkable insight into the lives and culture of the people who populated the Four Corners region over a thousand years ago. Artifacts found here reveal a society that traveled and traded from Central America to the Pacific Ocean.

It is also very clear that these people were very skilled builders. The construction and architecture is much more advanced than we expected to find. These are massive, up to five story buildings with very precise designs and stonework.

By studying the structures, especially noting the abundance of kivas, archeologists have developed significant theories as to the lifestyle, traditions, and way of life of this highly developed society.

The Great Kiva at Chaco Canyon

Kivas are circular, ceremonial rooms that vary in size from just big enough for a handful of people to meet or celebrate, to large enough for dozens, if not hundreds to participate. With about forty kivas at Pueblo Bonita at Chaco Canyon, it looks as though this was less of a home for many people and more of a ceremonial meeting place for hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors from across the region.

A large kiva at Mesa Verde

Chaco Canyon was the predecessor to several other nearby ancient communities, most notably Mesa Verde and Aztec Ruins, that were built as of the Ancestral Puebloans moved north. As soon as we learned that bit of information we knew that we had to visit those sites as well.

Aztec Ruins National Monument is about fifty miles north of Chaco Canyon, actually in the town of Aztec, New Mexico. The name is terribly incorrect, no Aztecs were ever in the vicinity. It stems from the Spanish explorer’s habit of labeling almost anything to do natives as Aztec.

Note the green stripe in the wall.

These ruins are a bit newer than those at Chaco Canyon, and we could see that the construction quality had improved. We were especially intrigued by a decorative stripes of green slate that were included in some of the walls.

There is also a fully restored kiva at the site, which is very impressive. In 1916 archeologist Earl Morris came here to begin excavation work. Almost twenty years later he oversaw the reconstruction of the Great Kiva.

The restored kiva at Aztec Ruins

Another fifty miles or so to the northwest brings you to Mesa Verde National Park. We had visited the Park in the past, but now we were able to see it with a much better understanding of what happened here.

It is the most recent of the three sites, with the cliff dwellings that we see now having been built from around one thousand to eight hundred years ago. By the late 13th century about twenty thousand people were living in the community, but by the end of the century there was almost nobody left.

The Square Tower House at Mesa Verde

However, the people living at these settlements did not simply disappear. They did leave rather abruptly, but the evidence shows that they moved to other areas.

Theories as to why they did this have been bandied about for decades. The timeline has been very accurately determined by dating the tree rings on the timbers that were used in the construction. So, it is known that around the year 1300 the residents of these pueblos packed up and left.

Spruce Tree House at Mesa Verde

It is also known that a severe drought hit the region beginning around twenty years before the departure, so it is reasonable to surmise that lack of water, and all of the problems that come along with it, were a major factor in abandoning these dwellings. Yet the fact remains that with no written record left behind we may never know the whole story.

While researching these sites, we found that a great deal of what we thought we knew about this area was likely misunderstood. First and foremost being the name that we, and most everybody else, have used to describe these people for years, the Anasazi.

We were under the impression that Anasazi meant the ancient ones or ancient ancestors, but it actually is a Navajo word meaning ancient enemies. This made sense once we understood that the Navajo are not related to the people that lived and built these dwellings centuries ago.

The Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde

So, while enemy may be an accurate description for them, the actual descendants, such as the Hopi, Zuni, Acoma, and Laguna do not care for the term because it certainly doesn’t describe their relationship to the Ancestral Puebloans.

All in all, we were struck by our overall lack of knowledge about this important part of American history. I think it is safe to say that we are not alone, most of us didn’t know that there were skilled builders creating impressive, sophisticated, enormous stone structures right here in North America over a thousand years ago.

It is also safe to say that everyone should try to see them if they get the chance.

David & Veronica, GypsyNester.com