On our cover this month is the majestic Ceiba pentandra. It is the national tree of Guatemala and was revered for thousands of years by the ancient Maya as the sacred “world-tree.” In one of our feaure articles Dr. Nicholas Hellmuth describes the ways that the ceiba influenced Mayan art.The influence of man on Manatees is the subject of conservationist/photographer Thor Janson’s article “Discovering the Mermaids.” Through his field notes we are reminded once again of the danger in which we have placed these gentle creatures.Other subjects covered in this month’s issue include: medical tourism in Guatemala; the Men and Women in Action organization; romantic weddings in Antigua; new schools offering new opportunities for children; what to expect during Lent; delightful desserts; the ritual of absinthe; and when and where you can catch a ton of cultural events.We would like to include a final adios to our good friend of many years, Walter White.
