"Pleasant as I found the town of Copán, the main atttracion here was the famous Mayan ruins, a short walk away. These ruins dated from around 450 to 900AD, and had been an important religious centre. I found this whole area a most beautiful and peaceful place to be, and very interesting. I was even able to paint and sketch without being troubled, or even watched by anyone. An added attraction were the many colourful parrots to be seen in the area.
 
The game played here at the Ball Court was between two teams which had to knock a ball back and forth, without letting it touch the ground. To add a bit of extra spice to the game, the team that lost would be sacrificed. As far as I could tell, myself, and the two Americans I had met the previous evening, seemed to be the only visitors at the ruins. I wonder how many visitors they get each day now?" - MH