Okay, who's up for a little adventure? Welcome to the world of the Mayan empire, in Tikal, Guatemala! The Maya metropolis of Tikal was once one of the greatest cities in the world. Strategically located in the lowlands of Guatemala, it boasted over 100,000 inhabitants at its peak around 750 AD.

According to Peter D. Harrison, author of "The Lords of Tikal: Rulers of an Ancient Mayan City", Tikal was the model for the rebel base in the film, "Star Wars". Now just think... if only the beans had been there at the time - imagine what R2D2 might've looked like!!! :)

This picture, and the one above, are from Temple #1 - "Templo del Gran Jaguar", the "Temple of the Great Jaguar." During the heyday of the Maya empire, Tikal was the capital city and served as a center of trade, an architectural style-setter, and the ultimate display of power and wealth. Sounds a lot like Microsoft's campus...

Temple #1 is a monument to the ruler Ah Cacau. Rising 145 feet in the air, it was built around 700 AD. During his rule, (late 7th century AD), Ah Cacau created many of the spectacular temples that exist in Tikal today. His burial chamber was discovered at the base of Temple #1, where buried along with him were ornamental jade, intricately carved bone, and sting-ray spines that were used for religious blood-letting. Yikes!

But you know, while the view from down below is impressive and all... if you're going to trek all the way out into the jungle to see the ruins, you might as well climb up there to see what it looks like from the top, right?

So, in honor of her 25th birthday, BATW Ambassador Camellia took the beans along to see the Mayan ruins in Guatemala. Here Camellia and her friend Chanito take a break in the plaza before considering the long hike up all those stone stairs.

This is the view from the top of Temple #4, simply known as "Temple #4". Camellia said it was a heck of a climb to the top, but definitely worth it. Temple #4 was built by Ah Cacau's son around 741 AD. It towers 212 feet above the jungle floor, making it the tallest structure in North America before the construction of the skyscrapers in the late 1800's.

Now, looking at this shot, it does sort of look like something out of Star Wars, doesn't it? If the beans happen to run into any Imperial Stormtroopers, they'll be sure to let you know...

Here, the beans proudly stand in front of Temple #2 - "Templo de los Mascaras", or "Temple of the Masks". The beans don't need a mask, although they do hid behind metal...

Looming over 125 feet in the air, this huge temple faces the almost identical Temple #1 across the plaza. Temple #2 was constructed sometime after Temple #1, in the middle of the 8th century AD. It is believed that Ah Cacau, ruler from AD 684, created Temple #2 to honor his wife.

Interestingly, these temples have very little space inside. The only rooms were those located at the top. The relative shortage of interior space supports the belief that these great buildings were reserved solely for religious and ceremonial use, and for only the highest nobility in the society. Sort of like the top floors of the Trump Towers...

Joining in the visit to the temples was Camellia's cousin Alexandra, whom we hear enjoys black beans very much. Alexandra is obviously a smart kid, and chooses her canned vegetables wisely. The beans like her, too!

Black beans are a staple in many Latin American diets, and are usually served daily in most homes and restaurants. So naturally, our beloved can of frijoles felt right at home, and enjoyed their celebrity status to the fullest.

Also dropping by the temples were Camellia's mother Floridalma, and her godmother Elida Hernandez, who is holding the you-know-whats. As we've learned time and time again, BATW is truly a "family experience", and we love it when we can talk our parents, siblings, and kids into playing along. Thanks!