Hey. I have to write about Mayan and Aztec civilization. Well, first of all, it has to be a diary, as if I'm going back in time and visiting those two civilizations. Basically, it's like I'm visiting Mesoamerica and I have to write down a diary entry on what I see [things like, what I ate, where I shopped, where I stayed and what kind of places I visited.]. Their daily lives.. It has to be about 2 pages long or a bit less.

Any help is appreciated or maybe ideas on how I should organize it. I got a B for this unit and by doing this diary thing I can upgrade it to an A, which I really need. So it has to be "perfect."

Thanks a lot =)

Here are some sites that will give you some ideas.

Pretend that you are one of Cortez's men seeing those places for the first time...

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=every+day+Mayan+civilization&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=every+day+Aztec+civilization&btnG=Search

Dear Diary,

Today was an incredible day as I embarked on my journey through Mesoamerica, exploring the fascinating Mayan and Aztec civilizations. I have always been intrigued by their rich history and vibrant culture, and now I have been granted the opportunity to immerse myself in their daily lives. Let me recount my experiences for you.

Upon arriving in Mesoamerica, my first task was to find a place to stay. The Mayans and Aztecs had unique structures called "huts" and "houses" respectively, which served as their homes. These dwellings were constructed using locally available materials such as stone, wood, and thatch. I settled into a cozy Mayan hut, admiring the craftsmanship and simplicity of the construction.

After getting settled in, I ventured out to explore the bustling marketplaces of both civilizations, known as "tianguis" and "tianquiztli." These marketplaces were vibrant and energetic, filled with vendors selling a variety of goods. I found myself captivated by the exotic food stalls, where I savored the flavors of traditional Mayan and Aztec cuisine. Corn was a staple in both civilizations, and I delighted in sampling tortillas, tamales, and roasted corn on the cob. The vibrant colors and aromas of the spices used in their dishes were truly tantalizing.

As I wandered through the streets, I marveled at the architectural wonders that surrounded me. In the Mayan city of Chichen Itza, I stood in awe before the awe-inspiring pyramid known as El Castillo. Its grandeur and precision demonstrated the advanced engineering skills of the Mayan people. In the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, I explored the sprawling marketplace and beheld the magnificence of the Templo Mayor, a towering temple dedicated to the Aztec gods. These structures served as spiritual and ceremonial centers, and their significance in the daily lives of the people was evident.

In addition to the marketplaces and temples, I also discovered the significance of the ball game in both civilizations. The Mayans played a ritualistic ball game called "pitz," while the Aztecs played "tlachtli." These games were not only forms of entertainment but also held religious and political importance. I watched with bated breath as the players showcased their agility and skill, fully immersed in the excitement of the competition.

After a long day of exploration, I returned to my humble Mayan hut, reflecting on the intricate tapestry that is Mayan and Aztec daily life. Their civilizations were filled with remarkable achievements in art, science, and culture. From their advanced calendar systems and hieroglyphic writings to their intricate textile work and pottery, the Mayans and Aztecs left an indelible mark on history.

As I conclude this diary entry, I am filled with gratitude for this extraordinary journey. The experiences I have had today have enabled me to better understand and appreciate the Mayan and Aztec civilizations. I feel truly privileged to have witnessed their daily lives, even if only for a brief moment in time.

Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]

To organize your diary entry, you can consider the following structure:
1. Introduction - Set the tone and purpose of your diary entry. Talk about your excitement and interest in the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.
2. Finding a place to stay - Describe the Mayan hut or Aztec house you chose to stay in. Explain the materials used and your initial impressions.
3. Exploring the marketplaces - Share your experiences of the tianguis and tianquiztli, including the variety of goods and the delicious food you encountered.
4. Visiting the architectural wonders - Discuss your visits to Chichen Itza and Tenochtitlan, focusing on El Castillo, the Templo Mayor, and their religious and cultural significance.
5. Observing the ball game - Describe the pitz and tlachtli games, emphasizing their importance beyond mere entertainment.
6. Reflection - Conclude your diary entry by reflecting on the significance of your journey and the impact it has had on your understanding of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations.

By using this structure and incorporating sensory details, historical facts, and personal observations, you can create a compelling and informative diary entry that will impress your teacher. Good luck, and I hope you achieve the upgrade you seek!