Latest news with #Ceiba
Indian Express
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
MrBeast explores 2000-year-old ancient Mexican temples, enters Balankanche Cave to witness the ‘tree of life'
YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, is back with another jaw-dropping adventure that has his fans glued to their screens. This time, the world's most-subscribed YouTuber takes us deep inside Mexico in a cinematic vlog that feels straight out of Jumanji. Titled 'I Explored 2000 Year Old Ancient Temples,' the video documents a thrilling expedition through some of the Yucatán Peninsula's most mystical sites, including Calakmul, Chichen Itza, and the enigmatic Balankanche Cave. Joined by two of his friends, MrBeast kicks off his adventure at the King's Palace before plunging into the untamed jungle. Along the way, they encounter black howler monkeys, venomous spiders, and a swarm of bats. They finally reach the sacred Balankanche Cave, where ancient Maya believed all human life began. Before entering, MrBeast and his team pause for a spiritual ritual. 'Deep inside of there is what they called the Tree of Life,' he explains. 'They believed that all of us spawned from this very majestic, beautiful tree deep in this cave.' Their local guide elaborates, 'This is so sacred that we're going to do a ceremony to ask for permission from the spirits of the cave.' A purification ritual is performed at the cave's entrance, symbolically preparing them for the journey ahead. Once granted spiritual approval, the group ventures deeper into the cave, but the path is far from easy. As they descend further, the temperature rises, making the journey even more challenging. Finally, they arrive at the awe-inspiring 'Tree of Life', a sacred Ceiba tree that the Maya believed held up the sky. But the exploration doesn't stop there. The group pushes forward, reaching sections of the cave where the air is so thin they require oxygen support to continue. Watch here: Meanwhile, INAH (Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History) confirmed that Donaldson's visits to several Mayan archaeological zones were carried out with full permission from the federal Ministry of Tourism and the governments of Campeche and Yucatán. INAH emphasised that its staff were present throughout the production to enforce safety and preservation protocols. However, according to a local media outlet, the Ministry of Culture in Mexico threatened sanctions and legal action against the YouTuber for allegedly misrepresenting events and violating the intended use of cultural heritage sites.
The Independent
25-02-2025
- The Independent
Incredible travel ideas you don't want to miss
Planning a vacation and in need of some inspiration? We've got you covered. This curated list of extraordinary travel ideas, resorts and useful products is sure to spark your wanderlust and help you plan your next unforgettable trip. Soar through the Costa Rican jungle If you're seeking the thrill of adventure, why not race across the jungle on a mile-long double zip-line. The El Santuario Canopy Adventure tour in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, offers an unforgettable experience zip-lining through a 500-acre private rainforest reserve. Guided by professional guides, guests navigate 14 platforms, 11 zip-lines, a tree belay and six hanging bridges while spotting wildlife like sloths, monkeys and tropical birds. Highlights include a miles-long tandem zip-line and a platform in a 65ft-tall Ceiba tree. With a focus on safety and sustainability, the tour uses an automatic braking system and eco-friendly practices. The experience ends with a traditional Costa Rican lunch and complimentary photos taken by the company's photographers. It's a must-do for families and adventure-seekers alike. Hit the spa in a Northumberland country estate Northumberland's first – and only – five-star hotel, Maften Hall is a dreamy destination for a luxurious spa getaway. Set on just over 300 acres of picturesque parkland, it's a place where couples, families, and friends can relax and unwind. Rich in history, this luxury country retreat offers a variety of elegant rooms – from cozy, romantic classics to opulent suites. The Retreat at Maften Hall features expert therapists ready to provide next-level treatments using premium wellness products from Germaine de Capuccini. The Retreat's glass-roofed 15-meter spa pool, along with the signature whirlpool bath, sauna, steam room, and aromatherapy room, all promise a revitalising escape from the worries and stresses of the world outside. If you love diving or are interested in giving it a go, Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire is the holiday destination for you. This laid-back Caribbean gem is worth the visit. Experience authentic Caribbean culture, breathtaking natural surroundings — both above and below water — and the perfect diving conditions. Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire provides a unique diving experience that emphasizes the freedom to explore however you please. There are more than 60 incredible dive sites to choose from, many accessible by shore, giving you the chance to discover the mesmerizing reefs at your own pace. The resort offers vehicle rental, spacious accommodation, unlimited shore diving, breakfast, airport transfers and much more to make your stay an unforgettable experience. All you have to do is load up your gear, hop in your truck and explore more than 60 dive sites from shore. Located on the Shaviyani Atoll, Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort is home to 120 luxury villas in one of the Maldives' largest lagoons. Stretching from one side of the island to the other, the infinity pool leads to the Coralarium, the Maldives' first and only coral regeneration project — an underwater installation by artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Head for the resort's sustainability lab where you can create bespoke souvenirs from plastic washed ashore. Sail away to a nearby island for a romantic picnic, join a sunset dolphin cruise aboard a private yacht or experience an array of exhilarating watersports. Opt for a diving trip to the six-mile-long house reef to swim alongside tropical fish and witness manta rays cruise through cleaning stations. The Arufen Spa takes guests on a multi-sensory wellbeing journey that infuses the earth, air, fire and water into every treatment. Embrace romance and luxury at an all-inclusive resort in the Maldives The Maldives' first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Dusit Thani Maldives, is located on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll. The resort offers 94 elegant villas and residences, each blending luxurious Thai furnishings with a Maldivian twist. Guests can explore a variety of amazing offerings, including a seamless round-trip transfer for two, a curated selection of beverages, a private gourmet dinner paired with fine wines, rejuvenating wellness spa treatments, an engaging cooking class, a professional couple's photoshoot, and exclusive activities like a glass-bottom kayak adventure. From intimate in-villa experiences to personalized butler service, Dusit Thani Maldives promises a relaxing, romantic getaway like no other. Discover best Bali's luxury resorts Komaneka Resorts offers a collection of boutique properties in Bali, blending upscale luxury with natural beauty. Each resort features a modern take on Balinese architecture, delivering exceptional service and attention to detail. Komaneka at Monkey Forest boasts minimalist design, vegan dining and a wellness program. Komaneka at Tanggayuda offers villas with volcanic stone bathtubs and views of Batukaru Volcano. Komaneka at Bisma combines luxurious spaces with a spa and dining overlooking lush landscapes. Komaneka at Rasa Sayang provides a peaceful retreat with spacious living areas and tranquil gardens. Komaneka at Keramas Beach features beachfront villas with breathtaking ocean views. Guests can also explore the Komaneka Fine Art Gallery, showcasing contemporary works by local artists. Current exhibitions include Pop-Up by I Made Arya Palguna and Alchemy of Shadows by Ketut Suwidiarta. Use code GETMORE here to access discounted rates on complimentary amenities such as laundry, cocktails, afternoon tea, yoga class and cultural activities. Offer valid for 360 days from booking date. Wakatobi, nestled in the heart of the Coral Triangle, offers world-class snorkeling and diving in the pristine Banda Sea. This biodiverse paradise teems with over 700 coral species and thousands of marine creatures, all enjoyed with 24/7 five-star service. Explore over 40 diverse dive and snorkel sites with expert guides, including a variety of family-friendly options. Beyond the underwater wonders, indulge in a range of watersports, rejuvenating spa treatments and enriching cultural excursions, from birdwatching to private boat trips. Savor exceptional cuisine at the resort's beachside restaurant, where the menu features both international and regional specialties. Accommodations include charming bungalows nestled in a palm grove along a white-sand beach, oceanfront pool villas offering breathtaking sunset views over the reef and new Courtyard Residences featuring private pools, full kitchens, and enhanced privacy with dedicated service. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Norwegian fjords Longing to create new memories surrounded by crystal-clear waters, lush greenery and towering mountains? You're in luck. It's never been easier to travel to Norway and its world-famous fjords, including Sognefjord. A direct flight from the US makes for an affordable and quick journey to Norway's Vestland region — a unique kingdom of fjords that promises an experience like no other. Discover the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church and join a Fjord Cruise on the stunning UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. Embark on a road trip across the breathtaking National Scenic Routes. Get into the Viking spirit as you explore the world-famous and charming village of Flåm, located on the shores of the fjord, and visit Stegastein Viewpoint for panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding mountains. Want to find the best hotels, restaurants and transportation options in the area? Plan your visit Unwind and relax in a historic Portuguese hotel Set across eight acres of stunning natural landscape, Convento do Espinheiro is housed in a magnificent 15th-century convent in Évora, Portugal. Offering 92 elegant rooms, the hotel prides itself on its outstanding service, with a 24-hour reception, gym, airport shuttle and babysitting services. Indulge in excellent gastronomical options — either its fine-dining restaurant, the more informal Italian option, or opt for a lighter meal at the pool bar. Take a dip in the outdoor garden pool or the heated indoor pool, before playing a game of tennis or padel and enjoying a massage at the spa. A dedicated concierge will take you on a guided tour of Convento do Espinheiro, sharing the secrets and legends that are part of its rich history, before a wine tasting at the gothic Cistern, where you'll sample three of this prestigious region's best offerings. Take control of your next adventure Tired of rigid travel packages or spending hours piecing together your perfect trip? With Baboo Travel, you're in charge. Whether you want a fully personalized itinerary crafted by a local expert or the freedom to tweak a handpicked route, Baboo makes it effortless. Discover hidden cultural gems, off-the-beaten-path experiences, and seamless travel planning — all in one place. Baboo's local specialists handle everything — accommodations, transport, and activities — so you can focus on the adventure. As a B-Corp-certified company, every trip directly supports local communities and sustainable travel. No stress, no wasted time — just the freedom to explore, your way. Get $150 off your dream trip today with code BAB150 at Offer valid until 31 May 2025. T&Cs apply. GuideAlong is a leading provider of GPS-powered audio tours, offering self-guided experiences for road trips and scenic drives across the US, Canada and beyond. The app functions like it's a personal guide you have with you in the car, providing guided commentary that plays automatically based on the user's location. As you drive, GuideAlong offers behind-the-scenes stories, local tips and helpful directions, along with insights into upcoming sights and side trips, giving travellers the flexibility to decide where to stop. Because the app relies on the phone's GPS signal, there's no need for a network or wi-fi during the tour. Whether exploring Hawaii, Yellowstone, or any national park, GuideAlong is the ideal travel companion for those who prefer to set their own pace and itinerary, offering a hassle-free, immersive experience. Save 15% with code DIRECT15 at Offer ends 31 December 2025.
The Independent
22-02-2025
- General
- The Independent
Parents and kids navigate talks of loss and tragedy as they return home after LA area fires
Ceiba Phillips, 11, couldn't believe what he saw when he returned to his Southern California neighborhood a month after a wildfire reduced it to rubble. The ruins of his best friend's house and his beloved school. His house survived, but the backhouse where his grandparents lived and packed him lunch every morning was reduced to ashes and a silver pool of melted aluminum. His favorite cozy diner, Fox's, was decimated. Seeing it in person — after seeing it through photos — brought shock and tears. 'There's not even a word created for it,' Ceiba said. 'It's sad, it's heavy, somewhat angry. Why did this have to happen?' The Eaton fire that tore through Altadena on Jan. 7 left parents and children alike to deal with the trauma of one of the most destructive fires in California history. As people return to their neighborhoods, many kids are navigating the grief of losing everything that was familiar. Their parents, meanwhile, are learning how to help them cope. Children thrive on routine, and reestablishing one as quickly as possible is key to helping kids cope, said Lori Peek, a sociology professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who studies the impact of natural disasters. It's essential for kids to stay connected with their friends, and for parents to have honest conversations with them about the difficulty of what they are facing. 'Being honest about our own emotions and opening up, but then being very inviting for children to share what they're feeling, what they're grieving, what they're experiencing, that can be one way to start those really important conversations,' Peek said. It's this kind of space that Chiara Angelicola, who works in early childhood education, was trying to create when she organized a Kids Town Hall event for families affected by the fires. Children had the opportunity to share how they felt and participate in art and somatic therapy exercises, which focus on how trauma can affect the body. Ceiba's 4-year-old sister, Quoia, went with their mother, Alyson Granaderos, along with more than 100 other kids and parents. 'A lot of these kids had a lot to say ... and some of it even made the adults uncomfortable,' Angelicola said. 'I think that exercise in learning how to be uncomfortable experiencing certain feelings is very necessary for children because we're modeling for them that feelings won't hurt us.' Hundreds of therapists and non-profits also have offered their mental health services for free to victims of the fires. A last normal day Ceiba's home was one of about six on his street that wasn't destroyed, but it sustained so much smoke damage it's not livable right now. On a recent day, the family carefully entered wearing respirator masks and protective equipment. Ceiba looked out his bedroom window and said he didn't care that his house had survived. 'I'd rather have all of Altadena,' he said. Ceiba remembers every detail of his last normal day. School let out early due to intense Santa Ana winds that fueled the fires. He and his sister went to Ceiba's best friend's house. They played on a trampoline, drew comics, and chucked LEGO figurines off the balcony. 'I've probably been to his house more than 2,000 times,' Ceiba said. That evening, the family received a text message from Ceiba's grandma asking if they saw the fire that had broken out nearby. They ran to their window and saw the whole mountainside ablaze. 'I was on the floor like praying, please protect my house and my family. And you know, mom's like, 'Come on, you got to get up, pack your stuff,'' Ceiba said. The 11-year-old sprang into action, dumping his clothes and quarters into his bag and packing for his younger sister. They sheltered in their dad's office in neighboring Pasadena. Ceiba could barely sleep. By the morning, much of his neighborhood was gone. Finding a rhythm again Ceiba's days have taken on a rhythm again, even at his new school in Pasadena. When he greeted his mom on a recent afternoon, he shared a fun fact he'd learned that day: In 1846, a future president, Abraham Lincoln, had almost joined the ill-fated Donner Party as it set out from Springfield, Illinois, on its infamous journey out West, only to get trapped in California's Sierra Nevada. Ceiba has decided to play the saxophone in band class, and his state project will be on Michigan, where his mom is from. Granaderos said her son already seems to be adapting. But his conversations with friends now veer into unusual topics for 11-year-olds. 'The insurance isn't covering us and how's your house? How's this person's house?' Ceiba said, sharing what he and his friends discuss. He wonders what will become of his community. He's optimistic though. 'I know Altadena and I know that it's going to stick together,' Ceiba said. Beauty, sadness and destruction Ceiba had clamored right away to go back home after the fire, but Granaderos was hesitant. After the dust settled, she knew that allowing her kids to see and experience what happened was part of the healing process. 'You're facing this realization of certain conversations you have to start to have with your kid, right?' Granaderos said. 'There's beauty in the world, and there's also a lot of sadness and destruction.' Quoia burst into tears when the family drove past what was left of The Bunny Museum in Pasadena dedicated to rabbits. She loved seeing the giant inflatable bunnies that loomed over the street corner nearly every day. Ceiba cried along with her. 'I just couldn't really take it,' he said. But not all is lost. Granaderos named both of her children after trees — Ceiba, the tree of life, and Quoia after the Sequoia. She planted a sapling of the iconic Sequoia — which is extraordinarily resilient to fire, insects and disease — in the home's backyard when Quoia was a baby. After the fire, it is still standing.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Parents and kids navigate talks of loss and tragedy as they return home after LA area fires
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ceiba Phillips, 11, couldn't believe what he saw when he returned to his Southern California neighborhood a month after a wildfire reduced it to rubble. The ruins of his best friend's house and his beloved school. His house survived, but the backhouse where his grandparents lived and packed him lunch every morning was reduced to ashes and a silver pool of melted aluminum. His favorite cozy diner, Fox's, was decimated. Seeing it in person — after seeing it through photos — brought shock and tears. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 'There's not even a word created for it,' Ceiba said. 'It's sad, it's heavy, somewhat angry. Why did this have to happen?' The Eaton fire that tore through Altadena on Jan. 7 left parents and children alike to deal with the trauma of one of the most destructive fires in California history. As people return to their neighborhoods, many kids are navigating the grief of losing everything that was familiar. Their parents, meanwhile, are learning how to help them cope. Children thrive on routine, and reestablishing one as quickly as possible is key to helping kids cope, said Lori Peek, a sociology professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who studies the impact of natural disasters. It's essential for kids to stay connected with their friends, and for parents to have honest conversations with them about the difficulty of what they are facing. 'Being honest about our own emotions and opening up, but then being very inviting for children to share what they're feeling, what they're grieving, what they're experiencing, that can be one way to start those really important conversations,' Peek said. It's this kind of space that Chiara Angelicola, who works in early childhood education, was trying to create when she organized a Kids Town Hall event for families affected by the fires. Children had the opportunity to share how they felt and participate in art and somatic therapy exercises, which focus on how trauma can affect the body. Ceiba's 4-year-old sister, Quoia, went with their mother, Alyson Granaderos, along with more than 100 other kids and parents. 'A lot of these kids had a lot to say ... and some of it even made the adults uncomfortable,' Angelicola said. 'I think that exercise in learning how to be uncomfortable experiencing certain feelings is very necessary for children because we're modeling for them that feelings won't hurt us.' Hundreds of therapists and non-profits also have offered their mental health services for free to victims of the fires. A last normal day Ceiba's home was one of about six on his street that wasn't destroyed, but it sustained so much smoke damage it's not livable right now. On a recent day, the family carefully entered wearing respirator masks and protective equipment. Ceiba looked out his bedroom window and said he didn't care that his house had survived. 'I'd rather have all of Altadena,' he said. Ceiba remembers every detail of his last normal day. School let out early due to intense Santa Ana winds that fueled the fires. He and his sister went to Ceiba's best friend's house. They played on a trampoline, drew comics, and chucked LEGO figurines off the balcony. 'I've probably been to his house more than 2,000 times,' Ceiba said. That evening, the family received a text message from Ceiba's grandma asking if they saw the fire that had broken out nearby. They ran to their window and saw the whole mountainside ablaze. 'I was on the floor like praying, please protect my house and my family. And you know, mom's like, 'Come on, you got to get up, pack your stuff,'' Ceiba said. The 11-year-old sprang into action, dumping his clothes and quarters into his bag and packing for his younger sister. They sheltered in their dad's office in neighboring Pasadena. Ceiba could barely sleep. By the morning, much of his neighborhood was gone. Finding a rhythm again Ceiba's days have taken on a rhythm again, even at his new school in Pasadena. When he greeted his mom on a recent afternoon, he shared a fun fact he'd learned that day: In 1846, a future president, Abraham Lincoln, had almost joined the ill-fated Donner Party as it set out from Springfield, Illinois, on its infamous journey out West, only to get trapped in California's Sierra Nevada. Ceiba has decided to play the saxophone in band class, and his state project will be on Michigan, where his mom is from. Granaderos said her son already seems to be adapting. But his conversations with friends now veer into unusual topics for 11-year-olds. 'The insurance isn't covering us and how's your house? How's this person's house?' Ceiba said, sharing what he and his friends discuss. He wonders what will become of his community. He's optimistic though. 'I know Altadena and I know that it's going to stick together,' Ceiba said. Beauty, sadness and destruction Ceiba had clamored right away to go back home after the fire, but Granaderos was hesitant. After the dust settled, she knew that allowing her kids to see and experience what happened was part of the healing process. 'You're facing this realization of certain conversations you have to start to have with your kid, right?' Granaderos said. 'There's beauty in the world, and there's also a lot of sadness and destruction.' Quoia burst into tears when the family drove past what was left of The Bunny Museum in Pasadena dedicated to rabbits. She loved seeing the giant inflatable bunnies that loomed over the street corner nearly every day. Ceiba cried along with her. 'I just couldn't really take it,' he said. But not all is lost. Granaderos named both of her children after trees — Ceiba, the tree of life, and Quoia after the Sequoia. She planted a sapling of the iconic Sequoia — which is extraordinarily resilient to fire, insects and disease — in the home's backyard when Quoia was a baby. After the fire, it is still standing.
Associated Press
22-02-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Parents and kids navigate talks of loss and tragedy as they return home after LA area fires
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ceiba Phillips, 11, couldn't believe what he saw when he returned to his Southern California neighborhood a month after a wildfire reduced it to rubble. The ruins of his best friend's house and his beloved school. His house survived, but the backhouse where his grandparents lived and packed him lunch every morning was reduced to ashes and a silver pool of melted aluminum. His favorite cozy diner, Fox's, was decimated. Seeing it in person — after seeing it through photos — brought shock and tears. 'There's not even a word created for it,' Ceiba said. 'It's sad, it's heavy, somewhat angry. Why did this have to happen?' The Eaton fire that tore through Altadena on Jan. 7 left parents and children alike to deal with the trauma of one of the most destructive fires in California history. As people return to their neighborhoods, many kids are navigating the grief of losing everything that was familiar. Their parents, meanwhile, are learning how to help them cope. Children thrive on routine, and reestablishing one as quickly as possible is key to helping kids cope, said Lori Peek, a sociology professor at the University of Colorado Boulder who studies the impact of natural disasters. It's essential for kids to stay connected with their friends, and for parents to have honest conversations with them about the difficulty of what they are facing. 'Being honest about our own emotions and opening up, but then being very inviting for children to share what they're feeling, what they're grieving, what they're experiencing, that can be one way to start those really important conversations,' Peek said. It's this kind of space that Chiara Angelicola, who works in early childhood education, was trying to create when she organized a Kids Town Hall event for families affected by the fires. Children had the opportunity to share how they felt and participate in art and somatic therapy exercises, which focus on how trauma can affect the body. Ceiba's 4-year-old sister, Quoia, went with their mother, Alyson Granaderos, along with more than 100 other kids and parents. 'A lot of these kids had a lot to say ... and some of it even made the adults uncomfortable,' Angelicola said. 'I think that exercise in learning how to be uncomfortable experiencing certain feelings is very necessary for children because we're modeling for them that feelings won't hurt us.' Hundreds of therapists and non-profits also have offered their mental health services for free to victims of the fires. A last normal day Ceiba's home was one of about six on his street that wasn't destroyed, but it sustained so much smoke damage it's not livable right now. On a recent day, the family carefully entered wearing respirator masks and protective equipment. Ceiba looked out his bedroom window and said he didn't care that his house had survived. 'I'd rather have all of Altadena,' he said. Ceiba remembers every detail of his last normal day. School let out early due to intense Santa Ana winds that fueled the fires. He and his sister went to Ceiba's best friend's house. They played on a trampoline, drew comics, and chucked LEGO figurines off the balcony. 'I've probably been to his house more than 2,000 times,' Ceiba said. That evening, the family received a text message from Ceiba's grandma asking if they saw the fire that had broken out nearby. They ran to their window and saw the whole mountainside ablaze. 'I was on the floor like praying, please protect my house and my family. And you know, mom's like, 'Come on, you got to get up, pack your stuff,'' Ceiba said. The 11-year-old sprang into action, dumping his clothes and quarters into his bag and packing for his younger sister. They sheltered in their dad's office in neighboring Pasadena. Ceiba could barely sleep. By the morning, much of his neighborhood was gone. Finding a rhythm again Ceiba's days have taken on a rhythm again, even at his new school in Pasadena. When he greeted his mom on a recent afternoon, he shared a fun fact he'd learned that day: In 1846, a future president, Abraham Lincoln, had almost joined the ill-fated Donner Party as it set out from Springfield, Illinois, on its infamous journey out West, only to get trapped in California's Sierra Nevada. Ceiba has decided to play the saxophone in band class, and his state project will be on Michigan, where his mom is from. Granaderos said her son already seems to be adapting. But his conversations with friends now veer into unusual topics for 11-year-olds. 'The insurance isn't covering us and how's your house? How's this person's house?' Ceiba said, sharing what he and his friends discuss. He wonders what will become of his community. He's optimistic though. 'I know Altadena and I know that it's going to stick together,' Ceiba said. Beauty, sadness and destruction Ceiba had clamored right away to go back home after the fire, but Granaderos was hesitant. After the dust settled, she knew that allowing her kids to see and experience what happened was part of the healing process. 'You're facing this realization of certain conversations you have to start to have with your kid, right?' Granaderos said. 'There's beauty in the world, and there's also a lot of sadness and destruction.' Quoia burst into tears when the family drove past what was left of The Bunny Museum in Pasadena dedicated to rabbits. She loved seeing the giant inflatable bunnies that loomed over the street corner nearly every day. Ceiba cried along with her. 'I just couldn't really take it,' he said. But not all is lost. Granaderos named both of her children after trees — Ceiba, the tree of life, and Quoia after the Sequoia. She planted a sapling of the iconic Sequoia — which is extraordinarily resilient to fire, insects and disease — in the home's backyard when Quoia was a baby. After the fire, it is still standing.
