Wanting to explore some nearby pyramids but not sure how, we booked a day tour. Usually not the biggest fan of day tours, this one surprised me.
Sure, we were herded around in groups like cows and played follow the leader, but we saw some great stuff.
(Sonia paying attention to Ur tour guide…)
I should have known that religion would be a big part of the day. After all you see Buddhist and Hindu temples in Asia, cathedrals in Europe, so I guess it is churches and pyramids here.
I was right – our day started by being picked up by a driver called Angel.
We got to explore the twin Templo Mayor city ruins, once containing an important pyramid. Pyramids were used only by priests to honour the gods, and Mexican pyramids have a flat top for an alter, unlike the Egyptian ones. The ruins are now protected by an archeological zone, but in the 1950’s town planners thought it would be great to build apartments around them so the residents had a nice view. They destroyed part of the relics to create a water fountain for the residents viewing pleasure…
Then we went off to visit one of the most sacred religious sites in Mexico.
There is a hill in Guandalupe where a cathedral was built to honour the Virgin Mary and on a direct line to the Templo Mayor. Everything here is about the Virgin Mary. You can buy any religious paraphernalia you could think of. When the Spaniards came in 1521 they basically conquered Mexico in two years, bringing with them a new language and religion. The basilica was built on the site where Virgin Mary appeared to an (Aztec) Mexican man convincing him that Christianity was the way to go.
The basilica is also sinking. Revenge of the Aztecs?
(See the lean. Walking inside was like walking up a slope.)
(The leaning buildings)
(Our lunch stop. All these products – jam, salsa, tequila, shampoo – are made from cactus.)
From here we headed to Teotihuacan – The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. Incredible. Built prior to the 8th century (prior to both the Mayans and the Aztecs) the archeological zone is in a constant state of reconstruction, but you can climb both. The Pyramid of the Sun is around 70m high and has incredible views for miles. It was an amazing feeling sitting on the top and feeling a part of history.
(Looking towards the Pyramid of the Sun)
(Pyramid of the Moon and me doubled over laughing at Sonia)
(Inside one of the pyramids)
(Looking down from the Pyramid of the Sun)
(Son looking a little wind blown)
