Apaga Su Mente
Hola todos! I don't really think I can even begin to describe today, but of course I'm an overzealous blogger and I will attempt to do so.
We made an early start to drive an hour outside of the city to Teotihuacan, one of the first ancient civilizations. It is the location of the famous Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. These huge pyramids are unbelievable. Their size and the fact that they are still standing (and still beautiful) is such a testament to what must have been some pretty advanced technology and impressive architecture and engineering skills. Fun fact I learned today from our guide is that the Teotihuacans would build a temple, and then build another temple on top of/around it--so the temples are essentially nesting dolls. In class we have talked about how Mexico is "capas" (layers). It is interesting to see how the past and present are so intertwined here and that the future builds off of them. In some cases, like the physical pyramids, the layers are dissectible. But in others, I think it can be extremely difficult to discern where one stops and the next begins.
We walked around what was once an extremely intricate city (and climbed a lot of stairs) before first reaching the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and learning a bit more about it. The stairs that led to it were so steep, you practically had to crawl up. This is part of our fantastic group on the platform in front of the Temple:
Next, we visited the museum and then made our way back to the Temple of the Sun. Of course, you can't visit Teotihuacan without climbing this scary-tall pyramid.
After managing to get down in one piece, we walked over to the Temple of the Moon and found some smaller structures nearby that we could also climb. Of course, all the stairs were unbelievably steep and made me realize that I might have a very acute fear of heights.
By 3pm, it was finally time to head back to the bus and get some lunch. I didn't realize how long we had spent at the site or how fast it had flown by. We went to a restaurant where we had a soup and main dish, as well as jamaica water (which I was surprised that I didn't mind). Despite the hot day, the Sopa Azteca was absolutely delicious and definitely hit the spot. Enchiladas de queso con salsa verde wasn't too bad either.
Needless to say, after walking and climbing for hours and then filling our bellies, the hour-long bus ride back was almost silent as everyone took some much needed rest. Kanchi and I made it back to our house (though she still can't unlock the door with her key ;]) to relax and prepare for classes.
I also ended up going to this café (El Pendulo) and ordered this delicious coffee called Café Conrad, which had cream and caramel and, well, coffee:
The one thing I regret about this trip is that it was too short. Instead of worrying so much about trying to remember and document every moment up there on top of the pyramid, and actually have some moments up there. While at the museum, our tour guide told us a little big about the purpose of these temples and the religion of the Teotihuacans. He told us that when on top of the Temple of the Sun you should smell with your heart, hear with your heart, and see with your heart. You turn off your mind and you take a second to think with your heart, because sometimes it can do it so much better than your head. I understand why that site is the perfect place for this. You are practically on top of the world. I have never felt so small, but I don't think that's a bad thing.
We made an early start to drive an hour outside of the city to Teotihuacan, one of the first ancient civilizations. It is the location of the famous Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Moon, and the Temple of Quetzalcoatl. These huge pyramids are unbelievable. Their size and the fact that they are still standing (and still beautiful) is such a testament to what must have been some pretty advanced technology and impressive architecture and engineering skills. Fun fact I learned today from our guide is that the Teotihuacans would build a temple, and then build another temple on top of/around it--so the temples are essentially nesting dolls. In class we have talked about how Mexico is "capas" (layers). It is interesting to see how the past and present are so intertwined here and that the future builds off of them. In some cases, like the physical pyramids, the layers are dissectible. But in others, I think it can be extremely difficult to discern where one stops and the next begins.
We walked around what was once an extremely intricate city (and climbed a lot of stairs) before first reaching the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and learning a bit more about it. The stairs that led to it were so steep, you practically had to crawl up. This is part of our fantastic group on the platform in front of the Temple:
Next, we visited the museum and then made our way back to the Temple of the Sun. Of course, you can't visit Teotihuacan without climbing this scary-tall pyramid.
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| "L-BAT" at the top of the Templo del Sol |
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| At the top of a smaller pyramid |
on top of the Templo de la Luna
By 3pm, it was finally time to head back to the bus and get some lunch. I didn't realize how long we had spent at the site or how fast it had flown by. We went to a restaurant where we had a soup and main dish, as well as jamaica water (which I was surprised that I didn't mind). Despite the hot day, the Sopa Azteca was absolutely delicious and definitely hit the spot. Enchiladas de queso con salsa verde wasn't too bad either.
I also ended up going to this café (El Pendulo) and ordered this delicious coffee called Café Conrad, which had cream and caramel and, well, coffee:
The one thing I regret about this trip is that it was too short. Instead of worrying so much about trying to remember and document every moment up there on top of the pyramid, and actually have some moments up there. While at the museum, our tour guide told us a little big about the purpose of these temples and the religion of the Teotihuacans. He told us that when on top of the Temple of the Sun you should smell with your heart, hear with your heart, and see with your heart. You turn off your mind and you take a second to think with your heart, because sometimes it can do it so much better than your head. I understand why that site is the perfect place for this. You are practically on top of the world. I have never felt so small, but I don't think that's a bad thing.
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