|
We had just arrived in PUEBLA when you last heard of us ... seems a long time ago...
xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />PUEBLA, famous for its "talavera"-tiles that are abundantly used in the architecture of most houses. Although beautiful from a distance, a lot of the houses are desperately in need of restoration. We went to the neighboring town of CHOLULA, charming and small, with a fantastic view in the background of an active volcano! We visited the largest man made pyramid and walked through the 6 km long internal tunnel network.
We moved on to the town of OAXACA, seeing millions of cactuses and magnificent mountain scenery during the bus ride. Nature in its unspoiled state. In Oaxaca there is a very arty vibe, buildings are in a much better state. We visited the museum with the gold treasure found on Monte Alban and afterwards also went to see the archeological site itself. We enjoyed a day of horse riding in the beautiful mountains. xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Trying to reach SAN CRISTOBAL DE LAS CASAS, we stranded in a little town JUCHITAN (on the narrowest point of Mexico, near the Pacific coast) A road blockade of horse & carriage transporters, in conflict with motorized taxis, keeps us there for a night. So we enjoy the evening market of Zapotec-ladies, all dressed in their traditional costumes. We are looked at, just the same as we look at them, amazed. Next morning, walking past the blockade, gets us into a bus again. We take our next stopover in Chiapas de Gorzo, were we take a boat ride trough the Sumidero canyon. Very beautiful, we see hundreds of vultures, a dozen crocodiles, and monkeys, all in the wild. This is the place where Maya warriors threw themselves into the depth of the canyon (1000 m edge to river) rather than to surrender to the Conquistadores.
San Cristobal de las Casas, stunningly located in a fertile valley, is a city with a charming blend of colonial architecture and indigenous culture. We visit the Na-Bolom museum and info center. Some 50 years they study and support the various Indian tribes. Around the city are 21 villages of different indigenous communities each with their own language and traditional costumes, which they all wear as daily attire. We went to 2 of the villages (who are not hostile to visitors) wit a Na-Bolom guide. We witnessed a Maya ceremonial in the original Catholic church; a Catholic priest comes once a year to baptize the newborn children, after that the Catholic influence stops. All the other rites are Mayan. Families sit together on the floor, where thousands of candles are lit. Chickens are slaughtered, shamans are healing people, and musicians are offering their music
Making photos was strictly forbidden!
We left the cooler mountains for the hotter lowland and visit the impressive site of PALENQUE. Then we moved on to the Golf of Mexico to visit the fortified town of CAMPECHE. Most of the city walls that once protected the town from pirate attacks, are still standing. We rented bicycles to combine some exercise in the fresh sea air with seeing the most in a day. Next stop was the town of MERIDA; a richer, larger and busier place. 2 days later we took the bus to another famous Maya site called Chitzen Itza. Even though we already saw some sites, it still was very impressive ! The area is also famous for its cenotes; entrances to a large network of underground rivers. VALLADOLID even has one in the middle of the town
But I will remember it because Ive been sick for 2 days, after eating in the restaurant next to it - together with the locals.
So this seemed to be the right time to head for the coast, and take a few days time out on the isle of ISLA MUJERES.
Further news later. Greetings from in the sun
|
