About an hours bus ride from Merida is the ancient city of Uxmal. Spanning at least 10 square kilometers, Uxmal´s prominence was between AD 800 and 1000. The ruins are vast and include a great pyramid that is the first to greet you upon arrival. It is believed that the Maya populated the area from AD 600, however after 1000 when the Toltec took the Yucatan area the capital was moved to Chichen Itza and construction was ceased at Uxmal. I found this site to be particularly well preserved.
Beyond the main pyramid also known as the ¨Pyramid of the Wizard¨, lies the Nunnery Quadrangle. The name was given to the complex because a Spanish Explorer thought that it looked like a Spanish Nunnery.
Many of the reliefs have long since be destroyed (both by man and time), but some remain and really give a clear picture of the craftsmanship of the ancient cizilization.
The south entrance to the Nunnery looks out onto the Ball court and beyond that the ¨Governers Palace¨ lies raised on a small hill overlooking the site. To the west is the Pyramid of the sun which (if you can be bothered to climb it, and I suggest you do) give a great overview of the area.
I have been to many ruins across the globe and this rates among the best. While there were a lot of people there it is manageable and this is coming from someone that thinks 1 person other than me at a ruin is too many, however the vastness of the site allows you to stay to yourself enough to enjoy the ruins. Of course for those of you that prefer a guide yapping in your ear as you walk around there is guided tours available in most languages ranging from 500 to 900 pesos, although I cannot comment on there quality as I prefer the quiet.
Overall It’s a wonderfull site that I would recommend to anyone in or travelling to the Yucatan area.
Filed under Mexico. |
A new feature just launched on this site called “Photo of the day”. Todays photo is by Carlito Verleyen an Artist from Belgium.
His use of colour and texture is nothing short of brilliant, creating a subtle emotion that will leaving you pondering the thought well after viewing.
Carlito’s work is available for purchase from his site.
Click the below picture or link to view the Photo of the Day.
Photo of the Day.
You can submit your pictures by visiting: Photo of the day – Submit
Filed under Uncategorized. |
Modelo Especial
Country: Mexico
Alcohol: 4.5%
I’m not exactly sure what makes these beer “special”, to me this is simply another beer with a watery aftertaste without any distinguishing flavour. On top of that it’s not the most economical beer here in Mexico.
Overall, I would say that if you have a choice, give this beer a miss. If you are like me however, and have the “Try every beer once” attitude towards life, you will be disappointed with its lack of body and finish.
My Rating: 2.5/5
Filed under Beer. |
Miguel doing his thing
Out front of Al Trompito stands Miguel wielding his blade at the rotating meat that makes my mouth water just thinking about it.
Al Trompito is located at Londres #199 in the Zona Rosa of Mexico City. The restaurant is very basic, however when the clock hits 4pm there is rarely a vacant seat in the house.
Continue reading ‘Best Tacos in Mexico’
Filed under Best Tacos and Restaurant of the Week. |
Cholula is a city in the state of Puebla, located about 15km from the previously mentioned Puebla City.
Cholula was an important pre columbian city going back as far as the 2nd century BC.
The most famous feature in Cholula is the Great Pyramid of Cholola which by volume is the largest pyramid in the world.
Construction of the pyramid complex begun in the 3rd Century BC and last until the 9th century AD. It was constructed in 4 stages built over what was already there.
As well as being the largest pyramid in the world it is also the largest man made monument. The Great Pyramid of Giza, Eygpt, is taller, but by volume it is a great deal smaller. The pyramid of Cholula has an estimated volume of 4.5 million m3 where as the Pyramid of Giza weighs in at around 2.5 million m3.
Underneath the pyramid archaeologists have uncovered almost 8km of tunnels which you are free to explore.
Atop the pyramid is the “Church of our lady Remedies” that was built by the the Spanish in colonial time about 1594.
Continue reading ‘The Worlds Largest Pyramid, Cholula’
Filed under Mexico. |
