MEXICO 2007

I always wanted to visit Chiapaz – home state of my good friend Roberto in Mexico - and confirm all his stories about the natural and cultural beauties he was sharing with us while studying in Nebraska. Moreover I really thought it would be great to get my own picture about the south neighboring country to US, which is so often discussed on all media.

Shortly after I got a job in Wiena in February 2007 (and should leave USA after 3.5 years of studying), I knew I want to experience some country with different culture to that of US or Europe. Considering geographical and financial options I decided that Mexico and Chiapaz in particular should be the right choice.

Traveling from South Dakota is always a nightmare, especially if you decide to safe some money. In this case, you have to sacrifice some time to get to Omaha and then fly to Chicago. This flight costs you only 45 dollars. You have to change the airports, though with the risk of lost baggage which may not be delivered until you get back. Then just get on board at Ohaire airport and tradaaaa to Mexico City. On the way there… OK, but this procedure is quite a hassle on the way back…

Anyway, I got to Mexico City using latter described connections, was picked by my good friend Roberto and with the first step out of the airport I started to perceive this country full of disparities.

The smells, the traffic, the typical green taxis, the people, the food all along the streets, the …everything.

Mexico City

The rituals and performances at the main Zocalo are amazing and never ending.

Mexico City

I visited the ruins of Temple Mayor. Roberto brough me everywhere, I tried mangoes which I felt in love with, tacos which I eat for the rest of my trip and typical local naranjada made out of flower which name I can not recall.

My friend Roberto dedicated part of his life to the National Autonomous University of Mexico. After visiting the center of Mexico City, we went to see also the university. The main campus is in Coyoacan and is actually a small town on its own, the area is huge and very nice, somewhere you can see rests of the lava flows from the nearby volcano. I was astonished by the amazing library which is decorated with Aztec and Spanish motives. This is how it looks from both inside and outside.

Mexico City

I stayed in Mexico City for 3 days. I saw religious rituals at the Zocalo, I saw the Zocalo from the roof of the cathedral, I saw the daily flag ceremonial at 6pm in front of the National Palace,

As I said Mexico City was original build on a lake. Thus, many historical buildings are under reconstruction these days, these are floating. You can feel it even in the main cathedral.. you are actually going down the hill.

Coyoacan

While spreading, Mexico City absorbed many small cities in its neighborhood. One of these is Coyoacan, city which became one of 16 federal districts of Mexico City in 1950. Coyoacan is a place definitely worth visiting because of its museums and cultural events on the main Zocalo on weekends.

TENOTIHUACAN

Teotihuacan (the birthplace of the gods or the place of those who have the road of the gods)

The history of Teotihuacan has never been really revealed. There are evidences of Olmecs, Zapotecs, Mixtecs and Maya civilizations. The earliest building was constructed 200 BCE. The main epoch of this city came 300 years later, though. Around 150 – 450 CE. Comparable to ancient Rome, this city expanded over 30 km2 and was home for more than 150 000 people. I am just thinking what would Romans do knowing about these cultures growing in other part of this world.

CHIAPAS (CS)

Lets go to Chiapas (btw the shortcut of the state is CS, like former Czechoslovakia)

If you don’t have a car, I know about two cheap ways how to get to Chiapas from Mexico City. A) fly with INTERJET, that is very very cheap with, sometimes so low as $40 (do have to go to Toluca and take a bus to Mexico City (around $8), though) or B) take a bus – i.e. ADO (around $80) from Mexico City east bus terminal (TAPO) to Tuxla. The buses can be searched and reserved through www.ticketbus.com.mx.

Tuxla on its own was nothing special, but I saw some amazing changes in landscape on the way there. One of these were the beautiful vies of the jungle. First in my life.

Canyon Sumidero

There is a famous canyon on the Grijalva river just 40 km from Tuxla. There is a story related to this canyon. When the Spaniards came to this area, the locals better jumped to the canyon than get defeated by the intruders.

San Cristobal

My trip followed in the city typical with its Spaniard architecture – San Cristobal de las Casas. Named by the Dominican monk Cristobal de las Casas who came to this region in th e16th centrury and defended the rights of local people against the Spaniard government. This area high in the mountains was continuously inhabited by Tzotzils and Tzeltat peoples, but was given the title of city in 1536. In my opinion, really tourist place, but in just an amazing location. The sunsets are incredible!

Zinacantan

In its neighborhoods I also visited some of the small villages. We visited a local family, tried their typical dresses and saw the home prepared tortillas.

Chamula

I also visited Chamula. Chamula is the only city not defeated by Spaniards and has an unique status of autonomies different from other parts of Mexico. Mexican government has to ask them for permission whenever it wants to somehow interfere into local affairs. In the church, you can see amazing combination of Christianity and peagan traditions – sacrifizing, shamans (its not allowed to take picture in the church).

Pleas follow the short Woman Revenge story which occured in front of the main church :-) Women are strong!

Chamula

The old church in Chamula and cemetery. Its a tradition that relatives bring items which were close to the death hobbies or are somehow related with the way tehy died. You can see empty bottles, cans of food, books.. Do Not Think this is a garbage!

Tonina

Tonina – first Mayan ruins on my way. Far out of reach of tourists, this place is great for meditation and thinking about what was here 13 centuries ago.

Temple of Inscription with Pakal's Tomb and view from the temple on the main Palace

Palenque during and after the rain (temple of the Sun)

Misol-ha and Palenque (the templa of the Cross and the Palace)

Traveling in between small cities on this way is very fast and cheap. You just have to find out a bus station in every small town and within 20-30 minuts you are on your way with local minivan. This is how I traveled to Palenque and Misol-ha as well. I was really amazed by these ruins. Even more when I visited them for the second time, early in the morning after rain. The water was evaporating from the forest, the monkeys were screaming and tourists were hidden. Great to walk in the rain and think about this town 13^th centuries ago. Parts of Palenque are still in the forest. It takes a while to excavate everything. Each building has its purpose – military, residential, administration.

Comitan

I also visited Roberto’s home town – Comitan. Stayed at his very generous mum and saw a nearby waterfalls. I also swimmed there, crazy crazy… cold.

Leaving Tuxla

Leaving Tuxla.. have you ever got a goodbye from the whole crew..?

Mexico City one more time

On my way back I stayed in Mexico City for one more day. Visited the Chapultepec castle built at the end of 18^th century by Spanish. Amazing to see this type of architecture after visiting many Aztek and Maya ruins down in Chiapas. Maxmilian and Charlote lived here at the end of 19^th century during the very short occupation by France. I also saw the Frida Kahlo museum, but was really amazed by this. Little commercial, I do think..

Anyway, this was end of my trip. ADIOS Mexico.