We began our adventures by climbing pyramids outside of Mexico City. It is every bit as steep and scary as it looks. Ryan never knew he married such an adventurous woman. This is my proof :)
Patrick having fun with my camera.
I planned on writing more about the pyramids, but here are the highlights. The larger pyramid is called the sun and the slightly smaller one is the moon. They took 200 years (6 generations) to build. They were built by descendents of the Olmecs.
After our initial climbing experience, we learned how plants were used to dye textiles and for art. The red, from the larva on the cactus is called cochinilla The yellow plant is called chicalote.
At the restaurant where we had lunch, we learned about the agave and tequila plants.
The liquid flowing in the pic above is the liquid produced by the plant - 2 liters at a time.
Agave plant used as paper.
The fibers of the agave plant were/are used for blankets, clothes, etc. The liquid found at the bottom of the plant is said to be good for diabetes, heart burn and is an aphrodesiac.
We were able to take a sample.
After we left, we went to the most important religious center in all of Mexico. These are all taken in Mexico City.
This church was built in 1531:
This one was built in 1709. Mexico City was built on a lake. They drained the water out. As a result the soil is not stable. Notice the building is separating.
This is the newest church/cathedral built in 1976.
There are still religious pilgramages to this site from all over Mexico and from Central America. In fact, there is a 2 week walking pilgramage from Queretaro to the cathedrals. Men and women walk separately.
Although you can't tell from the pics, all of these cathedrals are very close together. My pics do not even come close to doing the flowers justice. The colors were much more vivid that you can see here.
Roses were everywhere.
Although beautiful, this pic is very disappointing. You would have to see the purple yourself to believe the color. So vivid. Flowers do not look like this in Texas.
The landscaping was gorgeous.
This is a small cathedral that is also showing signs of damage due to the soil.
Que pena - I learned a new phrase - what a shame. By the way, my Spanish comprehension is getting better each day! I'm ready for my next Spanish class on Monday!
I LOVE roses!
This is Parroquia de indios. Indians could not go into the same church with Spaniards. So they had their own parish. During colonial times they also couldn't ride horses, etc.
You can see in this pic how the cathedral is leaning. They still have service there though.
Here is another pic of the newest cathedral. Notice the place for an open ceremony that opens to the courtyard.
This is what it looks like inside.
These are some of the many confessionals. I took pics of empty ones. I didn't want to take pics of people in line.
This is a very big deal. Virgin of the Guadalupe. This is the original sacred image of which there are countless replicas. Catholics, please forgive the details if I get them wrong. The story is about an indian that is converted. The virgin appears to the indian and tells him she wants a church up on the hill (the church built in 1531). The indian says no one will believe that you appeared to me and asked me to convey the message. She tells him to go down to the bottom of the hill to get roses and bring them to the bishop (hence why there are gorgeous roses everywhere). The indian complies. He drops roses on the ground in front of the bishop and the image of the virgin appears on his apron. Notice all the gold and silver and the crown.
Finally, we checked in to our hotel. I am sharing a room with Brenda.
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