Day 46, Mexico

I just received an email from my very dear Mexican friend Bella!

She is in Cancun to celebrate her birthday, and has invited us to join her! That's great! I am going to R.S.V.P. stat!

No? Why not???

Oops…..sorry, I really should have asked everyone else where they would like to go to?
OK, guys, we are about to enter Mexico, so are there any particular sites that you would love to visit? Tell me where and why and we will take a vote, OK?

Feroz wants to visit Teotihuacan, which is an enormous archaeological site in the Basin of Mexico, containing some of the largest pyramidal structures built in the pre-Columbian Americas.
Apart from the pyramidal structures, the archaeological site of Teotihuacan is also known for its large residential complexes, the so-called "avenue of the dead", and its colourful well-preserved murals.
Why Teotihuacan, Feroz?

One intriguing matter is that the original name of the place is unknown. Its current name Teotihuacan – ‘the place of the gods’ - was given to it by the Aztecs long after the city’s decline and abandonment.

The most striking visual and architectural structure of Teotihuacan is the towering Pyramid of the Sun (a manmade sacred mountain whose original name and function we do not know).
From atop this massive pyramid, whose base is nearly equal in size to that of the Great Pyramid of Egypt, the view is truly stunning.

Dozens of other pyramids are situated on either side of the mile-long ‘Avenue of the Dead’ and strewn across the vast ruins are the remains of hundreds of other crumbling structures. Yet all these structures are only a small part of the site as it once stood.

As many as 200,000 people are estimated to have lived here in ancient times and their non-religious buildings (dwellings, businesses, etc) were built in wood that has long since decayed.

There are several fascinating mysteries about the grand city and its pyramids.

One of the most interesting concerns the massive, one-foot thick, sheet of granulated mica that until recently covered the entire top level of the Pyramid of the Sun. Removed and sold for profit by an unscrupulous site-restorer in the early 1900’s, the mica had long ago been transported from a mine thousands of miles away in South America.

How had the great quantity of mica been brought from such a distance and, equally important, for what purpose had the pyramid been covered with the rare stone?
One scientist has suggested that the mica, being a highly efficient energy conductor, could have been used as part of a receiving device for long wave-length celestial radiations.

The incoming celestial energy would have been captured by the massive bulk of the pyramid and its sacred geometrical construction, and focused into the snake-like cave beneath the pyramid.

This energy, available for human use at any time of the year, would be specially concentrated at certain periods within solar, lunar, and stellar cycles. These specific periods were noted by using astronomical observation devices which exist in different places around the geomantically aligned city of Teotihuacan.

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While it is certainly true that large parts of Teotihuacan are dateable according to the orthodox chronology, evidence is accumulating which indicates the possibility that the site was part of a planet-spanning sacred geography of an advanced civilization in archaic times.
The original ceremonial use of the site most probably began in the small natural cave, now hidden beneath the Pyramid of the Sun.

With the growth of population and the ensuing development of culture, Teotihuacan grew into the enormous sacred place.

The great antiquity and ruined condition of the site do not prevent present day visitors from connecting with the spirit and power of the place.

Even though the mysterious mica has been removed and the strange cave beneath the Pyramid of the Sun locked, visitors may still tap into the energy field of Teotihuacan……and Feroz wants to experience the energy field….after meditating at the top of both pyramids.
Hmm, that was a brilliant presentation Feroz....now let's hear from Nopi.

Nopi clears her throat....determined to make a better presentation than Feroz....
She wants to go to the vast, mysterious and enchanting ruined city of Palenque.
Why?
It is considered to be the most beautifully conceived of the Mayan city-states and one of the loveliest archaeological sites in the world. Its geographic setting is splendid beyond words. Nestled amidst steep and thickly forested hills, the ruins are frequently shrouded in lacy mists.

A rushing brook meanders through the city centre and from the temple summits there are stupendous views over an immense coastal plain. Here and there, piercing the dark green forests, soar great pyramids, towers and sprawling temple complexes.

In its period of cultural florescence Palenque was even more beautiful, for then its limestone buildings were coated with white plaster and painted in a rainbow of pastel hues. Hidden deeply in the jungles, the ruin's existence was unknown until 1773.

Scattered pottery shards show that the site was occupied from as early as 300 BC, but most of the buildings were constructed between the 7th and 10th centuries AD.
Then, mysteriously, the great city was abandoned and reclaimed by the inexorable claws of the jungle. Even the Mayan name of the city was lost, and the ruins received their current name from the nearby village of Santo Domingo de Palenque.

While the ruins have received some of the most extensive excavation and reconstruction efforts of any of the Mayan sites, only 34 structures have been opened of an estimated 500 that are scattered around the area.

There is an extensive building complex that has been given the name 'the Palace' by archaeologists. Portions of the building may have indeed been used as residences for the high priests and the aristocracy, but it is also believed that the complex served as an administrative centre for the once bustling city.

Rising four stories above the palace is an astronomical observatory, its structural type unique in the Mayan world.
From the tower, on the day of the winter solstice, an observer will see the sun set directly over the Temple of the Inscriptions. Originally this tower did not have a roof.

Early archaeologists reconstructing the site, ignorant of the Mayans sophisticated astronomical knowledge did not understand the purpose of a roofless platform (for viewing the stars) and thus capped it with a roof of their own design!!

Wow, that sounds equally interesting…..

And Amit? Where do you want to go to? Acapulco!

Why?

Because you want to go to Roqueta by glass-bottomed motor boats (enabling a clear view of the sea bottom) and thereafter you want to go water skiing, para-sailing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing and snorkelling in the picturesque coastal waters....or maybe play golf..

And Jarca?

You want to go to Cancun because you want to go swimming with dolphins in the afternoon....this is of course after you check out the great malls, theme parks and cute guys ;-)

Hmm, so many places…how are we going to satisfy everyone?

Sita? What about you? One of the 7 New Wonders of the World, Chichen Itza.
Prasad, Marti and I agree……

Well, guess what guys, that’s four votes....majority rules.. so we are going to Chichen Itza!