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Mexico Monuments
(New Mexico, Merida, Chitchen Itza, San Cristobel, Oaxaca, Monte Alban &Vera Cruz)

Monte Alban in Oaxaca

• We were in Mexico for about 3 weeks during the height of their econmic recession in 1995. The Peso was weak which resulted in our stay in Mexico to be pretty affordable. The cost of backpackers accomodation and food averaged Rm30 each. Bus rides are also cheap.
• Mexico City has an extensive network of mordern buses which is far better than Malaysia. The subway system in Mexico City, the worlds second-largest city, covers a large part of this capital. Cost is also very very cheap, at Rm0.20 per trip irrespective of distance travelled.
• So we landed in Mexico City at 5 pm after a long long long journey via Narita Japan and Los Angeles USA. It was a 100 meters walk to the nearest subway station, then a 15 minutes ride into town and the Isabel Hotel. The cheapest rooms went at Rm40 with attached bathroom and fan. We were completely bushed and spend a good 15 hours sleeping. By the time we woke up, it was almost dinner time. Isabel Hotel is a converted old building and there are good eats within walking distance.
• Next morning, a short subway ride to the bus terminus followed by a 50km bus ride found us in Teotihuacan (a mouthful of words perhaps?) which translated means the pyramids of the Sun & Moon. This is the third largest pyramid in the world. This is Mexico's biggest ancient city, much of which is still intact.. We returned to Mexico City in the afternoon. We then boarded the night bus for a long trip to Merida, one of our many night rides..
• Merida is the capital of the state of Yucatan and is the base for the visit to the Mayan sites of Chitchen Itza. We arrived in the late morning and settled into one of the budget hotels. This town is well known for its weekly dance performances held at the town square aka Zocalo. We were privilaged to be able to see this three hours long event on the night we arrived. The next day was spent walking about this town. It was off then to Chitchen Itza the following day. There were also hoards of rich American tourists and we were able to "share" their professional guides and learn more about this impressive archaeological site..

Chitchen Itza Yucatan

• It was another overnight bus ride to San Cristobel, capital of the state of Chiapas. After settling into our pleasant hotel, we caught a bus to visit the Sumidero Canyon National Park. It was a relaxing boat ride up the river canyon. We were back at San Cristobel by evening.
• The next day's activity involved a tour of the outlying Indian villages which included Chamula and Zinacantan. Each village will have their distinctive colour and patterned clothing and generally, Indian tend to be closed and suspicious. Its probably due to the exploitation by their past kings and the Spanish colonialist. Its advisible to move about with a local operator who have befriended the local leaders, which was what we did.
• After two days of moving outside San Cristobel, we decided to explore the sights of delightful little San Cristobel town. One of the much visited attractiion is the town church called the Santo Domingo. This town is also at a higher elevation and temperatures are pleasantly cool, excellent for town walkabouts.
• Our next stop Oaxaca involved another overnight bus. This is a busy city with surperb colonial buildings. It was Friday night and the town zocola was a hive of activities. The whole town seems to be out on the square, eating, playing or just hanging out. Despite our overnight bus rides, we were energised by the spectaclar experiences of people and culture in Mexico.
• Next morning we began our long day by visiting the Zapotec Indian ruins at Yagul. On the way, we stopped to view the El Tule, reputed to be the world's biggest tree in terms of girth size. The area is also a very popular destination for locals. On the third day in Oaxaca, we proceeded to Monte Alban, another of Mexico's Momunents, this time of Zapotec Indian origins. By nightfall, it was another overnight journey to Vera Cruz.

Zapatistas rebel toys???

• Vera Cruz is a major port city about 9 hours from Oaxaxa. One of the activity is to sit in one of the numerous seaside cafes and be entertain by Marimba bands moving from tables to tables, from cafes to cafes and so on. So we partied until late at night just soaking the atmosphere of dancing, singing, eating and drinking.
• The next morning we boarded a day time bus as Mexico City was only 4 hours away. We spend the remaining couple of days of our Mexican holiday visitng the many sights in town. The main attraction is located at the main Zocalo with the El Sagrario or The Sacred built to house the archives and vestments of the Holy Archbishop. We also took a train ride to Plaza Garibaldi where there were hundreds of Mairachi bands, playing and singing to appreciative crowds. Those who are more appreciative will give money to these talented performers. We were again fortunate to spend the weekend in Mexico City where almost everyone was out and having a good time. After a most enjoyable stay, we left Mexico to begin our US National Parks trip.

The Zocalo Mexico City

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