March 25, 2008

Very exciting and exhausting day. We started out at the ruins and I was truly amazed at the beauty and grandeur of the place. It was fascinating hearing about the various cultural types of the inhabitants. So much history that we often don’t realize or acknowledge. I was astounded by how advanced this civilization was. I really enjoyed learning about the sacredness of the site and learning about the rituals that were performed there. I was especially impressed with how the Mayan and Aztecs came up with a precise calendar. I loved learning about the hieroglyphics of they site. Out tour guide Lisanne told us that the people always made records of the here and now so it was interesting to see this particular recorded event frozen in time. When we got back we went to the home of Maxamillion who was appointed emperor of Mexico, but he wasn’t a Mexican an Austrian. I thought that was a little bizarre but it may be worth doing some research. I know that he was asasinated. The grounds were beautiful and very well kept. I took a lot of great pictures of the gardens and fountains on the premises. It is interesting how the homes are all locked up from the front and does not look as inviting, but once you open the door to the front of the house, you notice that it is really quite beautiful. It is kind of like a fortress out here and the front door is the opening of the fortress. Once inside, there are beautiful flowers and sitting areas as well as small plants and gardens. It is very unique. When we left Maximillion’s home, the city was bustling with excitement. There were lots of people on the move and lots of vendors selling unique stuff. I was taken back by how many children were on the streets selling things and I was later informed that some of the children were orphaned and needed to make a living. It broke my heart to hear that and felt the urgency to want to do something to help. We went to the Palace de Cortez and I saw Diego Rivera’s famous mural of Mexican History. The mural started with the arrival of the Spaniards and it depicted a not so pleasant history of events following their arrival It was moving.. Diego Rivera was Frida Kholo’s husband who is also a famous female, Mexican artist. Following the palace, we went to this awesome 15th century Cathedral that is still used for worship today. I was consumed by it. Walking in, you really get a strong sense of devotion. The chapel was simple, and beautiful, and not overly ornate. There was no music only the utterance of prayers. It felt like a step outside the world and into the sacred. I loved seeing the people worship and felt the need to quietly sit down and take it all in. Somber silence is so powerful. What we say without words!!! After the Cathedral we went into the plaza were the local people congregate. Much festivity was taken place around me. Marisella said that around 5:00 to 5:30 people gather in the plaza and rest. They talk about their day and visit with each other. It is a time for community bonding. How wonderful would it be if we in the United States took that time too. Maybe if we were more in touch with our communities here, we would better appreciate each other and be more empathetic to others. I don’t know. Wow! Amazing day. I saw a lot, experienced a lot, and now I am ready for bed.