TEPOZTLAN

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't updated in awhile! I've encountered some difficulties trying to upload my pictures due to the fact that I do not have a personal computer and thus must depend on the 'salones de computuación' here at Ibero.

This is only one of many blog posts to come.

I've had many exciting things happening in my life in the last 3 weeks, which included going to Tepoztlán (which is included in today's post), experiencing history in the making by observing Mexico's bicentennial of independence and a smattering of other experiences (more Cholula, Atlixco and everyday happenings of Poblano life).

Entonces (thus), I present to you my epic post about the magical land of Tepoztlán!

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The students enrolled in the USAC program all got to take part in our little excursion to the small town of Tepoztlán, which is about 2 hours southwest of Puebla in the state of Morelos. The colonial town is nestled in a small valley flanked by towering cliffs, one of which has an ancient pyramid on top of it.


The cliff and pyramid are both called Tepozteco, and its not exactly EASY to find; you have to hike about an hour up the steep, winding path to the summit of the cliff and along the entire trail, you're surrounding by a lush, rainforest-like vegetation all around you. I even saw some freakin' Tarzan vines from which one could swing upon:

Anyway, the hike was beautiful (and grueling), full of lush greenness, wildflowers and small waterfalls. And after about an hour, I finally reached the summit and beheld my eyes on one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen.

There, in all of its faded glory stood a structure I most certainly would have thought to be impossible; an effin' pyramid on top of a mountain.

I was in awe and even felt a bit of catharsis, as I was standing where the indigenous forefathers of this great nation once stood and worshiped their gods. I was also amazed that these people could build something like this 600 or 700 years ago with their prehispanic tools and bare hands and have a living monument that bares witness to their existence.

After we subimos (climbed) the mountain/cliff thingy, we ventured into the city itself of Tepoztlán where they were having a big market where the indigenous people sell their artisenal crafts.