Monte Alban, Culipan, Zaachila Day 7

We augmented the hotel continental breakfast with fresh  fruit that Juan bought yesterday in the market - papaya, little bananas, guava, mango.  Diane contributed some amaranth bars.  Great way to start the day!  The hotel has a delightful patio for eating breakfast. 

 Yesterday, I arranged for a van for us for the next 4 days.  He arrived promptly  this morning and we are all pleased with his friendliness, knowledge of English and the area.   Our first stop is Monte Alban.  The driver is able to get a pass to take a service road up to the museum so Diane and Yo didn’t have to climb the steps.  There is a lift up to the main level of the ruins but the key to it has been lost for years.  The 10 or so steps were not a barrier for us. 

Monte Alban was built in 4 different stages.  The one that is mostly visible and reconstructed is Stage 3 which was from around 500AD to 700AD.   The first part that we visit is the ball court.  It is a bit different than the ball courts  in the Maya region.  This one is smaller, doesn’t have rings  and the top and bottom part of the “I” are  a bit bigger.  

Then to the main plaza.  The vistas are wonderful!  Juan explains the calendar parts of the plaza.  Esther and I climb to the higher portion to enjoy the even better views and see a large plaza and palaces that are hidden from the common folk  of the time who went have been allowed in that area.

 Juan and Yo discover they are long lost brothers.  We knew there was an Indonesia, Maya connection!

A little watermelon juice rejuvenates us all.

The next stop is Culipan.  Not just another church.  This one is designed without a roof.  When the Spanish came to Mexico, the people were accustomed to outdoor religious ceremonies.  At Culipan, the Spanish built a church without a roof to make it more inviting to the native population.

Lunch time!  We stop at a large place that specializes in grilled meats and fresh, home cooked everything.   We watched as they handmade the tortillas.  The aromas!  We enjoyed 2 varieties of fried bananas, great black bean soup, chicharon and various entrees.  Esther said it was the best meal!  (But, I think she says that after each meal)  A siesta would have been welcome but we still have Zaachila to visit.

Every Thursday is market day in Zaachila.  This is not a tourist market but a local market with loads of fruits, vegetables, colorful beans, flowers, medicinal herbs, pulque (the alcoholic drink made from the maguey plant)   We skipped the meat part.  I bought some squares to embroider.  The vendor was a bit surprised that I knew how to embroider and like doing it. 

On the way back to our hotel, we watched storm clouds gathering.  Yikes!  That’s hail coming down!  People take cover and we’re dry in the car.  By the time we get back to the hotel, it has stopped.

Now it is siesta time!  Since we had such a big lunch, no one was interested in dinner.   Good night!