Tula is a new site for me.
It was the center of the Toltec civilization which heavily influenced
the people far to the south. Chichen
Itza in Yucatan clearly has Toltec influence with Chacmul and feathered
serpents. A nice walk from the parking lot to the ruins has many native plants.
The main structure is the temple with the Atlantans. There is also a ball court and columns that supported a market type of area.
Several school groups were
there on a field trip. They swarmed over
the ruins but by timing where we went when, we were able to see
everything. Some of the students wanted
to interview us and take pictures with us. Probably for extra credit. It is always fun to have that
interaction. The students all gathered
in the open area below the main temple with the Atlantan statues.
One of the students played the traditional
drum while the others danced to it. Nice to see how they are keeping the
traditions alive.
For lunch we stopped at a roadside buffet. Not gourmet cooking but tasty and
convenient. The ice cream place was
popular!
The city of Queretaro has a new modern section that helps
support a vibrant economy. One of the most recognizable parts of
Queretaro is the long aqueduct that was built in the 1800’s by a rich man who
wanted to marry a nun. She only agreed
to marry him if he built the aqueduct to provide water for the convent and the
city. Our first stop was an overlook of
the city.
Then on a little further to
tour the old convent, actually a monastery.
At the time it was built, there were about 200 monks but now there are
only about 30. Maximillian retreated to
Queretaro and expected to be protected.
He was protected in the monastery for several days but then was taken
and shot a few kilometers away. His
family built a chapel and nice park at the location.
Our hotel is on a pedestrian walkway in the center of the
historical district which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Very enjoyable to walk around in the
area.
The house that was built for the
nun after she married the benefactor is ½ block from our hotel. It is now a hotel and restaurant. Beautiful!
Of course, there are more churches to see. Each one is a
little different. The one made for the
nuns to worship in was extremely ornate which seems counter to what I think
about with nuns
I had looked on Trip Advisor for restaurant
recommendations. There was one with rave
reviews just a couple blocks from the hotel.
When we entered, we had our doubts.
Then we found out they didn’t serve beer. We came close to leaving but the people who
were coming out when we were going in said it was really good and we were ready
to eat so we stayed. Boy, were we glad
we did!!!! They did have a special drink
that was a mix of several citrus juices, pieces of fruit, mezcal and a mixture
of salt and spice around the rim. We all
ordered one and when he brought them in large gourd bowls, all of our spirits
rose. The chef brought specialties of
the house for us all to share.
Everything was delicious. The
chef had such a great smile as he saw us enjoying what he had made. We all agreed it was the best food we have
had yet on the trip and we’ve been eating quite well.
Another full, delightful day!
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