Mexico
Mexico
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Chichén Itzá, Mexico – the bloody wonder of the world…
Chichén Itzá is one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico, related to Mayan and Toltecs culture. Great temples, steep pyramids and colonnades erected in this place give us incredible image of this former empire. The location of the city in the hot, dry area of the Yucatan peninsula was possible due to two wells called cenotes. One of them was a water tank, while the second larger, called Cenote Sagrado – holy well, which was used for ritual purposes. It was the sacred place of the god of the rain – Chaca. In this well, not only valuable objects were sacrificed but people as well. In addition to…
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Girl on a (dangerous) Trail – roads safety…
Before I went to Georgia, I’d thought that I’d seen everything on the roads. There were roads in Mexico, especially those in Mexico City, provided me adrenaline comparable to bungee jumping. There were no rules, except for one – parking ban, which, as a matter of fact, didn’t improve my situation. It was hard, even today I still remember these dilemmas before going through pedestrian crossing, cutting 7-lane, busy road. To make matters worse, I felt constant uncertainty there, whether a driver, driving a 7th right lane, would begin to make a sudden turning left without warning. The entertainment comparable to watching a good psychological thriller was watching roundabouts during…
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Campeche and Uxmal – two civilizations
Uxmal is the second most – important Mayan city in Mexico, just after Chichen Itza. The city is famous for its architecture and ornamentation. The most surprising is the fact that there’re no drinking water reservoirs in the surroundings and even there’s no evidence that they existed. Probably, potable water was being cached during rains and used in the dry season. The lack of water resources explains the abundance of reliefs presenting Chaca – god of rain. The most representative point is the Pyramid of the Magician, towering over the city. Similarly to Chichen Itza, this pyramid was being used for ritual purposes. During rituals, priests offered still beating hearts…
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Turquoise Tulum
Amazing Tulum, located on the east coast Yucatan Peninsula, is famous for ruins of former Mayan stronghold. Tulum was the last place inhabited by Mayas. The peak of this empire is dated between 13th and 15th century. In 16th century the appearance of Spanish conquistadors brought about Mayas’ descendants death from rare diseases. Reportedly, we „owe” them also the name Yucatan. Even nowadays, in the time of progressive globalization, clashes of civilizations are often based on culture and language misunderstandings. It’s no wonder that Spanish conquistadors didn’t have an idea of Mayas’ culture, let alone their language. Word “Yucatan” sounds exotic but in fact it means: “I don’t understand what…
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Teotihuacan – place where people become gods
Located about 50km form Mexico City, Teotihuacan is one of the greatest mysteries in the history of humanity. Mysterious circumstances and time of its establishment are not known till now. We have only a legend, according to this city was built by giants called quinametin. Their civilization had been destroyed by a great catastrophe, before first man showed on Earth. The most fascinating thing in Teotihuacan is that this all impressive compound was built without usage of metal tools according to strict layout resembling solar system. It’s estimated that first buildings were built in 2nd century BC and the peak of this empire could have taken place between 4th and…
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Xel – Ha – place where water is born
Xel-Ha is a very interesting place for every water – lover. It’s located in the eastern part of Yucatan Peninsula, close to the famous archeological site in Tulum. Xel-Ha is in fact one big aquarium which fascinates by its biodiversity. The name of its speaks for itself, which in Mayan language means: place where water is born. According to the legend Mayan gods mixed in this place: their wisdom, visions, estheticism and beauty. They were so fascinated with their creation that they banned people the entrance to this paradise. Its gates were guarded by iguanas – guardians of the earth, pelicans – protecting the air and parrotfish – which were…
