Saturday, June 3, 2017
Thursday, June 1, 2017
420 and Away We Go.....
Headed to Denver for some 420 that was the good the bad was PO caught some of it and didn't deliver.
Sunday, May 28, 2017
Last Day in Mexico...
I had an awesome cab driver that I hire to take me outside the city limits to view The Aztec Pyramids.
There is nothing like when you are alone in a strange place to hire a driver that if the chemistry is there becomes your "friend" for the day.
The Aztec Pyramid of Tenayuca
Just 12 kilometers north of Mexico City stands one of the country's most impressive pyramids, Tenayuca. Dedicated to the sun cult, the core of this 13th-century building measures 31 by 12 meters across and eight meters high, while successive "casings" (the structure was re-clad every 52 years) saw the final structure measuring 66 by 62 meters across and 19 meters high. The pyramid bears many similarities to Mexico City's Templo Mayor and was probably used for stargazing as it was aligned with heavenly bodies, a fact indicated by the existence of posts in the pyramid walls at the exact spot where the sun goes down on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. Highlights include the Serpent Wall (Coatepantli), which covers three sides of the building and comprises 138 serpent sculptures, and a vault decorated with skulls and skeletons symbolizing the setting of the sun. Also worth a visit, and just three kilometers away, stands the 10-meter-high temple pyramid of Santa Cecilia Acatitlán.
Which looks on paper better than in person as it is small.
There is nothing like when you are alone in a strange place to hire a driver that if the chemistry is there becomes your "friend" for the day.
Teotihuacán
The largest Pre-Columbian site so far excavated in Mesoamerica, Teotihuacán (Náhuatl, or "the place where man becomes God") lies 50 kilometers north of Mexico City and makes for an excellent day trip. On the edge of the high-lying valley of Anáhuac and dating from around AD 600, this once influential political, religious, and cultural center - now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - was reduced to ruins long before the arrival of the Spanish. There's much to see, from the museum with its displays and large model of the site to the four-kilometer long Street of the Dead (Calle de los Muertos). Other highlights include the Moon Pyramid, the Citadel(Ciudadela), and the Temple of Quetzalcóatl, a large pyramid distinguished by its 366 sculptures, a rarity in a city in which very few stone sculptures have been found. Also of interest is a rather chilling burial chamber with the skeletons of 18 priests murdered during a ritual sacrifice around AD 150.
This was an entire community of varying size pyramids.The Aztec Pyramid of Tenayuca
Just 12 kilometers north of Mexico City stands one of the country's most impressive pyramids, Tenayuca. Dedicated to the sun cult, the core of this 13th-century building measures 31 by 12 meters across and eight meters high, while successive "casings" (the structure was re-clad every 52 years) saw the final structure measuring 66 by 62 meters across and 19 meters high. The pyramid bears many similarities to Mexico City's Templo Mayor and was probably used for stargazing as it was aligned with heavenly bodies, a fact indicated by the existence of posts in the pyramid walls at the exact spot where the sun goes down on the vernal and autumnal equinoxes. Highlights include the Serpent Wall (Coatepantli), which covers three sides of the building and comprises 138 serpent sculptures, and a vault decorated with skulls and skeletons symbolizing the setting of the sun. Also worth a visit, and just three kilometers away, stands the 10-meter-high temple pyramid of Santa Cecilia Acatitlán.
Which looks on paper better than in person as it is small.
IHG Hotel
The Hotel IC Presidente was a wonderful hotel. Checking in was no problem. It was easy and got a room on the 40th floor overlooking all of downtown,. I spent the day relaxing, taking a short walk and eating at the hotel.
Obama had stayed here in 2009. I am glad I was not here for that visit as I was told over 3000 police, army and secret service were protecting the President.
I would stay here again due to its location.
Obama had stayed here in 2009. I am glad I was not here for that visit as I was told over 3000 police, army and secret service were protecting the President.
I would stay here again due to its location.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Day 1
After an early wake up, I began my exploration of the central Historic District. A beautiful, sun-filled day and my first stop was the busy Zocalo square, Constitution Plaza where in 1813 it was signed.
I love the old architecture, Next stop is the Dominating Zócalo square, the massive Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de María) is one of the oldest and largest churches in the western hemisphere. Built atop part of the old Aztec temple precinct, construction of this massive basalt and grey sandstone structure began in 1525 and extended over 250 years. In spite of the two neoclassical towers and certain other features, the facade creates a predominantly Baroque impression with its massive twisted columns, with particular highlights being the bell-towers added in 1793 and the statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity on the clock tower dating from 1813.
Took some pics then walked over to:
The most important site is Templo Mayor, home to remains of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlán, including the first relic discovered in 1978, a finely sculpted round disc more than three meters in diameter and weighing eight-and-a-half tons. Further excavations - including the summit platform of an earlier pyramid with well-preserved temple walls along with the skulls of sacrificial victims - indicate the temple site had been built over by the Aztecs and their predecessors 11 times. A highlight of a visit is a walkway past the precinct of the aristocratic "winged warriors" where remains of residences decorated with multi-colored reliefs have been unearthed, along with evidence of the original paintwork. The disappoint was that they did not have them uncovered.
The museum next to it was not as impressive as it had no signs in English to let you know what you were seeing.
I headed for a Starbucks and a snack the walked to the House of Tiles and one of Mexico City's most important cultural landmarks, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is an architectural gem. Towering over the adjacent park, this massive marble building - designed by Italian architect Adamo Boari with Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences - was completed in 1934 and is so heavy that it has sunk more than four meters, despite attempts to lighten it by removing part of its huge dome.
I walked back to the hotel to hotel to check out and grab a cab to IGH hotel.
I love the old architecture, Next stop is the Dominating Zócalo square, the massive Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de la Asunción de María) is one of the oldest and largest churches in the western hemisphere. Built atop part of the old Aztec temple precinct, construction of this massive basalt and grey sandstone structure began in 1525 and extended over 250 years. In spite of the two neoclassical towers and certain other features, the facade creates a predominantly Baroque impression with its massive twisted columns, with particular highlights being the bell-towers added in 1793 and the statues of Faith, Hope, and Charity on the clock tower dating from 1813.
Took some pics then walked over to:
The most important site is Templo Mayor, home to remains of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlán, including the first relic discovered in 1978, a finely sculpted round disc more than three meters in diameter and weighing eight-and-a-half tons. Further excavations - including the summit platform of an earlier pyramid with well-preserved temple walls along with the skulls of sacrificial victims - indicate the temple site had been built over by the Aztecs and their predecessors 11 times. A highlight of a visit is a walkway past the precinct of the aristocratic "winged warriors" where remains of residences decorated with multi-colored reliefs have been unearthed, along with evidence of the original paintwork. The disappoint was that they did not have them uncovered.
The museum next to it was not as impressive as it had no signs in English to let you know what you were seeing.
I headed for a Starbucks and a snack the walked to the House of Tiles and one of Mexico City's most important cultural landmarks, the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bellas Artes) is an architectural gem. Towering over the adjacent park, this massive marble building - designed by Italian architect Adamo Boari with Art Nouveau and Art Deco influences - was completed in 1934 and is so heavy that it has sunk more than four meters, despite attempts to lighten it by removing part of its huge dome.
I walked back to the hotel to hotel to check out and grab a cab to IGH hotel.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Historic Center...
My hotel is located in the center of the city---The Historic Center. I had forgotten that I was paying for the room so when offered a less expensive room over the suite, I took the suite.
A nice enough hotel. I unpacked my bag and headed out.
The big thing I noticed was how many jewelers of gold and silver when in the town. I did get to see where the Starbucks was from the hotel. It began getting colder and since it was already dark I headed back to the room. So I ordered some food from the room service menu.
A nice enough hotel. I unpacked my bag and headed out.
The big thing I noticed was how many jewelers of gold and silver when in the town. I did get to see where the Starbucks was from the hotel. It began getting colder and since it was already dark I headed back to the room. So I ordered some food from the room service menu.
Friday, March 3, 2017
Hampton Inn & Suites
I got a deal for one night and this hotel in the Historic District. I had a suite with easy walk everywhere. The hotel has a beautiful stained glass ceiling.
A Hell of a Day...
Getting to the Newark airport was easy after all it was 5:30 am. I was feeling anxious all morning. The Delta lounge was nothing special. I landed in Atlanta on time. The Delta Lounge in the airport was large, comfortable and with good food. We landed on time in Mexico City. After leaving customs, realized I did not have my phone. I went to the Delta station and they told me they could not find the phone. I cannot tell you how frustrating I felt in the moment. I wanted to go home and start over 😜 I got to the room and check all 24 pockets on my Scottevest and found my phone!!!
My Kitty Mr. Pepper wanted to come with me.
Excellent Red Velvet Cheesecake in Business Class.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Aztec Empire
Having visited the Inca's In Peru, The Mayan's in Central America and Mexico, I finally take on the Aztecs!
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