Mexico is a very beautiful country.  It’s an interesting because most of what we hear and see about Mexico in the States is from the US/Mexican border towns…which are undeniably some of the least safe (and in my opinion least attractive) parts of Mexico.  Drug trafficking continues to make the border cities unsafe (hey youth pastors!  Do your Spring Break trips in Mexico City!!!)…and drug-related violence is usually what makes the news.  Some people miss out on the beauty of our neighbor-country to the South because of fear. 

Even in the three short months I have lived here I have seen so many breathtakingly beautiful things.  The fall months this year have been a beautiful time to see Mexico because the rainy season is just over.  Everything is green and the sun is shining.  Because I’ve done seen so many things this past month I decided to just a selection of pictures into one slideshow.  If you have any questions about the pictures, just leave them in a comment and I’ll post a response! 

Ask away.  Then come visit.
 
 
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Friday (Oct. 9, 2009) was Cultural Day at school and it involved a field trip to the pyramids in Teotihuacan.  I have linked to individual pictures below (labeled: PIC), but they can ALL be seen on the multimedia page in the 'Teotihuacan' album.

The pyramids in Teotihuacan are pre-Colombian (200ish BC) and they are truly amazing.   Most people don't realize that the largest pyramid (by volume) in the world is located just south of Mexico City in Puebla (the Great Pyramid of Cholula) and the third largest pyramid in the world is north of the city in Teotihuacan (the Sun Pyramid). 

The Sun Pyramid (PIC) was originally built 63 meters (200ish feet) tall but is shorter now due to erosion and invasions.  This pyramid was used for worship (of the sun god) and ritual sacrifice, human (PIC) and otherwise.  The Moon Pyramid (PIC) is situated at the end of the Avenue of the Dead and is thought to have some connection with a water god.

During it's heyday, the city of Teotihuacan was thought to have over 100,000 residents which would have made it the largest city in America and the 6th largest city in the world at that time.  It is awe-inspiring to walk through ruins knowing that people lived and thrived in this city over 2000 years ago.  Wow. 

Here's what it looks like today (PIC) with my little monkeys running around.

We originally planned on climbing each of the pyramids, the Sun Pyramid is over 300 steps to the top, but we found out when we got there (actually, I found out when a security guard with a tight smile and a gun stopped me with my class as we were walking up the stairs) that school groups are no longer allowed to climb the pyramids without a (pre-signed) waiver from the school.  Apparently there have been a couple deaths on the pyramids from kids goofing around (which is why I am secretly glad that they wouldn't let my little monkeys climb). 

I was disappointed to not get to climb but I know I will have many more opportunities to visit the pyramids over the next few years (hey Dad...I already know you have to visit Teotihuacan when you come!). 

I took well over 100 pictures during our 4 hour tour, but have only posted a selection for your viewing pleasure.  Of all the pictures I took that day, this one is my favorite.  Make sure you check out the multimedia page to see the rest of them.

Sources:
Arizona State University
Washington State University
and good ol' Wikipedia

all pictures are Miss Rachel originals and not to be used without permission (please!).