Magical Places
Celebrating places of beauty & magic
From majestic mountains, to pristine beaches, to thick green jungle, to ancient ruins, to the largest city in the world, Mexico has it all.
Down-to-earth and unpretentious, colorful and artistic, Mexico is filled with friendly people quick to smile and artisans selling handicrafts such as pottery, tapestry, jewely, and crystal sculptures.
Ancient cultures such as Toltecs, Olmecs, Mayans and Aztecs have also left their mark in numerous archeaological sights throughout the country.
Mexico City
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Mexico as seen from the plane... the country is actually very mountainous
View of Mexico City as the plane was landing...
Although the poverty is evident, the city is so colorful and festive
Paseo de la Reforma
View of the pretty tree-lined main strip
Paseo de la Reforma from a distance
...and zooming in
Notice the golden angel - so beautiful!
Chapultapec Park, complete with ponds, fountains, boats and a beautiful city view
Teotihuacan - Pyramid of the Moon
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Entering the site I noticed these acrobats swinging on ropes - around & around & around...
The Pyramid of the Moon, at the far end of the site
View of the Pyramid from a distance - so mystical!
Up close, climbing the first batch of steps of the Pyramid of the Moon. With all the walking & climbing, a day at Teotihuacan can really get you in shape!
Teotihuacan - Pyramid of the Sun
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The magnificent Pyramid of the Sun
First straight on, then from 45 degree angles on either side
Pyramid of the Sun entrance
Note the size and slope of this thing...
Climbing this pyramid is an arduous task, especially under the hot Mexican sun!
Another shot of the climb...
And looking over to the left at the Pyramid of the Moon...
Zooming in for a tighter shot...(can you tell I love these pyramids?)
Looking down...
View from the corner of the Pyramid. One each level, the platforms wrap all the way around the pyramid, allowing you to get different views of the site
Despite the heart-pounding exertion, the view is worth the climb
Looking out toward the Pyramid of the Moon
Cancun
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These shots were taken from the plane. Yes, that is the actual color of the water - vibrant turquois. It's so beautiful...
And now we've landed...
Looking south toward the luxurious stretch of beach from Punta Cancun, the upper tip.
- and looking northward
Crystal clear turquois waters...moist powdery sand...warm gentle breezes... The ideal vacation spot!
Yes, the water is really this clear...
Looking down, you can see strange rock formations -- almost like the ruins of an ancient city...
A slightly different view of the magnificent waters
Chichen Itza
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This is a miniature model of Chichen Itza, on display at the visitor center. The site is so expansive, like an ancient city.
El Castillo
The gem of Chichen Itza, El Castillo is actually a calendar in stone.
A slightly different view. Notice the stairway on the left compared to the one on the right...
Looking down from atop the pyramid....don't fall!
Within the top portion are hallways which lead you around all 4 sides. Carved in the doorways are beautifully intricate designs - the light was dim, but you can see some designs in this shot.
Kulkulkan (the feathered serpent) rears his head at the bottom of the staircases. During the equinox, an sunlight & shadow illusion takes place that shows the serpent's body snaking down the corner of the pyramid.
Beautiful view from atop El Castillo, overlooking Temple of the Chac-Mool, also called Temple of the Warriors
Exploring the Temple of the Warriors.
This area is called Group of a Thousand Columns, aptly so for columns stand everywhere - it's very Grecian and mystical.
Further down, are square pillars in rows and columns, all with intricate carvings.
View of the Ball Court from atop El Castillo
Temple of the Jaguar, just outside the Ball Court. Notice the gathering storm in the background...
Within the walls of the Ball Court
Ball Court stone reliefs
El Caracol (observatory)
The dome windows align with certain stars throughout the year; this determined when celebrations, planting and harvesting took place.
All throughout the site stand these platforms, and you can climb them. This on is at the front corner of the Pyramid of the Moon.
Notice the rising moon...
This is the view from about mid-way up the Pyramid of the Moon. You can see the platform I just mentioned, and the amazing Pyramid of the Sun in the back.
And looking over to the right...
View of Teotihuacan from atop the Pyramid of the Moon, called Avenue of the Dead.
Unlike those in Egypt, you can actually climb these pyramids
These are shots of the Krystal Hotel's Grecian veranda. I love it here - very mystical...
