Cacaxtla and Tlaxcala

On Saturday I visited the pyramids in Cacaxtla and then the town of Tlaxcala (yeah, I still can't pronounce those names correctly!) with the other international students. It is interesting learning about the history of this region, and the many groups who have built their civilizations here.

Alexis, me, Jordie, and Amanda at the top of the pyramid. This cross is an example of how the Spanish tried to christianize the indigenous populations during the 1500s. Many churches in Mexico have been built upon the remains of old temples.

Kendall and I at the top of one of the pyramids. To the left is the volcano Popocatepetl and to the right the Iztacchuatl mountain (this is where I went hiking Sunday...more pictures to come in a later post!)

One of the aztec temples that we visited in Cacaxtla.

A closer view of the pyramid.

A little cactus climbing...

The ruins of this aztec palace were more recently discovered, and some excavation is still under progress. To protect the reamins, a huge covering has been constructed over the palace to protect it from the elements.

A picture of the ruins and one of the murals...just think how long ago that was painted!

Another example of the colonial influence of the Spainards- a rodeo for bullfighting with a view of the city of Tlaxcala in the background.

The zocalo in Tlaxcala. I love the buildings here- they seem so european.

An outdoor restaurant in the zocalo of Tlaxcala.