Wow, what a week it has been! Seven days ago my father and I rode into the largest city in the western hemisphere on horseback. What a moment that was. Today I sit atop the Zocola, the heart of Mexico city’s historic downtown. The main-square is full of families, vendors and tourists, something that is not new to this area. The square has been a place of gathering for Mexicans since the Aztec times! Back then it was used as a sight of Mexican ceremonies, royal proclamations and military parades.
At the north end of the square sites the majestic Metropolitan Cathedral. Built sometime between 1573 and 1613, it is one of the oldest churches in Mexico. As I look at its stone walls, I cant help but be reminded of the breath taking pyramids of Teotuhuacan.
An ancient city, Teotuhuacan is one of the most marvellous sights I have ever laid my eyes on. Only 30 miles from Mexico City, it was the largest city in pre-Columbian Americas with a population estimated at 125 000! Can you believe that? Toetuhuacan was built some time around 100 BC!
At the top of Teotuhuacan’s largest pyramid, the Pyramid of the Sun, my father and I sat looking down on the ancient city.
“There’s an energy here that I can’t explain,” my father said to me as we peered at the horizon.
With a name that translates into “the place where men become gods,” I know exactly what my dad is talking about! This is the same feeling I felt when in Tikal, Guatemala. The idea that a civilization could exist with so much intelligence and power before the Spanish arrived is unbelievable. The Aztecs, Incas, Mayans and other pre-Colombian societies had some of the best mathematicians, astrologers, architects – the Spanish had gunpowder.
Mexico City was founded by the Aztecs in 1325! When the Spanish arrived it quickly became one of the most important hubs in the America’s. Today, it is a magical city that should be on everyones bucket list. It is touristy, safe and has a tremendous mashup of historic sections next to modern Colonies.
Its streets are filled with open-air shopping malls where anything can be acquired. Cab drivers will rub you silly and the people will leave you smiling.
I will never forget the smells and sounds of the largest city in the America’s.
