Tecalli de Herrera and Tepexi El Viejo

One Saturday morning, my friend Javier and I decided to travel around the southern region of our state of Puebla. We grew a little weary towards the afternoon and it was kind of Javier to drive for extended periods of time but Puebla is not that big of a state. We first stopped in Tecalli de Herrera and visited the Ex-convento de Tecalli, the first picture. What remains of it is quite impressive although there is no roof on the main part of the structure. I wanted to include a few pictures of a mural on one wall and a pic of the baptismal font originally used by the Franciscan order here at the convent. The construction began in 1540 and was completed in 1559 or something like that. Tecalli at one time was home to Tolteca-Chichimeca peoples or at least part of their area. The convent was abandoned in 1643 when the Bishop of Puebla was at odds with those that ran the convent and lived there. It was quite interesting and of course, with my handy student id, I got in for free. I just love that because wherever we go, I can usually get into these places for free. That's as it should be! It was a fun day and I got to know a little bit more about this state of Puebla.

The second part of our journey took us to a pueblo called Tepexi. Tepexi is famous for all of its marble and onyx that is extracted from the surrounding landscape. There are tons of stores and little shops that sell everything marble and onyx. This first church is the church of Tepexi and the second, colorful one is from some little town on the way back to Puebla. After eating a few tacos stuffed with "pura papa" (or potato puree and chiles), Javier and I went to the archaeological site of Tepexi El Viejo. The Popoloca peoples of this part of Mexico constructed the buildings at the site in the Postclassic period (1200CE-1519CE) and were taken over by the Tenochca Mexica in 1503. Anyways, as we were driving all over Tepexi, looking for this site, we noticed a family of five sitting and playing at the side of the road. Javier pulled over and asked them if we were on the right road for Tepexi El Viejo and they said yes and asked if we could give them a ride to the site. Javier agreed and so they got into the bed of Javier's truck and guided us around the site, telling us what they knew. It was fun and interesting to say the least.

Here are a few other pics from around Tepexi El Viejo. I am disappointed that the INAH (Instituto Nacional de Antropologia e Historia) has not done much with this site. It could definitely use some excavation and organization and of course, that requires funding. I also think that there could be better signs (or really just some signs) that lead to the site. But people, whether Mexican or tourist, aren't really interested in smaller sites such as this one. People want the big and majorly impressive sites because of course those are much more profound and interesting. However, these Popoloca peoples lived here, constructed these pyramids and I find it fascinating. The Mexica did march all the way from Tenochtitlan in order to control this site so at least for them it did carry some weight and importance.

My Mom and Dad Visit!!

My mom and dad came down to Cholula to visit me for a week! I was really excited to see them and thankful that they added me on to their many places to visit during their annual summer trip across the US. And this summer, they were able to travel a bit more south than L.A. and we had a great time. I loved being able to try out different restaurants, go to Oaxaca (again!! I love that place), and share time with my parents around Cholula, my home for almost a year now. So of course I had to take my parents up on top of the Great Pyramid of Cholula and show them the surrounding valley (and La Iglesia de la Senora de los Remedios on top of the pyramid). I promised my dad that I would add a picture of Popocatepetl (aka Don Gregorio) so here is a shot of that active volcano. We had a great time in Oaxaca, going to Monte Alban and Mitla, two of the many sites in and around Oaxaca. I loved seeing my parents and the time just came and went way too fast. It was the highlight of my summer so far and I love my parents so much and would not be having this entire experience without their love and support. Thanks mom and dad for a wonderful and full week here in Cholula!

So here are some pics of Mitla, originally a Zapotec site in the state of Oaxaca. The name Mitla is a corruption of the Nahuatl 'mictlan' or "place of the dead" and the Zapotec name has a similar meaning. The site of Mitla was used by the kings of Zaachila (which was the seat of the valley's most prestigious lineage) as a place to consult the highest Zapotec priest, resolve disputes among nobles, and as a burial ground. This first picture is of the Group of the Columns and the second is of one of the tombs. Among the Zapotecas and the Mixtecas, the dead were a part of the family, housed in tombs underneath the house. Mitla contains a set of five elite residential compounds which were first established in the Classic Period (250ce-800ce). Aren't my models so adorable together?

Here are a few more images from around Mitla. The intricate designs called "grecas" are truly amazing and extremely interesting. I was really excited that my mom and dad were so willing to go with me to this site. I've been to Oaxaca a couple of times before but never made it to Mitla. Thankfully, the thick clouds that hung over our heads did not release any rain. It is a very interesting site and I am so happy that I was able to visit another ancient site (and this time with my parents!).