Landscapes from Patzcuaro, Michoacan

Today, we'll move a little more to the west, in Michoacan state, to discover a little region: Patzcuaro.
On these lands of Purépechas indigenous ( also named Tarascos ), the little Patzcuaro village is located on one side of the lake with same name. This name could be translated as "Rocks place" or perhaps "Happiness place".



Patzcuaro was one of the first towns that Purépechas built, around 1300 a.C .In 1522, when spaniards arrived, this religious and ceremonial center was transfered to Tzintzuntzan, where we still can visit the church.





The landscape is gorgeous, I advise you to have a boat trip to Janitzio island, which is not extraordinary but where you can eat fried fish, tipical candies, and also watch the elderly dance ( el baile de los viejitos ), traditional Michoacan dance where dancers are disguised with elderly' masks...everything on the feet of a huge statue of Morelos, national heroe Mexican independance.

On the boat, I wish you to see the tipical fishermen, with their fishing nets and under their big hats...



If you go there during death celebrations, on november 2nd, you can follow the procession to the island, and see people sleeping inside the flowery cemeteries !

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Landscapes from Tula, Hidalgo

Today, for your trip to Mexico, a good place not so touristic, but amazing: Tula. Tula is located in Hidalgo, north of Mexico City, in a dusty landscape, quite desertic and full of cactus...



It is a small village, but overall, it is the former capital town of Tolteca empire, from where was established the power on Mexico valley between 10th and 12th century AC, although it began on 7th century.It is now qn interesting site, since it is the place where you'll see the Atlants, giant statues which represent Toltecas warriors.



The first archeological expeditions in Tula took place around 1880 and were realized by a french man, Désiré Charnay. But it is only in the 40'sthqt the Atlants, and the pyramid on which we can see them, were discovered by Jorge Acosta. On it, you can see numerous friezes and Aztecs gods representations... Tlaloc, very famous and important god of rain, Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli, god of the pink colour of aurora, or the famous Quetzalcóatl god feathered snake. There is also a pretty museum, full of antiques.



In brief, a charming place, for if you like desertic places, exceptional ruins and lots of cactus. But be carefull with the snakes !

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