Landscapes from Papantla, Veracruz

This time we'll go to Papantla, in Veracruz state. Little town in the north of this state, it names means 'Place of the noisy bird' in Totonacan language, probably because lots of birds sing at the sunrise...It is a pretty typical town ,with its traditional Zocalo (central place), its church in the high part of the town, and also a Volador statue on the highest part, visible from far away...

The most important dance of the totonacs people is the famous Volador dance. You cannot pass through Papantla without seeing this! This very ritual dance permits to invoke the four ways of the totonacan universe, as also the water, the wind, the earth, the moon and the sun, meaning to say the most important elements for life. It is done by four dancers, wearing white and red traditional clothes, and also by a leader who direct the show with his flute and tambour, from the mast.

You already discovered it, the origin of Papantla comes from Totonacan people. The town probably was created around 1200 A.C. Vanilia was cultivated since prehispanic times in this important production center (which permited various Spanish families generations to get rich), until the vanilia plant was brought to Europe. Papantla importance in the prehispanic world also comes from the fact it was very close to Tajín site.

Much older than Aztec sites, ceremonial buildings of this Totonac state capital began to be constructed in the 1st century. The site got influence from Tehotihuacan as from Toltec civilizations. Its reconstruction began on the 13th century after Chichimecs destroyed it. Then, on 16th century the place was depopulated, when spanishyards arrived.

Finaly, they began to search and dig between 1943 and 1963. You can see lots of pelota fields (a prehispanic ball game which objective is to put rock balls into rings) and pyramids, especialy the amazing niched pyramid. It has 365 alcoves, and it is supposed to be representing a calendar.

You will find various hotels in Papantla, it worths to spend a night there for its nice relaxing ambiance. You can also walk around in the market place, where you will find vanilia of course... Moreover the landscapes are staggering, it really worths the trip !

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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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Landscapes from La Marquesa, Mexico State

Today we are going to the middle of the country, direction la Marquesa... on the roadway México - Toluca !!!

Some people would say it's the week-end rendez-vous for the Chilangos (the nickname for Mexico City people) and that's why it doesn't worth it... I think the contrary. It has its good sides (food is excellent ) and its bad ones ( the landscape is denaturalized by the highway) but even though, I love the place...

Maybe because I'm a glutton and we can have delicious meals, or maybe because I like not going too far from Toluca to have a walk in the nature (I live in Toluca). It is also possible to ride a horse. And particularly I enjoy its western landscapes with the railways...

You can try a lot of different dishes, the classic quesadillas are delicious (tortillas bent in 2 pieces and filled with cheese and/or various ingredients)...my favorite is the one filled with Huitlacoche. For people who doesn't know it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_smut.

Best ever, the Maguey worms (Maguey is a cactus they use to do Mezcal, a strong alcohol), ants eggs (named escamoles), the chimicuiles (Maguey red worms)... Have a good meal !

Landscapes from Celestun, Yucatan

For this first edition, we will go to Yucatan peninsula, where we can find lots of lovely landscapes, history, tradition, gastronomy, in sumary, Mexican culture! The idea is to discover,learn, share ideas and viewpoints of this wonderful country!

In Yucatan there is a village named Celestun, that we will discover today. It is 85km west of Merida, between the sea and the 'ria' Celestun, at the limit of Yucatan and Campeche state.

All around the village the Celestun Biosphere Reserve extends itself within more or less 591km². It is a known place for birds winter haven, and between them, the flamincos. It is said that Celestun ecosystem is unique because the freshwater of the river is mixed with the seawater. This water contains carotene, which gives it a unique red color. Because of this, flamincos are the most pink in the world.

Some boats leave from a pier on the river to get tourists to the mangroves, swamps and cenotes. You may also see forest petrified by the sea.

In Celestun you will find lots some hotels, restaurants and tacos. It is great to spend a lovely week end on the beach!