We went to see some pyramids...

On our second day we went to see some pyramids. 

They were called Teotihuacan, except I could never remember what they were called or how to say that word. 

They are just outside of Mexico City and pretty dang phenomenal. 

I learned that they are  pre-Columbian Mesoamerican pyramids. 

It dates back to about 100 BC! That insane and considered one of the biggest pre-Columbian cities ever existed in the Americas. The population was somewhere between 80,000-125,000. 

I am guessing they had to have been of Lamanite ancestry. But I haven't read up on anything. 

The enormity of the pyramids and how well preserved was really phenomenal. 

We first went to the Museum and were able to see lots of artifacts that have been uncovered throughout the city. 

This kind of stuff is really my favorite. I have a secret wish to be an archeologist and love seeing old artifacts that have been preserved from a civilization. 

These were probably some of my favorite things. They offered up people to the pyramid and discovered their bones. Im morbid. I know. 

We climbed the top of the Pyramid of the Sun and some steps were so steep they have rope to hold on for support.

It was a great view of the Pyramid of the Moon.

We then walked the long Avenue of the Dead to the Pyramid of the Moon.

The best and yet worst part of this walk was all the hecklers trying to sell souvenirs.

They would all push things in you face and say "Almost free! $1!"

Well this one man said it was free, so I walked past him and jokingly put my hand out and asked for it since it was free. He laughed, smiled and said it would be free tomorrow. But today it was $1. I told him I would come back tomorrow for it.

These ruins are also famous for the buildings that have been excavated.

We learned that they had a ritual revolving 52 years. 

They would build houses and buildings and after 52 years they would collapse the buildings and build on top of them to start anew. 

Well because of this, buildings have been able to be dug up and have discovered many murals that have been very well preserved.

We had lunch at the pyramids at a restaurant with a great view and then made the drive back to the city. 

We got dropped off at a market for some shopping and I made a lot of great purchases. 

We then made our way to Yogurtland. To fill our cups with some Mexican fruit.

Our evening plans were up in the air but we walked down to the Opera/ Ballet house.

It was such a pretty building, especially lit up at night. 

The show we were going to watch wasn't playing and we went outside to see the rest of our plans might have been thwarted. 

It was pouring rain outside!

So we walked back inside and had dinner at the restaurant. 

They sure knew how to make some good French dip sandwiches. 

We waited out the rain in a book store and then took about 30 minutes to get a taxi to take us back for the evening. 

It was a very exhausting day but super fun, although I was real disappointed that no one commented on my Dodger shirt. 

Bienvenido a la Ciudad de Mexico!!

There are a lot of perks for working at a school. I think my favorite one are the scheduled breaks within the school year. We get FIVE full weeks off during the school year. Our first break was Fall Break in the beginning of October. I am so lucky that Annie works at APA as well and so get the same time off. Her family had planned a trip to Mexico City for the week and had invited me along. I was a little hesitant at first and got a lot of "Why are you going there!?" when I told people I was going to that part of Mexico for my break. But it turned out to be a great week and I couldnt have had more fun with Annie.

Annie and I loved landing into Mexico City.

There just is something so exciting going somewhere new, and although I am not new to Spanish, it was kinda exciting to see all the signs in Spanish and forcing ourselves to say "Gracias"
We arrived Monday evening and had our first stop at a Taco stand. They were 10x's hotter than an tacos I have had in America. And I've had my fair share of tacos.

The next morning we headed out to the Mexico City Temple.

On the flight we ran into some members who were coming to work on the temple. They informed us that since the city is built on water, it is constantly sinking. And since 1986, temple construction workers have had to lower the temple 14 feet because the ground is sinking so much. Yikes.
The temple is so pretty and I loved that it looked Aztec-y.

We were able to do a session and I loved listening in Spanish. Our session was filled with MTC missionaries too and they were so cute.

From there we stumbled upon a mercado, full of little stands to eat. I loved it because it reminded me of lots of places in LA, and so I felt like I was back at home.

The best part of these places to eat were the Valentina sauces so readily available!
My absolute favorite thing was everywhere.

I had huaraches and loved it.

We then crossed the street to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

It is the icon of the Virgin Mary and one of the most celebrated sights for Roman Catholics and definitely the most popular in Mexico. The story goes that in 1531 the Virgin Mary appeared three time to a Juan Diego, a peasant of the city. He told the priest, but the priest didn't believe him. It wasn't until the third time that Juan Diego went to the priest, was about to show him the roses the Virgin Mary had given him and when he dropped his robes to show the flowers was the image of the Virgin Mary, miraculously imprinted upon the front.

We visited the old Basilica, which is visibly slanted and tilted due to the city sinking, as well as the new Basilica where the original cloak is on display.

Although I don't believe in it, it was astounding to see such historic things in person. I am also always so impressed with watching people worship and seeing such impressive religious buildings and churches. Because although it may not be the correct way to worship, at least there are still religious people throughout the world.

We were then off to the "D.C" of Mexico City.
The center of town is home to yet another beautiful church building and the National Palace, where the President lives.

The main square was temporarily closed down and occupied by a large police force because of the teacher's revolt that led to some deaths in weeks past. So we saw lots of police officers caring huge guns. NBD.

The best part of the night was eating dinner on the balcony up above the main square and seeing the city light up down below.

Our night concluded by going to the movies. Which doesn't sound like a big deal. But it had full recliner chairs, waiters and a menu that included sushi.