Día Seis

Last full day in the city was great. We stopped to see Templo Mayor which was an ancient temple built by the Aztecs, then covered by the Spanish, then uncovered by the modern Mexican people. Very impressive.

After visiting the Zocolo and Templo Mayor, we stopped at a permanent flea market. It has a name, but I can't remember the name right now. This place reminded me of my grandparents. I saw so many things at the market that I found in their home. I bought a doll that reminded me of the doll my grandparents brought my two sisters thirty years ago.

Then we finished the day doing a session in the Mexican temple. I liked to think that my grandparents were there with us as they had served there as missionaries almost 30+ years ago when it first opened. Spending time in the temple with my parents was the best way to finish this vacation.

Día Cinco

Day five in Mexico turned out to be my favorite day. We got up at the crack of dawn to meet up with the other missionaries in the area and head to a remote area to see the monarch butterflies. Every year they migrate north and stop in different areas here in Mexico.

My ears did not like the changes in altitude but I had three doses of antibiotics by the time we left and the throbbing had started to subside. Once we got to our destination, it looked like an typical tourist trap which we happily indulged in the spirit of things. First, we took these mini horses up the mountain to the monarch colony. Because they usually fly and flutter in the heat, the cloudy day limited how many we saw flying.

For some reason, the Mexicans were quick to bring us back down the mountain. I pleaded ignorance and wandered off. My mom played along and told the men she didn't know where her daughter was to let me have some time in solitude. My mom knows when I just need a moment to myself. I'm so glad she did! I found a place to view the monarchs burst from the trees when the sun came out and warmed the trees.

On my way down, I saw a big gathering of people. Apparently one of the horses got spooked and bucked off the mission president's wife. Immediately my dad assessed the injury and diagnosed a broken shoulder or collar bone. We waited around for an ambulance and the mission president's wife was immediately rushed off to Mexico City for emergency surgery. The mission president called my dad to discuss options and okay the hospital where his wife had been sent. My dad gave the approval and the mission president's wife had surgery to repair her shoulder.

The rest of the group traveled to a small little town call Valle de Bravo. I loved this quaint little village. The food tasted incredible! The lake took my breath away. And I finally started feeling better. This little excursion turned out to be the best day of the trip.

Día Cuatro

Today was church and sleep and more sleep. Gratefully, the first Sunday of the month the English speaking missionaries combine for Sunday School and Relief Society so I at least understood that part of church. I did enjoy the testimonies in sacrament meeting. Though their words had no meaning for me, their voices invited a powerful spirit. What an amazing group of people!

Later in the evening, we went to family home evening with the senior missionary couples serving in the area office, mission office, and temple. I struggled physically. Finally, as we were walking home, I asked my dad to amuse me and check my ears. He smiled with a "okay but we probably won't find anything and you just need to rest to get better" look. Lo and behold! Double ear infection. My dad commented after that now he understood my grumpiness. I immediately started antibiotics and went to bed hoping for relief.

I love to see the temple

Día Tres

Today we visited Teotihuacan which is located about 45 minutes (with no traffic) from Mexico City. I mentioned earlier that I had a head cold before flying down here and today it seemed to grow worse. Additionally, my dad likes to take pictures (understatement of the year) and that mixed with the pounding in my head made for a not so happy me. At the beginning of the day I had a very pleasant look on my face. By the end, well...you'll see.

Lanes are more like guidelines here

The poor live on the hillside

Pyramid of the Sun

Pyramid of the Sun

At the very top of the Pyramid of the Sun

Pyramid of the Moon from the Pyramid of the Sun

Happy in the morning

Very contemplative moment, lots to ponder

Pyramid of the Sun; Avenue of the Dead

Me and Papa

Pyramid of the Moon; Pyramid of the Sun

Happy face

Remaining frescos inside the structures

Remaining frescos inside the structures

The missionaries

Día Dos

I woke up with very little energy. Plus I had to do a bit more work today. Yes I worked every day while in Mexico.

My work station in Mexico

Because of those two factors, we decided to do a bus tour of the city in hopes that I would have more energy for the pyramids the next day. To get to the metro, we had to take this micro bus that probably cost $0.10 per person. We'd hop on and off at no point in particular, just when we needed to. A few times home the bus was so crowded that I stood on the stairs with the bus doors wide open as we revved along the streets of Mexico. Then we took the metro which was about $0.50/person. Needless to say, everything was at a much lower price point in Mexico.

I enjoyed the bus tour as I got to see some cool things about the city, including a free art museum, and had a chance to rest. This city fascinated me. At times it was so stereotypical Mexican and at other times the pre-Aztec/Aztec/European influence dominated the landscape. Just fascinating. 

Ruins found in the middle of the metro

Very European

Very Mexican

Art Museum

Rodin Impersonation

Just made me laugh (history nerd humor)