Traveler's Edition » Mexico

Palenque

admin — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 19:00:37 +0000

Palenque, a site in Chiapas, Mexico famous for the ruins of a Mayan city amidst a lush green backdrop, still exudes the pristine wonder as when it was founded by its early discoverers. It was named Palenque by Spanish explorers to mean “fortification.” The Mayan city was actually called Otolum by the Chol Maya, which means “land with strong houses.” It is one of the most significant Mayan archaeological sites today, valued for its architecture, roof combs, sculptures, and bas-relief carvings.

The Palace is one of the important structures found with the Palenque ruins. Its unique four-story tower has been kept intact. Likewise, connected building and courtyards reveal impressive bas-relief carvings and sculptures.

The Temple of Inscriptions, on the other hand, houses the second longest glyphic text found so far in Mayan studies and archaeology. The temple was founded for K’inich Janaab’ Pakal, as a funerary monument. This dates back to 675 AD. A hidden passageway from the temple’s back room leads to Pakal’s carved sarcophagus and material belongings that were supposed to accompany him in his death.

The Temples of the Cross group is another relevant set of ruins found within the Palenque site. Here, temples are set on top of step pyramids. Supposedly, this symbolized the tree of creation in Mayan mythology.

The Mayan ruins of Palenque have several other curious temples and remnants, such as Temples XIX and XXI. These continue to baffle both scholars and archaeology and history enthusiasts.

Travelers to Palenque require a valid passport and visa. For American citizens, visas can be procured at their entry points. Typically, visas are good for up to 180 days. Palenque is relatively safer than the more congested cities of Mexico. However, basic precautions should still be practiced. Flashy jewelries are no-nos. It is good to travel to Palenque all year round, although the downpours from June to October are best avoided.

Mexico City

admin — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:10:23 +0000

Colorful diversity has never been embodied more fully than the way Mexico City has. Traditional communities mingle with the bohemian and the socially modern in this dynamic city. The Coyoacán of Frida Kahlo’s era remains an intellectual haven. Museums art spaces abound, attracting the capital’s eclectic set. Polanco continues to attract a chi-chi crowd with its upscale boutiques and high-end bars and restaurants. Financial powerhouses coexist with shanty towns. Economic bullishness goes hand in hand with the grim reality of many. The streets are alive with screaming vendors, inviting food stalls and people.

Mexico City’s history is very much apparent in its modern streets. A series of canals still crisscrosses Xochimilco, a neighborhood that managed to keep to tradition. On weekends, the canals overflow with chinampas (floating gardens), food peddlers, and mariachis – a sensory overload, even for the most well-traveled visitor. Cobblestone streets line communities like Coyoacán. The Metropolitan Cathedral, the first of its kind in North America, still stands tall, albeit a bit battered by the elements and earthquakes that touched its land. Close to it is the Aztec Templo Mayor, the exposed ruins of an Aztec temple.

Mexico City was the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan since 1325. The ancient city was destroyed and rebuilt as the seat of its Spanish conquerors in 1521. It had since then gone through several revolutions, and a war against its American neighbor. Today, it is Mexico’s financial center, ranking 8th among cities worldwide for its gross domestic product.

A valid passport and visa are required for travelers to Mexico City. Visas are good for 180 days. The city’s streets are generally safe, although basic precautions are still necessary. Travelers should never flaunt expensive jewelry pieces and watches. Likewise, they should keep aware of their surroundings, especially when out drinking.