It was only 68 kms (42 miles) to the site, but it took us about an hour and fifteen minutes. You don't get anywhere quickly in Mexico!
Ruth and I had stayed at the El Tajin parking lot in our motorhome Sherman in November of 2008, almost ten years ago. So we were somewhat familiar with it, but it was interesting to see the minor changes from ten years ago.
On an overcast day with 50% chance of rain, we were almost the only ones there. But, there were still quite a few trinket vendors around. Probably more of them than there were tourists.
Our group in front of the Niches Pyramid.
The Niches Pyramid has a different design than most. Also, it is has exactly 365 niches coinciding with the number of days in a year.
Overview of the site.
It never did rain, and the temperature was enjoyable so we ended up having a pretty good day. It is raining now though, and it rained much of the night. It's going to be a wet drive to Veracruz!
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The Mexican ruins are so amazing and interesting. I wish the detailed history was more known. Looks like you picked a perfect day to visit and have it nearly to yourselves.
ReplyDeleteThey are fantastic and each one is a little different or has a special feature. We have been to most of the major ones but there will be one that we will see next month that we haven't seen before and we are looking forward to that, as well as seeing our favourite one in Palanque in the middle of the jungle.
DeleteA perfect day would have been a sunny one and at this time of year in the middle of the week, it wouldn't have been busy even then. It isn't a major tourist site as it is sort of off the beaten track, even though it is a UNESCO site.
Into everyones life a little rain must fall. Hope you have a safe drive in the rain.
ReplyDeleteYep, and we are sure getting our share of it right now! Unfortunately you can't change the weather, only your attitude towards it! :-)
DeleteLove seeing the different paramids throughout Mexico, very interesting . Rain is good when it is warm enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAnd there are a lot of pyramids here in Mexico and each one is a little different. I think this one is the only one that has these niches. You will see more pyramids as we travel along on this trip.
DeleteYes, rain is nice but when you have days of it in a row and you are by the ocean for some days of relaxation it isn't quite so nice. Oh well, it is what it is. :-)
While getting gas for our MH in South Africa I mentioned that it might rain and spoil our day and the attendant said you should never complain about rain; can you imagine a world without it. So true
ReplyDeleteYep, very true indeed!
DeleteVery neat set of ruins, another great day in Mexico!
ReplyDeleteThese ruins are definitely very interesting and very different to most of the other ruins we will see. Having said that, each ruin site is a little different from each other. It amazes us how these were made and how the sun, moon and calendar all played into the making of them so long ago.
DeleteAnother great day exploring. I have no idea what niches are but interesting that it would be the same as the number of days in the year.
ReplyDeleteIt was another good day and even the weather cooperated for us while we were there. Other than the overcast sky, it was very pleasant.
DeleteA niche is that little window like thing in the pyramids/structures. I think this is one of the only pyramid sites in Mexico that include these in their pyramids.
Pretty much all of the pyramid sites in Mexico are planned and built around the sun, the moon and time. They are truly masters of astrology for that time. Some ruins are made so at certain times of the day or year the sun or moon will shine in particular way that something magical happens. I really can't figure out how they knew about all this back then but they did!
In some cultures, rain is a sign of good luck! So, may Lady Luck be with the caravan group the whole way through!
ReplyDeleteWell, we certainly hope that is the case. Unfortunately it is bringing people's spirits down because we are at the ocean for some rest and relaxation and instead people are more or less cooped up in their RV's because not only is it raining but it is super windy, luckily it isn't cold though! :-)
DeleteYour statement about getting around in Mexico is not true. You've ridden with me :)
ReplyDeleteTrue but you also didn't have the trailer behind you at the time! ;-)
DeleteAmazing ruins, and a new one to me. Quite a site (sight)!
ReplyDeleteIt is a fantastic site and quite different from all the others because of these niches!
DeleteThat looks like a very interesting place, I would have enjoyed that tour I'm certain.
ReplyDeleteIn to every life a little rain must fall, it just makes us appreciate the non rainy days a bit more I think.
Enjoy, be safe.
It is an interesting place and I am sure you and anyone else that visited it would think the same. How they built these back then is beyond our comprehension.
DeleteYour are right, we will certain appreciate the sunny days when they come along again.