Thursday, December 09, 2010

Uxmal



Pick up a copy of the traveler's Bible, The Lonely Planet, and turn to the page describing Uxmal. To me, the first sentence sums it up. I quote, "Some visitors rank Uxmal (oosh mahl) among the top Maya archaeological sites." I heartily agree.

After paying your admission and climbing a steep incline of steps, one levels off and sees this site spread out before him.




No, not the tourists. Not even Steve leaping ahead of me to snap a picture. But the pyramid. Ok, you archaeological buffs. It is not a true pyramid. In fact it is named Casa del Adivino. I assume that it is not considered a true pyramid because of the rounded, sloped sides. The scholars among us can discuss that. To me, it is just a piece of breathtaking beauty here on Earth.




Naturally, or maybe not so naturally, climbing this building is no longer allowed. I am thankful for that.





Interesting buildings and open spaces abound in Uxmal.






A closer look at one of the many facades of these buildings.








I remember the first distinction that stood out to me at Uxmal from previous Mayan sites I had visited was the triangular arches. Impressive and just fun to walk through.






The obligatory and ever present ball court found in many major ruin sites.





The main object of the game, historians tell us, was to put a hard ball through one of the goals set into the side walls. Not easy considering they could not use their hands or feet. Heads, legs, elbows, knees and butts were all allowed though.






I didn't take many pictures at this beautiful site. In fact, I spent a great deal of time just relaxing in the shade. Leaving the scrambling over buildings and climbing of stairs to Steve. I had been here before and wrote about it on my other blog back in 2004.
It had been a very busy, fulfilling day since we left Progreso early that Monday morning. Our next stop was going to be our second night on the road. The village of Ticul.

10 comments:

Calypso said...

From your photos - one might think the era of people that built those now ruins might have had it more together than the present Mexico. ;-)

Life's a Beach! said...

Amazing! Those steps on the main pyramid look much steeper than El Castillo at Chichen Itza. Thank God it's closed for climbing!

Doris said...

We are going to Uxmal and Merida for a few days in Feb. Thanks for sharing photos of the site...it really does look amazing. I actually thought you could still climb the pyramid at Uxmal, but seeing it in your photos, I'm quite sure I wouldn't want to anyway! Scary steep!

Doris

Steve Cotton said...

This is almost like reliving the experience. And a nice one it was, too.

Anonymous said...

I don't there's any question about that....


O Robert

Islagringo said...

Calypso: It was indeed a splendid society and filled with amazing greatness. Although changing a bit, modern day Mayans have always been treated much as we used to treat the Native Americans. Less than second class citizens.

LAB: I climbed El Castillo way back when (before the tourist fell off and died) and I can tell you that I think Uxmal is steeper. Besides climbing up is not the hard part. It's the coming down!

Doris: Enjoy both Merida and Uxmal. Both are somewhat magical places.

Steve: I'm glad I could stir some memories. I know how it can be with STML!

O Robert: What?

KfromMichigan said...

Love the rounded pyramid. OK .. I'm ready to chip in! Are we talking pesos or dollars?

lisa said...

That is so neat, Wayne. I really enjoyed seeing the pictures!

Gary Denness said...

What? You can't climb the pyramid at Chichen Itza anymore? I got there in time then. I went up and down in 2003. I can also claim to have climbed all over Stonehenge - a llong time ago now. That too is now roped off.

I have to say Chichen Itza is well down on my list of favourite ancient sites in Mexico. Uxma is near the top.

google name said...

I enjoyed your posting on Uxmal. You might be interested in
http://academic.reed.edu/uxmal/