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.