As I type this, all snuggled warm in bed and it being 12:20AM I'm filled with endless amounts of nostalgia. Two years ago (seems like just yesterday) I went on a trip to Mexico. I was so excited to go. Not only do I love Mexican food but I also find their culture fascinating. I'd read up so much on the Mayan culture and everything surrounding it and I knew that I had to visit the pyramids at Chichen Itza whilst I was there. Upon taking a bus from where I was staying in Cancun to the Yucatan I was all jittery with excitement. The place I had been dreaming about for years was about to be right before my very eyes. Stepping out of the bus and into the Yucatan the dry heat hit me hard. It was sweltering out. The guide leading the group told us that it was 45 degrees celsius and being from Canada I had never experienced heat like this.
El Castillo or Kukulkan's Pyramid is probably the most popular pyramid at Chichen Itza and it was the one that I wanted to see the most. I'd seen pictures of it everywhere for as long as I could remember. The pyramid unlike the pyramids at Giza don't house the tombs of dead kings and queens. Instead, this pyramid served an astronomical function and acted as an observatory, which is what struck my interest in it the most. As I gazed upon this pyramid I was felt as if I was experiencing the purest form of sublimity. I was in complete awe. I stood so small in comparison, that mere fact alone gave me goosebumps. To think that at one time an entire community of people inhabited and saw this great structure as something rather commonplace and a part of their day-to-day lives as opposed to a historical artifact, a wonder of the world, is astounding. To say the least, it exceeded everything I could have dreamed.
Although it was the hottest it was also one of the windiest days I've ever experienced. It was so hard to take this picture without having hair all over my face.
At either ends of the pyramid steps are two serpent heads which serve an astronomical purpose. During the autumn and vernal equinoxes the sun washes over the pyramid steps and creates cascading triangular shadows that mimic a serpents body. Unfortunately, I was unable to see that as I did not visit during those times however, it is definitely on my list of things to see. It would no doubt be a phenomenon.
Next was the Temple of the Warriors. This was a place where people would gather, almost like a community square. It was also the largest area in all of Chichen Itza. Pillars extend throughout the entire length of the temple whilst statues and engravings line its walls. The statues symbolize Mayan warriors and the engravings tell stories and also hold astronomical importance.
The Great Ball Court was fantastic. These tiny hoops are built so high up on the wall that would make putting a ball through it extremely difficult. It was a much more difficult and skillful form of modern day basketball. Mayan villagers would gather to watch these games, including the king. It reminded me of something out of a Harry Potter book similar to a Quidditch match. Another phenomenal thing about this court is that it was constructed in such a way where you are able to hear even the faintest whisper from either end of the area. The tour guide leading our group gave us a demo and it proved to be true! It is a construction that modern scientists have been trying to figure out for decades but still to no avail.
Ik Kil was the next place we went to after Chichen Itza. It's in the Yucatan as well. Ik Kil is a sinkhole that's been transformed into an area where people can swim. The water was the prettiest shade of blue and the greenery that grew on the bedrock walls was breathtaking.
I love the beach! I think I was destined to be a beach bum. I'm not someone who's much for pools but I love the ocean. I could spend hours upon hours in there and not get bored. Our hotel overlooked the beautiful waters and I was captivated and in awe every time I looked at the view from our balcony. I felt as if I'd achieved ultimate mermaid status whenever I'd left for my hair to air dry to the perfect beach waves. Organic and authentic sea salt spray, anyone?
As an avid shopper I don't think I can ever go on a vacation and not get something. The only problem is that sometimes I can't fit everything I've boughten in the luggage home and have about a million carry on items. I was so excited when I saw the wonderful Mexican markets in Chichen Itza as well as the other places I went.
I'm in love with these two bags I got. They were both made by local artisans at one of the markets I went to. They're both unique in their own rite. The first is probably my got to summer bag. It adds colour to any outfit and most importantly it can hold a bunch of stuff. The second is probably one of the most unique pieces in my wardrobe. Since they're created by hand no two bags are the same, they're all one of a kind. It has hand crafted engravings and the leather is so soft. The bag I got is centred around Kukulkan's Pyramid. I love all the details and effort put into this bag. Everything about it is stunning.
I got this cute little trinket box that has the traditional Mexican skulls painted on it. The art on it is so beautiful, I knew I had to have it. This box has come in handy. I keep a lot of my rings inside of it.
One of the last pieces I got was this blanket. I knew going to Mexico that this was definitely a piece I wanted to walk away with. I'd always thought they were beautiful and added something to a space. I use it as a throw on my bed. It injects a lot of colour into my room and every time I look at it, it makes me happy.
I had such a fun time while I was there, I miss it dearly. I hope I can go back again one day soon. But for now, I'll just keep dreaming.
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