Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Tepoztlan

While we were waiting for the apartment to be ready, one of M. X's friends very kindly offered to lend us the keys to her family's vacation house in Tepoztlan for the weekend. Many families have a house in one of the small towns outside of Mexico City to escape to on the weekends (the city is exciting but can be draining and it's nice to be able to get away to recharge your batteries). Tepoztlan is about 50 miles south of the city, in the state of Morelos. The town is inhabited by about 15,000 people and is set in a valley ringed by beautiful, high cliffs. On one of these cliffs the Aztec built a temple called the Tepozteco. It was apparently a monument to commemorate the death of the ruler, Ahuizotl, in 1502. Let me warn you that the hike up there is very steep, the path crowded, and not for the faint of heart (literally. Although a little lower than Mexico City, the elevation is still over 5,500 feet above sea level). But the view is definitely worth it. And be sure to look for the very cute troupe of coatimundis (sort of like a Latin American raccoons) that live at the top and pester the tourists for potato chips. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera, so you'll either have to take my word for it, or make the trek yourself.

(These are the very sweet dogs who "took care" of us while we stayed at their house)

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