Mexico as a Tourist Exploring the History Unveiling Teotihuacan

Unveiling Teotihuacan: A Journey Through History and Mystery

The ancient ruins captured in the images transport us to Teotihuacan, one of Mesoamerica’s most iconic archaeological sites, located just 40 kilometers northeast of modern-day Mexico City. With its towering pyramids, sprawling avenues, and intricate murals, Teotihuacan stands as a testament to the ingenuity of an ancient civilization that thrived between 100 BCE and 650 CE. For visitors walking its stone pathways today, the site offers a profound opportunity to learn about its history—a history filled with awe-inspiring achievements and enduring mysteries that continue to baffle archaeologists and historians. Let’s explore what we know about Teotihuacan and the enigmatic questions that still linger.

Discovering Teotihuacan’s Historical Grandeur

Teotihuacan, often referred to as the “City of the Gods,” was once one of the largest cities in the world, with a population estimated at 125,000 at its peak around 400 CE. The images showcase its most iconic structures: the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, which dominate the landscape along the Avenue of the Dead, a 2.5-kilometer-long central thoroughfare. The Pyramid of the Sun, standing at 65 meters tall, is the third-largest pyramid in the world, while the Pyramid of the Moon, slightly smaller at 43 meters, offers panoramic views of the city from its summit.

Walking through Teotihuacan, as seen in the images, visitors can feel the scale of this ancient metropolis. The Avenue of the Dead is lined with smaller platforms and residential compounds, once home to the city’s diverse inhabitants, including artisans, priests, and merchants. The Temple of the Feathered Serpent, located at the southern end of the avenue, is adorned with intricate carvings of the deity Quetzalcoatl, a symbol of creation and renewal in Mesoamerican culture. The temple’s detailed stone heads, protruding from the pyramid’s facade, hint at the city’s rich artistic tradition.

Teotihuacan was a cultural and economic hub, its influence stretching across Mesoamerica. The city’s artisans produced obsidian tools, pottery, and vibrant murals, many of which depict deities, rituals, and mythological scenes. One mural, found in the residential complex of Tepantitla, shows a paradise-like scene with a goddess overseeing a joyful gathering—a rare glimpse into the spiritual beliefs of the Teotihuacanos. Trade networks extended as far as the Maya region, with evidence of Teotihuacan-style artifacts found in sites like Tikal in Guatemala, underscoring the city’s far-reaching impact.

Learning Through Exploration

A visit to Teotihuacan is a journey through time, offering countless lessons about ancient Mesoamerican life. The site’s layout reveals a highly planned urban center, with a grid system aligned to celestial events. The Pyramid of the Sun, for example, is oriented to mark the solstices, suggesting that astronomy played a central role in the city’s design. Visitors can climb the steep steps of the pyramids, as many do in the images, to experience the same vantage points that ancient priests might have used during rituals, feeling a connection to the past.

Excavations have uncovered evidence of a multi-ethnic society, with neighborhoods inhabited by people from different regions, such as the Oaxaca Barrio, where Zapotec-style ceramics were found. This diversity highlights Teotihuacan’s role as a melting pot, attracting migrants and traders who contributed to its cultural richness. The site also offers insights into daily life: residential compounds reveal apartment-style living with shared courtyards, while artifacts like grinding stones and cooking vessels provide a glimpse into the diets and routines of the city’s inhabitants.

The Mysteries That Persist

Despite centuries of study, Teotihuacan remains shrouded in mystery, with many questions lacking definitive answers. One of the greatest enigmas is the identity of its founders and rulers. Unlike other Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Maya, Teotihuacan left no written records of its kings or dynasties. No royal tombs have been conclusively identified, and the city’s hieroglyphic system, if it existed, remains undeciphered. Who built this massive city, and who governed it? The absence of clear evidence has led to speculation—some suggest a theocratic elite, while others propose a more communal form of leadership, but no consensus exists.

Hiking Trails in Kananaskis Country Alberta

Exploring the Trails of Kananaskis Country: A Hiker’s Guide to Beauty and Safety

Last year, in May 2024, I set out for a hike in Kananaskis Country, a stunning region in the Canadian Rockies just west of Calgary, Alberta. As I walked along a forested trail, surrounded by towering evergreens and a carpet of soft pine needles, I felt the quiet magic of this place. The path stretched ahead, winding through dense woods, with my red backpack a bright contrast against the earthy tones of the forest. Kananaskis Country, or “K-Country” as locals call it, is a hiker’s paradise, offering breathtaking landscapes and a sense of solitude that’s hard to find elsewhere. But to make the most of your experience here, it’s essential to be prepared for the terrain, wildlife, and ever-changing conditions.

The Beauty of Kananaskis Country

Kananaskis Country spans over 4,000 square kilometers of rugged mountains, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes, nestled between Banff National Park and Calgary. The trail in the photo captures the essence of K-Country’s charm—dense forests of pine and spruce, with glimpses of jagged peaks in the distance. Spring and summer bring wildflowers like fireweed and Indian paintbrush, while fall paints the larch trees a brilliant gold. Trails like the Highwood Meadows or the Ptarmigan Cirque offer panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, and spots like Barrier Lake provide serene waterside moments. Every step in Kananaskis feels like a journey into a postcard, with the air filled with the scent of pine and the sound of birdsong.

Things to Be Careful Of

Hiking in Kananaskis Country comes with its challenges, and safety is key to a positive experience.

• Wildlife: K-Country is home to bears (both grizzly and black), cougars, and moose. Always carry bear spray, know how to use it, and make noise while hiking to avoid surprising animals. Travel in groups if possible, and keep a safe distance if you spot wildlife—never approach or feed them.
• Steep Drops and Terrain: Many trails, like those leading to Ha Ling Peak or Mount Yamnuska, involve steep ascents and exposed sections with significant drops. Stay on marked paths, watch your footing, and be cautious near cliffs, especially in wet or icy conditions.
• Roads: Access to trailheads often involves driving on Highway 40 or the Smith-Dorrien Trail (Highway 742), which can be narrow, winding, and gravel in sections. The Smith-Dorrien, in particular, is unpaved and prone to washouts after heavy rain. Drive slowly, ensure your vehicle is in good condition, and check road conditions before heading out.
• Weather: Kananaskis weather can change rapidly. A sunny morning can turn into a thunderstorm by afternoon, and temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations. Check the forecast, but be prepared for sudden shifts—pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and extra socks. Snow can linger on trails into June, and early snowfall can start in September.

Ensuring the Most Positive Hiking Experience

To make your Kananaskis hike as enjoyable as possible, a little preparation goes a long way:

Flower Growing in Okotoks Pink Cosmos

A Burst of Beauty: My Pink Cosmos in Okotoks

Two years ago, I had the joy of growing a stunning pink cosmos in my garden here in Okotoks, Alberta, and its delicate beauty still lingers in my memory. This photograph, taken in the warm light of a late summer day, captures the flower in all its glory—a perfect reminder of how nature can bring such simple, vibrant joy to our lives.

The cosmos in the image is a classic Cosmos bipinnatus, known for its feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms. This particular one, with its soft pink petals radiating from a sunny yellow center, stood tall on a slender stem, swaying gently in the breeze. The petals have a slightly translucent quality, catching the light in a way that makes them glow, while the fern-like leaves add a delicate texture to the plant. I likely snapped this picture in late summer 2023, around August or September, when cosmos are at their peak in Okotoks’ climate, thriving in the long, sunny days.

Growing this cosmos was a rewarding experience. I planted the seeds in my garden container in late spring, after the last frost, in a spot that got plenty of sun—cosmos love at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The soil in Okotoks can be a bit heavy, so I mixed in some compost to improve drainage, which these flowers prefer. They didn’t need much fuss; I watered them sparingly, as cosmos are drought-tolerant once established, and they grew steadily, reaching about 3 feet tall. By mid-summer, they were blooming profusely, attracting bees and butterflies to my yard, adding life and movement to the garden.

What I love most about this pink cosmos is how it brought a sense of effortless beauty to my space in Okotoks. Its cheerful color and graceful form brightened my days, especially on those crisp mornings when I’d step outside to see it sparkling with dew. It’s no wonder I had to capture this moment—much like my other photography ventures, from the Bow River Pathway in Calgary to the Belgian Draft horses at the Okotoks parade, this flower deserved to be immortalized. This pink cosmos remains a cherished memory of nature’s ability to surprise and delight, right in my own backyard.

The Prehistoric Charm of the Blue-Tongued Skink: A Glimpse into Pet Care

The creature in the photo is a Blue-Tongued Skink, a lizard that indeed looks like it stepped out of a prehistoric era. With its armored, scale-covered body, sturdy legs, and a head that resembles a mini dinosaur, this reptile has a unique, ancient allure. The Blue-Tongued Skink, often just called a "blue tongue," is native to Australia and parts of Indonesia, and its distinctive feature is the bright blue tongue it flashes when threatened—a quirky defense mechanism that makes it stand out. Seeing one up close at an event like Calgary’s PetFest this past weekend, it’s easy to understand the temptation to bring one home. However, as you wisely noted, the bigger picture of responsible pet ownership is key. Let’s explore what makes this lizard so fascinating and what it takes to care for one as a pet.

Blue-Tongued Skinks belong to the genus Tiliqua and can grow to about 18-24 inches long, with a chunky, cylindrical body that gives them a robust, almost tank-like appearance. Their scales often have a speckled pattern, like the one in the photo, with a mix of dark gray, brown, and lighter patches that provide natural camouflage in their wild habitat of grasslands, forests, and deserts. Despite their prehistoric look, they’re surprisingly docile, making them a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts. They’re also known for their slow, deliberate movements and a lifespan of 15-20 years in captivity with proper care, which is a long-term commitment that adds to their appeal—and the responsibility.

If you were to bring a Blue-Tongued Skink into your home, setting up the right environment is crucial. They need a spacious enclosure, like a 40- to 60-gallon tank for an adult, with a secure lid since they’re stronger than they look and might try to push their way out. The substrate can be something like aspen shavings, coconut fiber, or reptile carpet—materials that hold some humidity but won’t cause impaction if accidentally ingested. They love to burrow and hide, so include a few hiding spots (like half logs or rock caves) and some branches for climbing, as seen in the photo where the skink is lounging on a log.

Temperature and lighting are critical for their health. Blue-Tongued Skinks thrive in a tank with a temperature gradient: a warm basking spot of 95-100°F (35-38°C) on one end, and a cooler side around 75-85°F (24-29°C). At night, temperatures can drop to 70-75°F (21-24°C). A heat lamp or ceramic heater can achieve this, and a UVB light is essential for 10-12 hours a day to help them synthesize vitamin D3 and metabolize calcium, preventing bone issues. Humidity should be moderate, around 40-60%, which can be maintained with a shallow water dish and occasional misting—they’ll often soak in the dish for fun or to help with shedding.