Teotihuacan

Today was a good day. We were up and in the lobby just a little after 8 am, to meet several other missionaries going to Teotihuacan. We had a van rented that would fit 14 (midgets), but since there were only 12 of us, including the driver, we were good. We first had to go by the Temple to pick up the Anthony's (which is an interesting tour in and of itself). The Temple is lovely and there is a beautiful visitor center there, along with the other Church facilities, Stake Center, etc. The Temple is due to be rededicated in September, so it will be nice to have it back open. 

Then we were off for the ruins. As a historical note, the last time I was at the ruins was in 1973(?), when I (John) came in a group to Mexico with Webb Goodman and Rich Christensen. The drive out was interesting, through some very colorful and poorer areas of the City. Suddenly, you can see the Pyramid of the Sun over the foliage. Pretty awe inspiring!

We met several other missionary couples from the other missions, including President Call, who is a counselor in the CCM here (who was also a mission president before) and President Titensor, Mexico City North Mission. Pres. Titensor has a counselor who is an archeologist and former Stake President who met us to give us the tour. He has a very Church-centric view of Teotihuacan. Recognizing that this temple complex was built  and inhabited between 200 a.d. and 900 a.d., It is certainly possible that there could have been priesthood involvement. (Some of the stone was brought in from over 60 kilometers away.) He sees many similarities in the temple complex there and the Church's view on current Temple philosophy. There were some very intriguing things that he pointed out that were very similar and thought provoking. It was interesting to note that there were no homes or stores at this complex. The people lived outside of the complex. It was only used for worship. Considering there is much talk about sun, moon, stars, avenue of the dead, and progression to a final area, where man can become gods was thought-provoking. 

We really only did the upper half of the ruins, from the Pyramid of the Sun, north to the Pyramid of the Moon. I guess they did the first part about 4 months ago with this same man. He pointed out that the complex fell into other culture's hands and eventually was abandoned, but all were aware of it. It is a bit hard to ignore! We were able to climb up the first half of the Pyramid of the Moon for a few pictures while they were moving cars to the next area. Dalene was able to capture lots of pictures of some of the original plaster and colors in some of the surrounding buildings, along with some of the carving. They are amazingly colorful and detailed.

When we left the main complex, we went to a museum on site that has some original plaster frescos that were carefully removed and preserved that were even more colorful. There were also several artifacts there that were beautiful and detailed. 

We also went to one of the residential areas of the complex that was well to the west. It has been uncovered and had some beautiful plaster work and painting. I was taken back that in one of the atriums they had an altar for incense. Make you think they had some Jewish roots. Hmmmm.

It was a lot to take in and since we are the way youngsters of the group, that was it for the day…except lunch. It was almost 2 p.m. and it was time. 

Elder Dr. Stevens recommended La Gruta (the Grotto) that is in the east"ish" side of the ruins, located in a grotto. It is hard to describe how beautiful this setting is.

It is a natural grotto that is quite large and goes pretty deep, with a couple of openings looking up and out, or down and in, depending on your perspective. They have votive candles along the furthest wall, which adds to the ambience. It is very picturesque and almost otherworldly. Hopefully we can share pictures that illustrate this better than my meager description. My guess is that it would probably hold about 500 people. Someone is probably making a fortune on this restaurant. It wouldn't matter if they fed you worms, which coincidentally they have on their menu, it would have tasted wonderful. We had two long tables for our group of 26 or so people. The food was actually good and it was a lovely setting to just wind down and make new friends with some of the people we had just met.

For the record, we did meet the Jones', of the Kathleen Goodman family. They knew all the Colony people, we know as well, and were great company. They sent “saludos” back to the Gila Valley friends. President and Sister Call sat next to us and were delightful as well. Dalene kept the camera busy all day, so we should have some fun pictures to share of the group, the day and the amazing Teotihuacan.

At the end of the dinner, we were able to take a group photo of our intrepid group. A beautiful finish with a beautiful group of people.