Monte Alban: July 7th

     Sunday morning we all met again to hike up Monte Alban. Monte Alban is a archeological site which was once a capitol of the Zapotecs and sits right on the edge of the town of Arrazola. It was occupied without interupption for about 1200 years from 500 BC until 750 AD. It was later then occupied by the Mixtecs and then the Spanish. During its peak Monte Alban had about 40,000 people and about 1600 acres.
     The hike took us a little over an hour. It was a decently strenuous hike. Since I love hiking I helped to lead the way. Most students in the group had never been hiking before. I guess I have a naturally fast hiking pace because I kept moving forward to the front of the line. Even the guides we had were impressed and just said that I could go ahead and lead some of the group if I wanted to. There were about 6 of us who were toward the front. After they had all seen how fast I was going and knew how much I loved to hike, they made me stay in the front. I basically led us up the trail. The trail wasn't cleared very well so I did the clearing for everyone. Therefore when we reached the top I was the one full of cobwebs and cuts from all of the branches I had to push to the side. I would warn everyone behind me of the branches or loose rocks up ahead on the trail and they would all pass the word back. Because of my hiking skills they all referred to me as Dora the Explorer.
     We finally reached what we thought was the main attraction at the top and it was gorgeous. We saw a few tombs right away and some smaller ruins.

The first girls to the top

     The rest of the group then reached the top and we headed over towards the side where the visitors center is. We did not know it but Dr. G. was meeting us there. The other side of Monte Alban there is a road where you can take a bus up to the top which is what Dr. G. did. We all then got tickets to get the official tour of the ruins. It was a little hard to pay attention during the tour because you just wanted to go look at every little thing. It was also pretty hard to stop taking pictures. The views from the top were breathe-taking. We saw all different buildings and arenas which made up the city which once was there. He told us all about how people would go about their lives in this ancient city. The way everything was structured created a really cool sound barrier and if you clapped you could hear the echo up there. 

All of us outside the visitors center, doing our best prom pose.

Felt like I was on top of the world.

Artifacts depicting how different people died.

So gorgeous.

Escaping the tomb, we did not want to mess with the spirits.

      It was our first big hike and adventure we did and I loved every minute of it. All I could think about when we were up there was how much my family would love doing something like that and how much I want to bring them there one day. We then headed back down the mountain together and then all went and had a final comida together in Arrazola. Afterwards we headed back with our families to get our bags and say our goodbyes. 

Niki and I with our amazing family.

     We were all very tired and looking forward to go back to the city to rest and shower. It was bittersweet leaving Arrazola. It was such a different world compared to the city. It was the slower pace of life where things were simple and you had what you needed and not a lot more. But I learned how nice that can be. It then felt a little overwhelming to go back to the crowded and busy city. I have always preferred more remote and quiet areas over cities. It was such a perfect weekend and as much as we were looking forward to heading home, I think we all could have stayed a little longer. Everyone there was so happy and warm and loving. It was a weekend that I will never forget and when I return to Oaxaca one day I will also return to Arrazola.

- Lindsay