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2015-11-30 tl;dr: I visited the Atzampa and Monte Alban ruins. And a public bathroom. I decided to visit the Atzompa ruins. Getting there was an adventure. It took me a while to find the Second Class Bus Station. Along the way I realized I had drank way too much coffee this morning (I know I said I was going to give it up). I found a "public" restroom that cost three pesos. That seems like a gringo price, but it was the best three pesos I ever spent. It was cleaner than expected, but as chaotic as anything else in Mexico. Once at the bus station it took even longer to find where to wait for a taxi to Atzompa. Then I had to wait for a taxi to appear and cram in with all my closest friends. The taxi would only bring me to within two kilometers of the ruins. I walked the rest. Look, pictures. Although for some reason you couldn't photograph the main plaza, and there was a guy stationed there to enforce that rule.I walked three kilometers back to a main road where a passing taxi quickly picked me up. I ate lunch at Burger King. Because. Back at the Hotel Florida the proprietor asked if I had visited Monte Alban. Isn't that where I had gone? Nope. Fortunately, getting to Monte Alban is easier if more expensive. A tour bus leaves a block from the hotel. Look, pictures. Unlike other ruins with vendors I got the impression that the Vendors at Monte Alban were not really sanctioned. There were only a few and they all tried to sell statues out of their backpacks kind of on the sly. Like they were drugs. I almost purchased a jade jaguar head. It was really cool. But I didn't want to carry it on my bike. I am very glad I didn't try to peddle to these ruins. Both are atop small mountains, although you can see one from another across a valley. The roads leading up to them are narrow, steep and treacherous. The return bus trip was slow due to traffic. Eventually I just got off the bus and walked, because it was faster. |
 the maroon taxis all advertise their destination  Atzompa  ball field   Valley of Etla  on bus to Monte Alban  need a hat?  Museum at Monte Alban   Monte Alban  you can see Atzompa from Monte Alban       another ball field |