We made it to Guachimontones!
Our day started at 9 a.m. in front of Actinver, where our Euro Travel bus awaited.
The kids had a great trip, our bus complete with air conditioning and tv monitors.
Arriving at Guachimontones after a 2 hour bus trip from Ajijic.
Entrance to Interactive Visitor's Center
View from amphitheatre
Mesoamerica Display
Our tour guide, Maria gave us a history of the area and its people.
The center's displays were wonderful, complete with sunken tomb.
A topographic 3D map of the area fascinated our group.
After a screening of a well done, short documentary film in the Center's auditorium
we headed outdoors to the archeological sites.
The climb was initially steep, but not long.
The vistas beautiful!
Our outdoor guide, Esmeralda Garcia Santiago explained the ritual areas and ceremonies.
On the way to El Gran Guachi, the largest circle in the area, we were greeted by
a local shaman, who gave our group a welcoming blessing.
Arriving at El Gran Guachi - Circulo 1
Not only is this the biggest circle within the area, it is also the most monumental one
found to this day within the West of the country.
Esmeralda led us in a fertility dance ritual, asking for rain. The next day it rained.
Here is a FB link to some of our fertility dance:
https://www.facebook.com/286740168336702/videos/406877166323001/
Ball (Pelota) Court 1
The game did not use a hoop for the ball since the game was similar to the one that
is still played in the state of Sinaloa under the name of "ulama".
Esmeralda invited the children to play a game of Pelota.
Side were chosen (boys v.s. girls)
The first toss was thrown....
and the game began!
Final score: boys 1 and girls 1
With our energies exhausted from the hike and the game we returned to the
Interactive Visitor's Center to have comida.
The kids settled in and around the surrounding areas to eat and trade stories.
After lunch some tried their hand at clay/pottery making
Some wandered around the exhibits.
And some wandered around the grounds, discovering a small house/hut
just down the hill.
Some found tools that were used when the area had been populated.
Others tried out the house for size.
Our time at Guachimontones growing short, we visited the gift shop.
Late afternoon we prepared to return to our bus for the ride home.
Josue made sure everyone was accounted for and we rode home
in style. The children, excited after their field trip, did not
sleep a wink.
We'd like to thank the 5th and 6th grade classes from
our local public schools for all their fine and hard work.
Also our paint sponsor, Prisa Paints for their generous contributions.
Our Axixic Michicihualli Crew and our tireless volunteers who make this possible.
A special 'gracias' to our friend, Regidor Juan de Dios Garcia Velazco
for all his support.
And lastly, a warm thank you goes to Erika Blanco, Directora del Centro Interpretativo Guachimontones
for arranging such a professional, attentive welcome and visit for our children.
Thank you so much for this invaluable contribution to the Lakeside community and to the lives of all of the children (and adults!) involved!
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