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| Mexico City February 2003 This was a two day event sponsored by ARM as part of the current series of Practical Aspects of Rotational Molding seminars. These aim to bring training opportunities closer to molders in key market areas. Presented in English, I was ably assisted by Conchita Miranda of Miraplastek and Carlos Garcia of Reduction Engineering with excellent translation into Spanish. The program flowed well and was very enjoyable (at least for me!). Local material supplier Polimers Mexicanos very kindly sponsored a reception on the first evening . This was a great opportunity to meet everyone and swap stories.
Winding down after a hard day of talking at the reception sponsored by Polimers Mexicanos. Of course, what would going to Mexico City with Orla be without some sightseeing? Despite press reports, it is a fascinating city with fewer immediate dangers than one might imagine. Like all major cities, you have to be careful, follow local advice and don't go into dark alleyways at night time!
We stayed downtown in the Centro Historico. The whole area is part of a Unesco World Heritage site and has some amazing buildings, including the Cathedral above located on the main square, The Zócalo.
Beyond the cathedral lie the ruins of the Templo Mayor. Although large in itself, this is one small piece of a huge Aztec complex that occupied the site from the 14th and 15th centuries onward. The ruins are impressive for their geometry and scale and must have been an incredible sight when the first Spanish conquistadors arrived.
To the north of the city lies Teotihuacan, a complex of pyramids and temples that include this, the Templo del Sol. The scale of these buildings is just as impressive as the Templo Mayor complex must have once been. We actually took part in a sun worshipping ceremony at the top of the pyramid. No naked chanting or anything like that, just a simple raising of our hands to the four compass points in quiet contemplation.
Another of the buildings at Teotihuacan is the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl, The Plumed Serpent. This was the site of rituals associated with fertility and has some amazing carvings. Again, the structure has the classic architectural style and geometry.
South of the city lies the canal complex known as Xochimilco. Another World Heritage site, this dates back to Aztec times and covers an area of some 125 square kilometres. Referred to as the Venice of Mexico, it is a popular location for locals and tourists alike to come and party on the brightly colored pontoon boats that cruise the waterways. |
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