The castle had some incredible interiors and very moving stories, for example the young cadet who saw that the French invaders were in the castle and about to seize the flag, so he took the flag from the tower, wrapped it around himself and leapt to his death. The French never did get their hands on the flag and there is now a mural of the young boy's heroic leap on the ceiling as you enter the castle (pictured below).
The architecture was also beautiful (pictured above) and the grounds were full of poinsettias, which are everywhere in Mexico - they are named after the first US ambassador - Poinset (pictured below)
The museum was incredible. It would take about two days to see everything so we focused on the Pre-Colombian people and customs. There were countless statues and architecture, all of which had to be seen to be believed. Having had a bit of an obsession with the Pre-Colombian culture for some years, I was like a kid in a candy shop! Even if you didn't know much, it was like being in an Indiana Jones movie.
Our guide/teacher is Professor Arnoldo (pictured above) and he is incredibly passionate about his country and his culture, weaving stories around the individual pieces, taking us down to the Underworld and then raising us up to the Gods! Amazing. (pictured below)
If this is an indicator of what else is in store for us then I can't wait for the rest of it.
Callie B
arrett is participating in our January 2012 Intensive Spanish program at La Salle University, Mexico. Callie is about to enter into her 4th year of a Bachelor of Arts (double degree in Spanish and English) at Flinders University.
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