Ruins of Monte Alban, on a plateau in the mountains above the Oaxaca valley
The I-shaped ball court, different from Mayan ones in that there are no ball rings
The Great Plaza
Monte Alban was built by the Zapotecs between 800-500 BC
The famous Danzantes friezes
Originally thought to represent dancers -- now more commonly thought to be POWs -- due to their mutilated genitals
Steps to the top of the South Platform
The arrowhead shaped building is thought to have been an observatory
The view of the Grand Plaza from the South Platform
Mom making her way down the stairs of the South Platform
The Sunken Patio of the North Patio
Mom and Kimberly on the Northern Patio
Original Danzante frieze
Famous Tomb #7 -- where an amazing collection of treasure was found
In the small town of San Martin de Tilcajete
Where they make "alebrijes" -- fantastical, brightly painted animals and imaginary beasts
A woman painting the alebrijes
Making the tails for the little animals
Turtle alebrijes awaiting their final paint touches
The town of San Bartolo Coyotepec, famous for it's black pottery
Dona Rosa, who invented the method of burnishing the pottery with quartz for its distinctive shine
Dona Rosa's son, Valente Nieto Real, carries on the tradition today
Note the potters wheel made of two bowls
At the ruins of Mitla
Famous for it's intricate stonework designs
El Palacio
Another view of Mitla's ruins
Restaurante Tlamanalli, in Teotitlan del Valle
Inside the restaurant
Daniel enjoying Mezcal, a cousin of tequila
Shoot it!
Time for the lime!
One of the sisters who runs the restaurant making fresh lime juice for Dad.
The kitchen
Quesadillas!
Roasting chiles
Teoititlan de Valle is famous for its weaving tradition
The village of El Tule, with it's famous 42 meter high tree
The tree is likely 2000-3000 years old
On the drive back to Mexico City, Pico de Orizaba, Mexico's tallest mountain -- and also an extinct volcano
Dad and Zookie during one of our rest stops
