This was the day that I was the most nervous for because this was the one day I either (1) didn't have an organized tour picking me up directly from the hostel, or (2) wasn't going in walking distance of my hostel. I woke up at 7AM and left by 8 in a 30 minute taxi ride to the city's main bus station. When I arrived I had to find the correct counter in this huge station. Of course I was using my stellar spanish skills. Once I found the correct counter I was so proud of myself to use the correct spanish to ask for my bus ticket to Tula. The only problem was that it took me a long time to understand what they were trying to tell me; that the bus was in an accident earlier that morning and was not currently available. After waiting some time there was finally a bus for me. I have to say that the bus was very clean and comfortable with terrific reclining seats. And my ticket onl cost six US dollars for an hour and a half ride. I was the only one on the bus and the driver made sure for me to sit in the front seat so he could converse with me in spanish. Did I mention that I have stellar spanish skills? I had been nervous though for when I got off the bus in Tula and would need to communicate to a taxi to take me to the archaeological site in Tula. Fortunately, my new friend, the bus driver, quickly got me onto a smaller city bus that took me there for only the equivalence of 50 cents. This archaeological site was an important site to the Toltec civilization. The Toltec established their capital at Tula. Their god was Tezcatlipoca; this god later became an Aztec god. At its height, Tula had 40,000 inhabitants, but the civilization disappeared after 300 years. I began by visiting the museum first where I viewed pottery, jewelry, sculptures, etc from the Toltec. Next I took a long walk out to the site. I really enjoyed what I saw and was glad I made the long trip out to see it all. As with all Mesoamerican ruins, it was a steep walk up to the top of the "pyramid". On top I was rewarded with amazing 360 degree views of the ruins, the town of Tula, and surrounding mountains. Of course also on top were Toltec statues. I spent a good time up there enjoying the views. When I came down I walked around more in the ruins. I saw the remains of some great art carved into the stone. When I finished touring, I faced my next challenge of finding a local city bus to take me back to the main terminal. I tried to flag them down but failed four times. I then approached a local and asked if I was even in the corect place. He told me that I was but since I had been unsuccessful to catch a bus he offered to give me a ride. Now don't tell my mom, but I accepted the ride. I'm still happy to report that I was not mugged or kidnapped and this provided further proof that there are too many negative stereotypes. Once at the station I got my ticket for the hour and a half ride back to Mexico City. read more

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