UXMAL RUINS, CAMPECHE

Kabah in itself was lovely but it also served as a prelude to Uxmal. Here at Uxmal we would see more chiltuns and more of Chac. The name Uxmal roughly translates as "Three times occupied": Ux = 3 and mal = repeat (occupied). There are 3 temples of different ages on this site. We entered near "The Magician's temple" or Pyramid of the Sorcerer. It contains another 2 temples within. We walked through to the Quadrangle of the nuns or as Ivan called it " The Priests' Convention centre " (since there were no nuns in those days). On the building we examined the double-headed serpent with its mouth open, showing the white man inside. (was this an albino, a prophet/shaman ?). We looked at the ball court which had an intact ring. Allegedly the winner was sacrificed, this was an honour! Next was The temple of the turtles, so called because of the turtles carved on the facade. Further on, The House of the Governors was beautifully decorated with recurring motifs of Chac and other patterns (X's). The most spectacular of all is the temple of the Macaws. trhis is exceptionally steep but well worth the climb as it gives you a bird's eye view of Uxmal, breath taking.