Atzompa - It never gets old

Well, of course, it is old, from around 650 AD, but the experience of visiting the place never gets old.  I can see it from my house and whenever I hear its call, I jump in the car and head over and up... and up... and up.  It is great exercise and the views and the vibe....

This time, there was one other car in the parking lot, but I never saw any sign of them.  Once again, I'm alone in this amazing archaeological site.... well, almost alone. 

I know there were a few workers out there.  This renovation has been ongoing for quite a few years and over the years, there has been lots of progress.  I was here when is was just rubble and then watched as they sorted all the stones and slowly put things back together.

This restoration is not perfect.  It is a bit too pristine in spots.  There is no climbing on anything.

However, it is a wonderful and important project.  This was the historical hangout for the elites from Monte Alban and was a very important from a strategic point of view.... one can see many kms in all directions.  That's my house down there!  See it?

It must have been an amazing place to live.  There a ceramic kiln on the north side of the site.

And at the very bottom of the mountain is the newly renovated ceramic market, one of Oaxaca's best.