Trip to Mexico - Research Paper Example

?Trip to Mexico 0 The Proposal Mexico is widely known as a suitable destination for those who want to immerse in ancient civilization, relax in pristine beaches, and indulge in its rich history. As a tourist, I desire to know Mexico through its culture, history, music, food, and art, so I decided to visit Guadalaraja, Jalisco and Yucatan. I plan to first visit Guadalajara, Jalisco, which features Mexico’s prominent traditions such as the mariachi music, tequila, and charros (“Guadalajara”). I want to roam around Guadalajara’s cathedral, which houses the mural of Bartolome Esteban Murrillo entitled “The Assumption of the blessed Virgin” and the second largest organ in the argon (“Guadalajara”). As an architecture enthusiast, it would be very exciting for me to witness the mix architectural styles in the Guadalajara’s Cathedral. The presence of numerous museums and theaters in the city will surely enable me to grasp the history of the country. My second destination would be the Chichen-Itza in Yucatan. Mexico boasts rich culture and tradition even before the Spaniards came into the country. Chichen-Itza is deemed by many as the most significant archaeological remnant of Maya-Toltex civilization (Baird 35). I want to walk in the cobblestone once walked by Toltecs and Putun Maya. I desire to witness the temples and ruins, which are the masterpieces of the Mesoamerican architecture (Baird 35). Then, I plan to relax in the pristine beach of Maya Riviera. My trip to Mexico would not be complete without indulging its natural wonders. I plan to visit Mexico on May 5 to 10 as it’s a period suitable for tourists who want low accommodation prices and discounts as low season begins after Easter and ends at mid-December (“When to Go”). I found a website named explor-guadalajara.com that tackles the must-see places in Guadalajara such as the cathedral, Teotro Degollado and the like. Meanwhile, whs.unesco.org presents information about the city of Chichen-Itza. Works Cited Baird, David. Frommer’s Cancus, Conzumel, and the Yucatan 2010. New Jersey: Frommer’s, 2009. Print. Guadalajara. Wiki travel. Web. 2012. When to Go to Mexico. Dummies.com. Web. 2012. 2.0 Annotated Bibliography Baird, David. Frommer’s Cancus, Conzumel, and the Yucatan 2010. New Jersey: Frommer’s, 2009. Print. The author has lived in various parts of Mexico for several years. Thus, he possesses an extensive knowledge about historical places in Mexico and its must-see places. A part of the book has tackled on the ruins of the Chichen-Itza. It highlights the monuments, temples, and plazas that will greet modern day visitors. In addition, it briefly tackled on dwellers of the ancient sites. It offers information that helps me appreciate the Chichen-Itza, the ancient civilization, and Mexico. This book, which is available at google books, caters to needs of tourists and college students. It provides relevant and current information; thus, I will give it a CRAAP score of 7. Chichen-Itza. National Geographic. Web. 2012. National Geographic is a database, which presents numerous articles about different topics. It provided information about the history of Chichen Itza. It specifically presented interesting information on the importance and accuracy of Mayan astronomy. The ancient Mayan exhibited its advanced astronomical skills through accurately predicting solar eclipses. In addition, the article highlighted the ancient tradition of sacrificing young women to the Mayan rain god. This article presents interesting information that makes me more excited in visiting Chichen Itza. This article can be found through google search. It provides helpful information for tourist, college students, and lay-person. Thus, I will give it 7 CRAAP score for its relevance and accuracy. Howells, John, and Don Merwin. Choose Mexico for Retirement: Information For Travel, Retirement, Investment, and Affordable Living. US: Globe Pequot, 2007. Print. John Howells has co-authored and authored nine travel-retirement books. He is residing at Pacific Grove, California and constantly travelling around the world. Meanwhile, Don Merwin is known as a publicist, administrator, and writer. These two authors explored the culture, climate, medical care, business opportunities, and cost of living of Mexico for those who are planning to retire in this country. A section of the book is dedicated to discuss the activities that can be undertaken by foreigners in Guadalajara. I will use the information on this book to outline the activities that can be undertaken in the city. I will give this book a CRAAP score of 8 as it offers helpful information for those who are planning to retire or visit Guadalajara. This book is available at google books. “Guadalajara.” Wiki travel. Web. 2012. Wiki travel presents various articles about different subject matters. One of its articles delved into the districts of Guadelajara and its history. It also briefly describes must-see sites in the city including Guadelajara Cathedral, Palacio de Gobierno, Plaza of the Crosses, and the like. I can use the information in this article to present valuable insights into must-visited places as well as suitable transportation, accommodation, and affordable places to dine for tourists. I’ll give it a CRAAP score of 7 for the thorough information that it presented about the city. This article can be retrieved through goggle search. Pre-Hispanic City of Chichen-Itza. UNESCO. Web. 2012. Unesco presents articles pertaining to various topics. It is a valid and reliable source trusted by professionals. It featured the description and history of Chichen-Itza. It highlighted the monuments and temples, which are considered as the greatest masterpieces of the MesoAmerican architecture. I can use this article to provide information on the rich history of the ancient Mayan civilization for tourists, students, and layperson. This article deserves a score of 8 for presenting current and relevant information. It can be easily found through google search. Top Reasons to Go to Guadalajara. Fodors Travel. 2012. Web. Fodors is a database for numerous articles regarding different recommended destinations in the world. I can use this article to briefly outline the reasons why tourists should visit Guadalajara. It reiterated that tourists can feed their aesthetic sensibility through the murals of Orozco and crafts from master crafstmen in Tlaquepaque and Tonala. This site helped me include Lake Chapala and Los Guachimontones in my destination. I will give this article a score of 7 as it provides interesting and helpful information. This article can be found through google search. Whipperman, Bruce. Moon Pacific Mexico: Including Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Acapulco, and Oaxaca. Mexico: Avalon Travel, 2007. Print. Bruce Whipperman is a veteran travel writer and Mexico enthusiast. A part of his book presented information on the modern Guadalajara. I can use the information in this book to provide insights in why the city features infusion of modern and classical architecture. It presents information that can be used by laypersons, students, and tourists. This book, which I found in google books, provides insights into the city of Guadalajara; thus, will give it a score of 8. 3.0 Travel Arrangements 3.1 Accommodation I plan to stay at hotel La Calandria as it offers low cost accommodation and as it is located near a wall-mart and bus station. I wanted also to blend with the locals and to experience the city as Mexicans experienced it. In addition, the hotel is nestled amidst historical sites. I plan to book 1 double bed private ensuite for 3 days. The travellerspoint.com showed that I have to pay a total of $40.86. Then, I plan to stay at Soberanis for three days when I get to Yucatan. It’s affordable yet beautiful hotel that costs 73.50 for two persons. 3.2 Daily Schedules Day 1: Saturday in Guadalajara Guadalajara is the central state of Jalisco. It is regarded as the second largest city of Mexico (“Guadalajara”). Guadalajara struggled to preserve its old downtown amidst the proliferation of modern shops and factories (Whipperman 155). It presents a more relaxed atmosphere compared to other cities of Mexico. It is prominent destination for those who desire to visit museums, cathedrals, and experience vibrant music scene of Mexico (“Guadalajara”). Morning: Roam around Guadalajara and take pictures of its gothic arch ribs and vaults. Walk around and adore the interesting mix of gothic, morisco, neoclassic, and gothic architectural influence in the cathedral. After relishing the sight of its facade, vaults, and external structure, I want to walk towards the greater altar, which is located at the east of the main nave. According to my research, it symbolizes the resurrection of the Lord. See the archbishop’s crypt, which houses the remains of cardinals and bishops, who governed the diocese since XVI century. Pay tribute to the brave souls who defended freedom of religion in the Cristero Wars through visiting the Martyr’s Relic. Get an idea of who is Bartolome Esteban Murillo through his painting, La Purisima Concepcion. Take a picture of the Cathedral’s organ, which is famous in Mexico before I headed out and take lunch (“Guadalajara’s”). Afternoon: Walk in the 16 corinthian columns of Teatro Degollado. Witness one of the greatest examples of Neoclassical architecture. Be completely captivated by the fresco of Gerarde Suarez and Jacobo Galvez, which depicts a scene of Dante’s Divine Comedy (Barbezat). After indulging in the sight of Teatro Degollado, I want to visit Plaza de los Mariachis to find mariachis ban who will serenade me for a small fee (“Guadalajara”). Evening: What better way to culminate my first day in Mexico than to taste its cuisine. Thus, I plan to dine in Restos Karnes Garibalde to enjoy delectable yet affordable Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is known for its tasty Mexican cuisine, good ambiance, and fast service. Day 2: Sunday in Guadalajara Morning: Visit the magnificent vista of Barranca de Oblatos. Be completely captivated by the Cola de Caballo waterfall, which features incredible cascades. It would be also interesting and fun to visit Zoologico Guadalajara (“Guadalajara”). Afternoon: Perhaps, if I visit Institute cultural cabanas and witness Orosco’s fresco, then I’ll get to know how Orozco’s brilliant mind works. He is a world renowned Mexican muralist who frequently depicts human sufferings in his painting. After I set my sight on one of his paintings in a history book, I knew that I have to meet this artist through his paintings (“Guadalajara”). As a folklore enthusiast, I earnestly desire to visit El Panteon de Belen. This old cemetery dates back to 1786. El Panteon de Belen was previously transformed into a museum, which features haunted cemetery stories and folklore (“Guadalajara”). Evening: Dine at a restaurant, which serves Mexican cuisine. Roam around the safe parts of the city and visit a local pub. I simply want to enjoy the company of locals; however, I also want to make sure that I’m safe. Day 3: Monday in Guadalajara Morning: Trek in a pre-hispanic archeological site built by an ancient civilization that existed during 300 BC to 900 AD. It is interesting to find traces of human existence during the ancient period. See the stepped and round pyramids or mounds, which are dissimilar to other ancient pyramids. The function of such circular mounds is still shrouded in mystery. Somehow, I want to be in awe with the sight of an enigma (McNairn). Afternoon: After I eat my lunch while enjoying the scenic view of Los Guachimontones, I plan to head straight to Lake Chapala. Witness what is considered as largest natural lake in the country, which is approximately 75 kilometers long and 20 kilometers wide. It would be breathtaking to witness the triple mountain range, which surrounds the lake. Stroll around the lake and have a relaxing afternoon (“Guadalajara”). Evening: Check in at a hotel by 6 in the evening and grab a quick dinner at a nearby restaurant. Then, idly spend the night for my body to be fully rested for tomorrow’s activities. Rest and read a little about the Chichen Itza. Day 4: Tuesday in Guadalajara Morning: Witness and appreciate the Temple Expiatorio, which presents neo-Gothic architectural style. Roam around its exterior and witness the bell tower, which features a mechanical clock. This mechanical clock presents the procession of 12 apostles at 6pm, 12 noon, and 9 am. Wander around the interior of the church, which features collection of stained glass windows (“Guadalajara”). Afternoon: Head straight to Yucatan so I can spend the whole next day roaming around the Chichen Itza. It would give my body time to recuperate from travelling from Guadalajara to Yucatan. Evening: Check in at the hotel at 6 pm. Eat dinner at a nearby restaurant. Head back to the hotel and rest. Day 5: Wednesday in Yucatan Morning: Start the day by simply roaming around the ruins of Chichen Itza. Appreciate the unique Toltec design of the pyramid of Kulkukan, the Ball Court, and Temple of the Warriors. Some experts claimed that Toltecs occupied the Chichen Itza and then imposed their architectural style on the Maya constructions. However, some argued that the Maya may be influenced by the Toltecs as they extensively traded with them (“Chichen”). Witness the interest of Mayan civilization in astronomy in the Pyramid of Kulkukan. This pyramid features a total of 365 steps that represent the days of the year. After visiting the Pyramid of Kulkukan, I want to wander around the Ball court, which is deemed as the largest one built by the Mayan civilization (“Chichen”). Afternoon: Head straight to the Group of thousand columns. Witness the Toltec’s use of statues in supporting the altar. Closely look at the different appearance of the statues. Witness the Temple of warriors. Take pictures of the platform of the skulls and the Toltec jaguar emblem. Some claimed that the platform was formerly used for sacrifices. I want to be completely engrossed in the enigma of whether the Maya civilization offered human sacrifices through witnessing the sacred cenote. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling in the caracol, church, and nunnery in the area (“Chichen”). Evening: Eat a Mexican cuisine at a nearby restaurant. It would be a good way to end the day, so I can be truly immersed in the Mexican culture. Rest early for the next day’s activities. Day 6: Thursday in Yucatan Roam around Uxmal to compare its beliefs and traditions to those who inhabit the Chichen Utza. Witness the strong devotion of ancient people who lived in Uxmal to the rain god Chac. This is evident in the detailed carvings of the rain God in the ruins (“Uxmal”). In addition, I want to differentiate its Puuc architectural style to the Toltec style in Chichen Itza. Day 7: Friday in Yucatan Part of Mexico’s charm is its natural wonders, so I plan to visit its pristine beach in Riviera Maya. Enjoy its turquoise water and diverse marine life. It is a good way to culminate my tour in Mexico. It is a perfect time to absorb what I would learn from the culture, tradition, and history of Mexico and to escape from the chaos of urban life. Extra Credit What am I going to do to stay safe in Guadalajara and Yucatan? 1. My stuff: I have to make sure that I don’t carry around valuable or expensive stuff while visiting tourist spots in Mexico. I want to ensure that I keep everything safe through using mini-locks in my backpack. Lastly, I must make sure that I only bring things that I need. 2. At night: I want to mingle with the locals or tourists; however, I also need to make sure that I am safe. I don’t want to compromise knowing Mexico through its people through being overly concern of safety. However, I also need to make sure that I don’t get into trouble or any harm. Thus, I plan to just drink a little and always return to the hotel before 10 pm. I also want to make sure that I’m in a place safe for tourists. 3. It would be best to drink only in bottled water. I also need to make sure that I carry around IDs, and other pertinent documents. Works Cited Barbezat, Suzanne. Guadalajara Walking Tour. About.com. Web. 2012. Chichen Itza. Differentworld.com. Web. 2012. Guadalajara. Wikitravel. Web. 2011. Guadalajara’s Cathedral. Explorando Mexico. Web. 2012. McNairn, Alan. A Day Trip from Guadalajara. Los Guachimontones at Teuchitlan. Suite 101. Web. 2010. Uxmal. Shunya. Web.n.d  Whipperman, Bruce. Moon Pacific Mexico: Including Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Acapulco, and Oaxaca. Mexico: Avalon Travel, 2007. Print. 3.3 Budget Airfare round trip via American airlines $810.00 Accommodation 5 days at Hotel La Calandria $45.57 4 days at Soberanis (inclusive breakfast) $80.50 Transportation Bus, subway, & taxi $30.00 Breakfast Mcdelivery (3 mornings) $10.00 Lunch 5 meals $30.00 Dinner 5 meals $30.00 Entrance Fee $50.00 Souvenir $30.00 Emergency $100.00 TOTAL $1216.07 3.4 Itinerary Saturday, May 5, 2012 7:00-8:00 am: Preparation and breakfast (Mcdo Delivery) 8:00-8:30 am: Travel via bus to Guadalajara’s Cathedral 8:30:11:00 am: Visit Guadalajara’s Cathedral 11:00-11:30 am: Street food as lunch 11:30 am-12:00 pm: Travel to Teatro Degollado 12:00-3:00 pm: Visit to Teatro Degollado 3:00-5:00 pm: Visit Instituto Cultural Cabanas 5:00-7:00 pm: Plaza de los Mariachis 7:00-8:30 pm: Restos Karnes Garibalde 8:30 pm onwards: Rest Figure 1: Guadalajara’s Cathedral presents mix architectural styles. It houses the mural of Esteban Murrillo and the second largest organ (Manzanares). Sunday, May 6, 2010 7:00-8:00 am: Preparation and Breakfast (Mcdo Delivery) 8:00-8:30 am: Travel via bus to Barranca de Oblatos 8:30-10:00 am: Visit Barranca de Oblatos 10:00-11:00 am: Visit Zoologica Guadalajara 11:00-11:30 am: Eat packed lunch 11:30 am-12:00 pm: Travel time to Cabanas Instituto 12:00-3:00 pm: Visit Cabanas Instituto 3:00-5:00 pm: Visit El Panteon de Belen 5:00-5:30 pm: Travel back to the hotel 5:30-6:00 pm: Dine at a restaurant 6:00-8:30 pm: Enjoy the company of locals in the pub 8:30 pm onwards: Rest Figure 2: Barranca de Oblatos is a magnificent geological formation formed through decades of the passage of Rid Grande Santiago (“Canyon”). Monday, May 7, 2010 7:00-8:00 am: Preparation and eat self-made breakfast 8:00-8:30 am: Travel to Los Guachimontones 8:30-11:00 am: Roam around Los Guachimontones 11:00-11:30 am: Eat packed lunch 11:30 am-12:00 pm: Travel to Lake Chapala 12:00-3:00 pm: Wander around El Panteon 3:00:6:00 pm: Travel to Chichen Itza 6:00-6:30 pm: Check in 6:30-7:00 pm: Eat lunch at a nearby restaurant 7:00 pm onwards: Rest Figure 3: Los Guachimontones features steeped and round mounds (Razo) Tuesday, May 8, 2011 6:30-7:30 am: Preparation and breakfast 7:30-8:00 am: Travel to Temple Expiatoria 8:00-11:00 am: Wander around Temple Expiatoria 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Lunch at a nearby restaurant 12:00-12:30 pm: Back to hotel 12:30-2:00 pm: Rest and pack things 2:00 -6:00 pm: Travel to Yucatan 6:00-7:00 pm: Check in and eat dinner 7:00 pm onwards: Rest Figure 4: Temple Expiatorio features neo-gothic architectural style (“Templo”). Wednesday, May 9, 2010 6:00-7:00 am: Preparation and eat breakfast (Mcdo Delivery) 7:00-11:30 am: Visit Chichen Itza 11:30 am-12:00 pm: Eat lunch at a nearby restaurant 12:00-5:30 pm: Visit Chichen Itza 5:30-6:00 pm: Eat dinner at suggested restaurant 6:00 pm onwards: Rest Figure 4: Chichen Itza is considered as the second largest city in Aztec Empire (“Chichen Itza”). Thursday, May 10, 2012 7:00-8:00 am: Preparation and Breakfast 8:00-8:30 am: Travel of Uxmal 8:30-11:00 am: Visit Uxmal 11:00 am-12:00 pm: Lunch 12:00-6:00 pm: Visit Uxmal 6:00- 7:00 pm: Dinner 7:00 pm onwards: Rest Figure 5: Uxmal presents Puuc architectural style of the ancient civilization (“Uxmal”) Friday, May 11, 2012 6:00-7:00 am: Preparation and breakfast 7:00-11:00 am: Enjoy the turquoise water in the Riviera Maya 11:00-11:30 am: Eat lunch at a nearby restaurant 11:30 am-6:00 pm: Swim and dive 6:00-6:30 pm: Eat dinner 6:30-7:00 pm: Pack things 7:00-10:00 pm: Travel back home Figure 6: Riviera Maya features pristine coast, which faces the gentle water of the Caribbean Sea (“Riviera”). Figure 7: There is abundance of Marine Life in Riviera Maya (“Adventours”). Works Cited Adventours. MexicoAdventourist.com. Web. 2010. Canyon of Oblates. Huaxtla.org. Web. 2010. Chichen Itza. ALHistotory Wiki. Web. n.d. Manzanares, Mary Jo. Guadalajara Cathedral in the Central Historic District. Traveling with MJ. Web. 2010. Razo, J. Ernesto. Los Guachimontones. Panoramio. Web. 2008. Riviera Maya. The Travel Peach. Web. n.d. Templo Expiatoria. Travel by Mexico. Web. n.d. Uxmal. Shunya. Web.n.d  4.0 Reflection Review of available literature has given me insights into the rich history and tradition of Mexico. Its colorful and interesting history is reflected on its cathedral, museums, plazas, and other establishments. The ruins of Chichen-Itza remind the rest of the world of Mexico’s prehispanic history wherein ancient civilization devised ingenious ways of counting days of the year and determining if it’s Autumn or spring. I learned from published books and articles that Mexico serves as a cradle for ancient civilization (“Chichen”). Mexico is the place where proliferation of ancient practices--which would be considered as bizarre in the modern times would be deemed as acceptable in the ancient period-began (“Chichen”). Some claimed that one of these ancient practices involved human sacrifices to the rain god. I was completely mystified and in awe to learn that some women during these times were thrown to sacred cenote (“Chichen”). I often find myself wondering how these ancient civilizations disappeared. Perhaps, ancient dwellers found it easy to incorporate teachings of Christianity to their belief system. The strong devotion of Mexicans to their religion is manifested in the number of churches in Guadalajara and other places, and the festivities held for their saints. I also learned from my research of the Mexican’s nature to be gregarious through their music, festivities, and activities (“Guadalajara”). In addition, review of available literature has made me recognize that Mexico is truly blessed with natural wonders and resources. I find it fun and interesting to plot my itinerary and daily schedule. I’m surprise to find myself having fun in looking for affordable hotels and bargains. I learned from planning this international trip the importance of patience, perseverance, and appreciation for the country. I learned to be patient in searching for affordable hotels, restaurants, and transportation. In addition, I have learned to love a country through its unique history, beliefs, and traditions. Some information were difficult to find; nevertheless, this assignment gave me a sense of fulfillment. I’m quite sure that future students of this subject will feel the same way, so there’s no need for modifications. Works Cited Chichen Itza. Differentworld.com. Web. 2012. Guadalajara. Wikitravel. Web. 2012. Read More