Mexico - Where History Rises Above The Lake

Hello there!

After a short break and consolidating my first edition of my Travel Diaries, which included my travel posts to 14 different countries, here's kickstarting my second edition of Travel Diaries! For those who are keen to read my the first edition, you can find them here.

I am actually quite excited to start this new country and new series of posts, because it's something that I wanted to do for quite some time, but I needed some time to tidy up my photos and organise my storytelling and places. And this new country is Mexico!

Back in 2009, I had the opportunity to go for a summer exchange programme to spend 7 weeks studying in an university in Queretaro, a small city in Mexico and that was one of my more memorable parts of my life! Going halfway across the globe from Asia, I didn't know much about Mexico so I went there with my eyes wide open, and ready to embrace the different cultures and experiences.

A few months before the actual trip, if you are old enough to recall, there was the H1N1 virus which was quite prevalent in the world, including Mexico, and the trip was almost cancelled. Eventually, the programme was postponed, and the situation got better and travel restrictions were lifted. Even so, many participants of the programme decided not to go ahead for personal reasons. Because this trip was such a rare opportunity, I made the decision to go ahead.

So let the adventures begin!

Here's the series of Mexico posts so far:
Mexico - Flying Halfway Across The Globe
Mexico - A Journey Beneath The Vineyard
Mexico - Where Peña de Bernal Comes Alive
Mexico - A Leap Of Faith At Las Pozas
Mexico - A Garden Of Wild Wonders
Mexico - The Pyramids Of Teotihuacan
Mexico - We Scaled The Pyramid Of The Sun
Mexico - Where Colour Meets The Hills At Guanajuato
Mexico - Getting Lost In Guanajuato
Mexico - Where Time Slows Down In Patzcuaro

After enjoying the peace and relaxing ambience in the little town of Patzcuaro, we were off to our next adventure in the itinerary. A ferry ride across Lake Patzcuaro and our destination this time is a little special, because it's actually an island in the middle of the lake, called Isla de Janitzio, or Island of Janitzio. This island is special because it is home to a 40 metre tall monument on top of a hill. So let's go!

After a few minutes, the Island of Janitzio came into view! Can you see the monument already? :)

Closer now...

When we were nearing the island, we also saw local fisherman who use what they called butterfly nets to do fishing.

I like this photo, capturing the beauty of the island, the majestic monument as well as the locals going about with their daily lives.

One last look at Lake Patzcuaro as we alighted the ferry and head off to the Island of Janitzio.

Can you guess where this is taken from?

If you guessed that it was taken from within the monument, you are right! And we climbed the stairs and finally emerged to enjoy this wonderful view! Lots of beautiful scenery to take in from all 360 degrees. Can never enough get enough of this nature sights!

And in case you were wondering just high 40 metres was, this is the view downwards. Hehe.

One final look at the monument when we came down. For those who are more interested in history, this person is José María Morelos, and he is a prominent figure in the Mexican history and independence.

So that's it for the day spent at Patzcuaro, learning a bit of history, enjoying a bit of scenery, and seeing a little different side of Mexico. I think such trips are really an eye opener and it helps me understand the world a little better, and appreciate different cultures as well.

And that's all I have today! Have you been to Lake Patzcuaro or Mexico? Let me know in the comments below!

Finally, thanks for reading my post in the community under World Map Pin!