Mexico Vacation Travels Pictures, Reviews, & Deals» Cholula

The Grand Pyramid of Cholula

Omer — Sat, 30 May 2009 06:33:00 +0000

Cholula de Rivadavia, as it is officially called, is an important Mexican city in the state of Puebla. It is deivided into three parts called, San Pedro de Cholula, San Andres Cholula, and Santa Isabel Cholula, which is a more rural part of the city.

The greater glory of Cholula was perhaps achieved in the pre-Columbian era, wiith the location being home to a major MExican city after the second century BCE. The area was inhabited for thousands of years before that time also the ruins and remains of which are a powerful attraction to tourists today.

Cholula is home to the famous grand pyramid which is the largest pyramid in the world by volume. It is a huge and imposing stone structure that is the center of attention for visitors of all kinds.

The Iconic Dog of Mexico, Aye Chihuahua!

nelsonmelle — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:00:29 +0000

Enjoying the sun (CC photo by bby_ courtesy of Flickr)

Chihuahua is king when it comes to personality. Maybe the Taco Bell advertising hurt the Chihuahua more than offering positive publicity, but a proud history still wins this little dog many popularity contests. While his history holds some mystery, there is quite a bit known about the amazing pint size K-9 from Mexico. Evidence at the ancient ruins in Cholula have offered an interesting window into the history of the Chihuahua including the proof showing the breed’s roots lie in the heart of Mexico.

Chihuahua puppy (CC photo by Toronja Azul courtesy of Flickr)

The Chihuahua is believed to be a descendant of the Toltec’s much adored Techichi breed. The Techichi was a larger dog than the modern Chihuahua, but had similar features. It was believed that the dog predated the Mayans and when the Toltecs were overthrown by the Aztecs, the Aztecs took the Techichi as their own. The wild Techichis ran in packs throughout Mexico, but later came to be known as a dog for the wealthy and privileged.

Chihuahua statue in Chihuahua (CC photo by JJ.Figueroa courtesy of Flickr)

The smaller breed seen in the Chihuahua today came from breeding with Chinese breeds brought by the Spanish Conquistadors. The Chinese Crested Dog is one of the breeds believed to have mixed with the Techichi. The head of the Chihuahua is an interesting feature since it is one of the striking characteristics of the breed and also shows the trait that sets this little guy aside from other dogs. Although it is the smallest breed, it is believed to have the largest brain. Many believe the Chihuahua is a very smart dog to have around. So much, in fact, many choose this small friend as a guard dog of sorts.

Herding chickens (CC photo by Dickyfern courtesy of Flickr)

Chihuahua’s are popular, not only for their tiny features, but for their big personality. While some have been known to have nasty dispositions, the Chihuahua is often a misunderstood creature. This little dog does not seem to know its own size and can often be seen running with dogs far larger than itself. Many times the Chihuahua can even be seen as the pack leader.

The Chihuahua has taken its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, but evidence of this little guy can be seen throughout Mexico. The pyramids of Cholula offered proof of the Techichi and other evidence fortifies the theory that the modern Chihuahua descended from Mexico with some mixing from Chinese breeds. The blood of the Chihuahua traces back to Mexico though, making this small proud breed a favorite in its native country.

Are Chapulines the New Potato Chip?

nelsonmelle — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:10:31 +0000

Chapulines as a topping (photo by Cesar Rincon courtesy of Flickr)

The popularity of Mexican cuisine has found its way onto the tables of homes across the world. Tacos, enchiladas and chips with salsa are just a few favorites. How do you think your family would feel about seasoned insects?

Visit cities like Oaxaca or Puebla and the local marketeers are sure to offer a culinary delight that has been enjoyed in the region for over 3,000 years. Chapulines, which are cooked and seasoned grasshoppers, are quickly becoming a popular favorite of tourists.

Chapulines in the marketplace(photo by Matt Murf courtesy of Flickr)

These crispy delights can be eaten as a snack, much like nuts, sunflower seeds or popcorn. Vendors often sell small bags of Chapulines so shoppers can eat while perusing the marketplace. There can be various flavors for Chapulines, but the most common is flavored with lime. Chili-flavored Chapulines are popular, but some locals believe the chili is usually used to cover the taste of stale grasshoppers. Still, many adore the hotter variety.

Chapulines sold in Cholula(photo by Andresmh courtesy of Flickr)

Visit Oaxaca, and the popular tlayudas are enjoyed with Chapulines as the meat. Tlayudas are a crunchy taco that usually has a smear of refried beans and pork lard and a topping of meat and lettuce or cabbage. Oaxacan cheese, of course, is also added. Chapulines and guacamole are also a marriage made in Mexican heaven and the two create a delightful treat as the topping for a tlayuda.

Tlayudas with chapulines (photo by erlin1 courtesy of Flickr)

Chapulines can be a delightful snack while enjoying the Mexican marketplace or a divine dinner topping for a delicious tlayuda. Although bizarre to some, the chapuline quickly becomes a favorite of tourist because of the crispy and flavorful characteristics similar to potato chips or fried soybeans.

The bizarre becomes standard fair once you give into this intriguing delicacy. With popular shows highlighting chapulines, maybe it stands a chance to become the next snack food favorite.