Mexico has proven to be an interesting place. Woke up at noon yesterday just for fun and ran into one of the scariest dudes I've ever seen. Naturally I started up a conversation with him (saw an American flag, figured he couldn't be dangerous. I was wrong). He's possibly one of the most dangerous fellas I've ever met, and so were his mates. They are the USA's entry into the World Amateur MMA Championships. They call themselves Team Deathsquad, and you couldn't hope to meet a more personable bunch of blokes. They invited me to sit with them at their table for lunch and we had a great chat about their fights, the collection of cuts and bruises on their bodies, and their hopes for the future. Went out to the pool with them after lunch (about 2pm) and stayed out there till 11pm talking shit. One of them recently lost his title and the belt he so loved, and the other was preparing for his first fight in seven months. Dan on the other hand went to the bar and found someone from his home town. One guy used to be a meth dealer and user and made (and lost) a fortune. Stories of cruise ships, red light districts, whores and bar fights fly as thick as the humid air.
The things you find out about people, hey? At first glance you'd think them to be grunting sociopaths, but they're great guys, just don't piss em off or threaten them. Didn't stop me from calling one a chicken fucker though (long story, it's a good one). They said they'd get me a pass to their hotel on the strip 'because dude, when you've partied with us, you'll see life in a whole different way'. Unfortunately, they were quite drunk by the time 11pm rolled around, so I was given the wrong room number by the only guy left standing. Ce la vis. Left a message at the front desk for em, so we'll see how it goes.
Saw Chichen Itza today and spent most of my time talking to a kiwi chick who was on her way to Cuba, and a gay Canadian couple who had brought their two young sons along to see Mexico. Great guys, great stories. It's good to meet people who speak english. Espaniol does my fucking head in. At any rate, the pyramid complex is the stuff dreams are made of. I could not wipe the grin off my face the whole time. It's a magnificent structure, albeit WAY smaller than the Egyptian pyramids, and it fills you with a sense of wonder. It's a fucking pyramid in the middle of the jungle, built by guys who didn't want to be there in the first place. You cannot begin to imagine the feeling you get standing next to a structure like that. There's this energy about it that just does things to your brain. I think it's the geometric accuracy and the forethought that went into building it. Everything is perfect.
Watch Apocalypto if you want to see the guys who built it. Crazy people. What's craziest is that they didn't just build the complex as a way to tell the time. Oh no! They built it to impress their god. Why they would want to impress this guy is beyond me, because he's a complete arse. 'I demand sacrifice! More! More! MOAR! KULKUCHAN DEMANDS MOAR!!!''
When they couldn't please him, they killed more people and built more buildings to appease him. It's incredible. Regardless of the reasoning behind it, the complex is still a very powerful place. Can't wait to compare it to the pyramids on the other side of the pond. Ah that's a cool thing to say 'Compare it to the OTHER pyramids'. You know, because they're just down the street and all.
Critique on the Mexican culture and things next time - probably from Peru. The next hurdle I face is buying a new smaller backpack for the hike - this current small one won't cut it. Getting my bags thru the airports will eb fun too.
Cheers,
sam
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6 comments:
Wow - you're having a great time! Did you get to see the MMA team in action? (as in fighting action not partying action). What's the temperature like? How are your shoes?
Dad
Mum here - What's the prob with the backpack? If it's my old one ditch it if that's easiest.... Loved hearing your tales of adventure - looking forward to the next instalment. Try not to annoy the MMA guys - we'd like you back in one piece xxxxx
Got kicked out of the MMA hotel. that was an interesting experience. Five security guards appeared from nowhere and surrounded Dan and I in a calm but definite manner. Still, got a burger and a couple of beers down before I was ejected. They fight sunday so I won't get a chance to see them in action.
Shoes fine, temperature 27c but 80% humidity. bought a new pack for $30 AUD but I'll still keep yours mum as a carry-on bag.
Marco.....
Glad you are okay - thinking of you a lot! Hopefully you can keep in touch with your new MMA friends -from a safe distance like the internet!!
Good luck with your next leg to Peru.
All's well here - survived the Zoo Snooze (it was really good except for the lack of sleep)Chris is back at uni - 4 contact hours per week but loads of work. Aurora fundraiser is Sunday as well, so he's very busy. Abbie is confirmed as the chaplain as from Monday - police check etc all done so just waiting for the official announcement - it'll be great to be able to tell people.
Love you, take care Mum xxxxxxxxxx
I'm so jealous. Sounds like you're having an absolutely awesome time, and meeting tons of interesting people. :)
I can't wait to read your comparison of pyramids.
Way to live the dream Sam :)
No time for proper post. Leave for airport in 30 mins (1pm). flight leaves at 4pm. land in Cuzco at 7am. they should vbe getting me from the airport. fingers crossed
"Didn't stop me from calling one a chicken fucker though (long story, it's a good one)."
Wow, glad you didn't tell us that story. I hate good stories. Please don't tell it to us. Sarcasm aside, come on, what the fuck, I wanna know what happened! :-0
"Watch Apocalypto if you want to see the guys who built it. Crazy people...When they couldn't please him, they killed more people and built more buildings to appease him."
Crazy people, who thought men on horses were gods, who would try to catch their enemies alive to sacrifice them, all defeated by the common cold and a few rifles. Take that ancient civilisation! That'll learn ya ta mess with the Spanish! Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition!
"Abbie is confirmed as the chaplain as from Monday - police check etc all done..."
IT WAS RIGGED!
Lastly:
Seriously, running into a pile of MMA guys, that's fucking awesome! Keep somehow doing things like this! Also, I demand MOAR stories!
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