We left Oaxaca City for Monte Alban one of the first planned urban areas in the Americas. The drove out of the city was a riot of color. Purple jackaranda trees competed with the beautiful orange of the Poinciana and the bubenbilla to use the Spanish spelling. We would never think of putting those colors so close together in our yard, but they work beautifully here. Monte Alban was a large complex with temples; residences, an observatory and all that was required of a bustling civilization. There is evidence of trading with far away places and the walls tell the story of battles and conquests. Smaller carving show people suffering from various diseases and it is believed that these were used as medical texts. It is easy to imagine this place full of life, waiting for life or death messages from the priests. Scholars studying the skies for the next eclipse or comet. I shared this site previously with my granddaughter, Laura and got to share it finally with Troy. Just when I think I do not want to see another ancient ruin I realize that there is always something new to learn. Returning to the city we had lunch and
