Take a Look!
Tepoztlan, also called Town of God, mixes mystical and Mexican tradition. Tepoztlan is located in the state of Morelos is an excellent destination to relax and take a break. Arriving in this magical town takes only one hour from Mexico City. When I visit Tepoztlan, I immediately feel myself transport to another land.
When I arrive in Tepoztlan, the highway left behind, and I get a fantastic view. In front of us appear the Tepozteco Mountain and its impressive cliffs full of trees. This hill is the opposite of Franklin Mountain in El Paso, Texas. While the Tepozteco looks charming and peaceful, Franklin Mountain seems strong and cold.
Narrow streets whose pavement and fences are made of precious natural stone lead to a hotel called “La Posada del Tepozteco.” The building is an old manor house of Mexican ancestry and now turned into a beautiful hotel. After I register at the front desk, I tell the receptionist that I am interested in a “Temazcal.” “The hotel has a Temazcal area,” she replies. We make an appointment for 6 p. m. Andres, who is my husband, asks several questions, such as how long it takes, and what kind of clothes we need. She says, “the Temazcal takes one hour and a half. Wearing cotton clothes is advisable.” “This sounds exciting! “ I say. After that, we go to our room and prepare to go downtown. While we are walking in the main place, we realize that typical clothes are sold at some of the stands of the Saturday market. This market also offers Mexican food like quesadillas, tacos and fresh fish. We really enjoy visiting the Saturday market in Tepoztlan. On this beautiful summer afternoon, the sun is shining covering the entire valley of Tepoztlan. Some people enjoy only walking, Others are having the delicious ice cream which is made of natural fruits.
It is about 5 p.m. so time to go to the hotel and prepare for the Temazcal. A charmin hostess leads Andres and me to the Temazcal bath. As soon as we get to the “Temazcal” area, a couple of hippies appear and welcome us. Someone is carrying lighted volcanic stones into the Temazcal. The Temazcal is a little circular room built of bricks and cement, and it only has a small door in the middle. It is like an igloo or dome. After a few minutes, Carlos our guide says “please stand up.” While he is praying, he is bathing us with a bouquet of herbs and a bowl full of incense. Andres looks at me and seems to disagree. When I enter the little building, I see a rustic cement bench on which fit four or five people comfortably seated. I notice that it is dark but after a few minutes I can tell that in the center are the lighted volcanic stones, two buckets of aromatic water, herb leaves, a little plate with aloe vera pieces, and maracas. There are no windows and the air is scented with aromatherapy oils. Carlos advices, “When I throw water on the volcanic stones, it will produce steam. So you must cover yourselves with herb leaf.” He tells us that Temazcal is derived from ancient Nahuatl, an Aztec dialect; Temaz is Steam- and Calli is House. He also says that the Temazcal was used widely among the Aztecs and Mayas as a therapeutic instrument.
The little door is closed with leaves. Now I really have no idea what to expect. I feel nervous and anxious. The Temazcal ceremony begins. When he sprinkles some aromatic water onto the volcanic stone, the heat in the room intensifies. Carlos swirls branches with leaves around the room. I almost stop breathing when they touch my face. The prayers and singing begin. The energy in the room intensifies and I feel a little dizzy. I get the herb leaf, I drop some water and rub my body with aloe vera. I start to feel better. Carlos prays for the four elements: earth, wind, fire, and water. Carlos and we focus on giving thanks to God. During the ceremony, I really want to leave but I feel a sensation of heat, humidity, and relaxation. When the ceremony is over, we go outside. A friendly hippie lady wraps me in a towel and I admit I feel very good. I realize that my beautiful clothes are stained by water. I rest sitting on the floor for about fifteen minutes. A lady offers us a delicious tea. The Temazcal is an excellent spiritual and therapeutic experience,
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