Sunday, February 22, 2009

Shadow Shot Sunday 2 : Cholula

This week's shot comes from colonial Cholula, 10 km west of Puebla, which is renowned for two things. Firstly, it has the widest pyramid in the world, 4thc AD Piramide Tepanapa, which measures 450m along each side of the base, and contains a tunnel that you can still walk right through today. Secondly, it is the town where Cortes, the Spanish Conquistador, vowed to build a church for every day of the year - on top of the existing pagan temples. And yes, there is a beautiful colonial church stamped right on top of the widest pyramid in the world, with a view to crushing and stamping out indigenous culture. That was not managed, fortunately, but today from the terraces of the church, you get a wonderful view of Mexico's two most famous volcanoes Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl (weather permitting.)
The town of Cholula has a university, a huge zocalo with portals, arcades and more churches, and some very colourful colonial buildings. This shot was taken in the harsh, winter afternoon sun in January, making the yellows, rusts and blues even more intense. I can highly recommend a visit to Cholula, and for more atmospheric Sunday shadow shots click here for hey harriet.

14 comments:

Hey Harriet said...

Very cool shadow and I love the intensity of the colours in this gorgeous shot! I always think of Mexico filled with so much colour. I want to run away to Mexico!!! And to be surrounded by so much yummy food too...oh yeah! Packin' my bags now ;)

...I'm very envious of you! Have a great week :)

EG CameraGirl said...

I like this lamp shadow on the building wall. ;-)

My Shadow Shot Sunday post is at
More of Me - EG

kristine said...

this looks like a wonderful place for photography - those brght colours and the stark contrast...makes my photography trigger-finger itch!

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

Beautiful shadow shot! The crisp play of the metal work in shadow is lovely.

Carletta said...

The colors are gorgeous as a backdrop to your absolutely wonderful shadow!
It is so clear and crisp - well caught!

Thanks for your visit today.

Shannon said...

oooo... I LIKE it!!! Nice, PERFECT shadow!!!

Janie said...

Yes, it is fortunate that the Spanish did not wipe out the native culture there. Beautiful colors and great shadow.

PJ said...

I'm right there, the colors and the shadow say everything. The world's largest pyramid. Who knew?

Gemma Wiseman said...

Love the clean lines of the shadow on the wall colours! Like a great piece of artwork!

A Cuban In London said...

I love the solitude of the lampost. Many thanks.

Greetings from London.

alicesg said...

Lovely photo. Nice to take photos of shadow. I think I will try taking photo of myself during a hot day...lol.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for visiting my blog. Yes they are photos of Henley Beach in Adelaide. Have you been there? Love your photo of the lamp - great shadow.

Unknown said...

Nice capture. Lovely colors.

Catherine said...

Hi everyone...thanks for all your appreciative comments... and please come and view the colours of mexico firsthand when you get the chance!!