Well, only one thing could have been different... Holland could have won:(. Other than that, what an awesome time in Malinalco. About a two hour drive from Cuernavaca, it is located in the state of Mexico. The origin of its name comes from the goddess Malinalxóchil. The municipality of Malinalco is also home to the village of Chalma where it is said the Black Christ appeared around 1537, the second most visited shrine in Mexico after the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Franciscans, Dominicans, and finally Augustinians were all here. Even the Jesuits for a time.
Malinalco is not only famous for its pre-Aztec ruins among other things, but also for its famous 500 year-old murals that were preserved under many coats of paint until accidentally discovered in the 1970s. Known as the Paradise Garden Murals of Malinalco, they date from the 16th century and can be found in the Augustinian ex-monastery of the Divino Salvador. The murals were painted by indigenous artists, and though depict the Garden of Eden as requestd, the artists wove their own culture into the murals. It is one of the finest examples of indigenous art anywhere in the Americas and is remarkably well preserved.
Of all the places in Mexico I've had the privilege to visit, this place ranks in the top three. The ruins above provide such an incredible view of the town and surrounding area that my pictures can only suggest its beauty. Add the sounds of the drums and conch shells being blown to the echoes of the fireworks from a local celebration that resonate for several seconds around the enclosed rock walls and you can begin to appreciate the magic of Malinalco.
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