Teotihuacan Pyramids

The teams were transported on a comfortable bus, traveling with Team Canada to the Teotihuacan pyramids. As they entered the pyramid area they found many vendors looking to sell them souvenirs "almost free". Of course they all managed to find something to buy from hats to noise makers to jewelry to glass pyramids. It was quite a long walk to get to the first of the big pyramids, the Sun, but along the way were all kinds of ancient structures,  more aggressive vendors and plenty of photo opportunities. There was plenty of activity around the Sun Pyramid as most all of the Homeless World Cup teams were there. Then it was time to climb the steps. I don't know if anyone counted how many steps we took to the top, but it was plenty. If you got to the top there was an absolutely amazing view of the surrounding countryside. It seems that the pollution that everyone mentions was at a pretty low level as we could see for miles. As the team wandered around the pyramids they talked with local people and players from other teams. Huli found many of his HWC friends and reignited those friendships.

After several hours of enjoying the historic area, the teams made their way to a restaurant where they were greeted with a catered lunch, entertainment and more opportunities to meet the other teams. The lunch was a never ending supply of a variety of Mexican cuisine and the entertainment included musicians and native dancers. With their appetites satisfied, their souvenirs in hand, the teams headed back to Mexico City.

Team Finland decided to check out the venue so they walked from the Hotel Fontan down the walking avenue directly to the venue. The walking avenue will be an interesting walk for them each day as there are plenty of people and plenty of stores. Workers were busy putting the finishing touches on all parts of the venue, but stopped to say hello as the players passed by. Several people stopped the team along the way to inquire as to who they were and what was happening and of course it meant another photo opportunity. I think we need to keep track of how many Finns they meet. Yesterday we met another of the guides who is working with the Ukrainian team, and then a young man approached them as they were gathered by the opening gate of the venue.

If the first day was any indication of how the rest of the tournament will be, I would say it will be awesome. The players are being treated first rate.