Few pictures of the Getty Center in LA.

Chichen Itza was one of the largest Maya cities. El Castillo or Kukulcán’s pyramid is essentially a nine-step structure culminating in a flat platform that supports a two-story temple. El Castillo’s design is thought to relate to the Mayan calendar.

Each of the four faces incorporates a broad, steep staircase consisting of 91 steps that ascends to the top platform. Counting the top platform as an additional step gives a total of 365 steps: 1 step for each day of the year.

Coba is a large ruined city of the Pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located about 90 km east of the Maya site of Chichen Itza, about 40 km west of the Caribbean Sea, and 44 km northwest of the site of Tulum, with which it is connected by a modern road. Coba is located around two lagoons. Coba is estimated to have had some 50,000 inhabitants (and possibly significantly more) at its peak of civilization, and the built up area extends over some 80 km².

In Coba it is possible to climb (at your own risk) the tallest (42m) Mayan pyramid (Nohoch Mul pyramid). From the top the view is stunning and it is possible to detect, far away another pyramid belonging to the same site (look carefully above Sheede’s head in the above picture). Also, in Coba you can find two ball courts with very interesting details. According to the local guides, the game was ‘win or die’, the loosers were up to be painted in blue and sacrificed.

The area is still immersed in the jungle and the work of archeologists is far to be considered done. Coba is a very fascinating city of mystery. In the picture below you can see how hard is the work of the archeologists studying the Mayan cities. Coba is still characterized by piles of rocks literally fused with the vegetation.

It is always a pleasure to spend time in Vienna. The city is beautiful, clean and always projected into the future.

This was my first time in Budapest and I was impressed by the incredible amount of things to see.

While traveling random things can happen. in a sequence of events… we found ourselves attending the funeral of the last heir of the Habsburg dynasty (Otto von Habsburg) in Vienna inside of the st Stephen’s cathedral… it was truly a unique experience!!

Montezuma Castle National Monument, located near Camp Verde, Arizona, in the Southwestern United States, features well-preserved cliff-dwellings. They were built and used by the Pre-Columbian Sinagua people, northern cousins of the Hohokam, around 700 AD.

Pow Wow time is the Native American people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and make new ones.

I honestly wasn’t expecting much from the old town. I was imagining a few houses spread out in a modern neighborhood. With my surprise, the old town looks like one of those little towns I used to see in the old western movies… with real antique guns and sheriff stars.

The 2011 travels season started with San Diego (California). Here are some of the pictures taken in Balboa Park.

Antoni Gaudí is the kind of man who can change the image of an entire city: Barcelona.

If you are visiting Puerto Rico, Old San Juan is something you must see. In 1493 Colombus arrived here on his second voyage. The colors of this old city are something you will never forget. Walking on these colorful and narrow streets is really relaxing and you can easily find good local food (try El Jibarito). Also, don’t forget to visit San Cristóbal castle and El Morro.