My name is Tochtli, born to that day some 33 years ago. I am of the Mexica tribe, born and raised in the sacred capitol city of Tenochtitlan. I am of the pochteca and am proud to serve my gods and lords faithfully in war and sacrifice, as my father did before me. I have been very successful and have been able to provide my wife and two (soon to be three) children a comfortable life. It is wise to say that the god Yacatecuhtli, looks generously upon me and I owe all to him (Smith, 213).

Before I am even dressed I can smell my wife and daughter preparing tortillas from the patio. Being from the highest order of pochteca, my home is larger than most in my calpolli. It is built in a half-moon fashion around a central patio. The structure is

As we enter the market, I once again admire the grandeur of it all. I think only those who have traveled can truly appreciate the spectacle of the Texcoco market, the second largest in the empire. Thousands upon thousands gather to barter or sell their goods. In the vast plaza, vendors set-up countless stalls in streets according to their goods. One vast street holds any type of game or dog a person could eat ( and more stench than a person should bear). Another consists of herbs and medicines, while yet another sells food and drink (Smith, 116). This is all done under the watchful eyes of the gods whose images can be seen everywhere, inspecting and guarding. Almost every artisan and merchant has a patron god.

Yet, there will be an even brighter future for my son. His intelligence and strength has not gone unnoticed in the city. The calmecac is a school for nobles and only the most exceptional commoners. There he will train in the temples, under the tutelage of only the wisest priests (Smith,138). He will be trained for a future in government, or priesthood, or military! Working under priests will no doubt teach him the self-discipline, obedience and control that the gods look most favorably upon.

Dusk approaches and the market begins to die down. I remember I still have an important errand to run and we head back toward our capolli. As we walk back my son asks when he will be allowed to join me on expeditions and I tell him he will soon be on expeditions of his own. In my heart I feel he will succeed in his life to degrees I dare not dream. My apprentice, who is my faithful shadow, and I discuss and analyze the days events. He is a fast learner and I am glad to see him and my son becoming friends.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Smith256 Besides, Ruler Texcoco, , Molotecatl Tecuhtli, tlamama apprentice, texcoco market, wife daughter, son apprentice, filled sawdust, tlamama apprentice son, toxcatl ceremonies, god yacatecuhtli, enemy territory, cacao beans, food drink,
Approximate Word count = 3162
Approximate Pages = 13 (250 words per page double spaced)