Fat Tuesday in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

Fat Tuesday or Tuesday de Carnival is the beginning of the Mardi Gras here in Patzcuaro.  These photos were taken by my hubby, Ricardo.

Technorati Tags: Fat Tuesday,Mardi Gras,Patzcuaro,Michoacan,Mexico

Danza de Los Negritos in Tocuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

These photos were taken about 15 years ago (non-digital) in Tocuaro, Michoacan, Mexico during the Fiesta de Los Negritos.

Technorati Tags: Danza de Los Negritos,Tocuaro,Michoacan,Mexico

For Cloud Watchers Only

 

 

 

 

 

Occasionally our sky is graced with a rainbow, especially during a “sun shower”.  On this day there was just a smidgen of rainbow visible to the side of Cerro Blanco (White Hill).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No folk, this isn’t smoke.  It’s just one of the unusual cloud formations that we get in the sky over Patzcuaro.  This one caught my eye because of the blue sky, fluffy white clouds and the dark smoky triangle just sitting there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’m a “cloud watcher” and am constantly mesmerized by the sky here.  These are some of the towering clouds that accumulate behind the mountains which encircle Lake Patzcuaro.

 

 

 

 

 

All of these pictures were taken from the balcony outside of our bedroom.  A great place for cloud watching.  The Island of Janitzio is at the bottom center of the photo.

 

 

Technorati Tags: Patzcuaro,Janitzio,Michoacan,clouds,Mexico

Cocinas Economicas

I have found that, if you're looking for the best tasting food at the most reasonable price, look for a cocina economica (economy kitchen)  with customers.  If there is a steady clientele, chances are that the food is plentiful, tasty and safe. 

The first photo is of a "cocina" in the Mercado de Independencia in Moralia, Michoacan.  Great food!  The second photo is of a "cocina" in the mercado in Melaque, Jalisco where we would go for breakfast almost every day.  Best beans I've ever tasted!

Chitzen Itza

 I visited Chitzen Itza in the early 1980s. While there I went up into the center of this pyramid. The passage was extremely steep and narrow and ended in a room where there was a panther(?) of onyx. Quite impressive but not for those with claustrophobia!

The second photo is of  the area where sacrifices were  made.  After going up and down this one, I couldn't walk the next day!  Then I learned that you ascend and descend from side to side, not straight up and down.  Live and learn!

Copper from Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacan

This is just a small sampling of the vast selection of items produced in Santa Clara.

More from El Refugio de Potosi

This little cutie is a miniature porcupine. She is very affectionate, just don't touch the top of her head...that's where the spines are!

The Life of a Rose

Each flower is a soul opening out to nature.
~Gerard De Nerval~

Laughter of the Earth

Earth laughs in flowers.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Hamatreya"~

Guadalajara, Jalisco in Style

Many years ago I toured Guadalajara by carriage.  I don't know if they still do this but, if they don't, it's a shame as this is a wonderful way to see this beautiful city.

Dancing Horses

The most popular feature of parades and barrio fiestas is the "dancing horses".  These beautiful, superbly trained horses perform to music to the delight of all spectators.

El Refugio de Potosi - Guerrero, Mexico

While vacationing in Zihuatanejo last month, we took a day trip to the Refugio de Potosi about a half an hour drive from Zihuat. This refuge was opened about 10 months ago to provide a place for the native species of plants and animals to be seen and preserved. It is a wonderful, if small, collection of wildlife.  They will be constantly adding to it over the coming years.  I look forward to returning in the fall.
.

Touch of the Master

Often while traveling with a camera we arrive just as the sun slips over the horizon of a moment, too late to expose film, only time enough to expose our hearts.

  ~Minor White~

Desfile de Primavera/Spring Parade Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

Every spring the "little people" of Patzcuaro dress up in costumes and parade through the center of town.  Teachers and parents try to maintain some form of control but it has been said that it is like trying to herd cats!  It is one of my favorite parades.

White Beauty

To be overcome by the fragrance of flowers is a delectable form of defeat.

  ~Beverly Nichols~

Food for the Soul

Bread feeds the body, indeed, but flowers feed also the soul.

~The Koran~