Cerocahui, Mexico: Tarahumara Indians, Jesuits and Wine
Story and photos by John Lamkin
Bumping along 45 minutes of dirt road from the train station, through
the wooded landscape, the forest opens to reveal the alpine-like valley
of Cerocahui (sero-kah-wee), a mile-high paradise. Below, I catch a
glimpse of the hidden valley with its silver river winding through its
vineyards and apple orchards — I could have been somewhere in Southern
Europe, but I am actually near the edge of the Barrancas de Cobre (Copper Canyon), Mexico's Grand Canyon. Little did I expect to find ancient vineyards here on top of the world.
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the full story
Cerocahui Valley
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Rancho Encantado: Hidden gem of the Yucatán
by John Lamkin
Nestled on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, far from Cancún, travelers can find relaxation and adventure at Rancho Encantado where warm, healing waters lap at the shore in an ever-shifting array of iridescent blues and greens.
They call it, "The Lagoon of Seven Colors," but I know there are more. From my hammock, I was tempted to open my eyes and drink in the light patterns playing on the water; but I resisted. The sun and soothing breeze made it difficult to expend too much effort. (Read the full article)
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Juan Luis and family
Day Of The Dead With The Zapotec Indian Weavers Of Teotitlán: The 21St Century Meets Ancient Mesoamerica
Article and Photos by John Lamkin
Nearly 40 years ago, I bumped along the pot-holed highway south out of Oaxaca City, Mexico to get to the Zapotec Indian weaving village of Teotitlán del Valle, an enclave of dirt streets and meager houses--with earth floors, outdoor kitchens and outhouses. The only school had but three grades, and there was very little electricity.
Less than half a century later, Teotitlán del Valle is a modern, successful village that keeps its fascinating Zapotec heritage alive through its ancient traditions and celebrations. The art of weaving, for instance, has been practiced for centuries in Teotitlán del Valle, dating back to the pre-Hispanic era, a time in which the village paid tribute to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan through offerings of woven cotton products at the end of the XV century. (read full article)
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La Petite Crêpe
by John Lamkin
Guidebooks warn against eating at roadside stands.
In Mexico, not far from the Belize border, a sign grabs my attention, "La Petite Crêpe, comida francés", begs me to stop. (read the full article)
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John's Blog
More here soon.
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