Decorated evergreen trees, garlands of greens and ivy, yule logs, shiny glass balls, seasonal music, twinkling lights, special family meals, shimmering stars, brilliantly red poinsettias, silvery ribbons, mounds of presents, and Santa Claus are the vibrant heralds of the Christmas season in the United States and Canada. Few North Americans recognize that the roots of […]
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The Lake Chapala region (numerous villages stretching from Jocotepec on the northwest corner of the lake to Ajijic and Chapala further east) continues to grow in popularity among American and Canadian retirees looking for winter warmth and plenty of activities. The area has many attractions and comforts, and yet, not everyone can live happily here […]
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If Lake Chapala could speak for itself, Mark Twain’s famous comment might come to mind: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.” Since torrential rains began battering much of central Mexico in mid-August, the nation’s largest lake has undergone a truly astonishing transformation. Tourists boats that were forced to dock over a kilometer away […]
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Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco and the “Pearl of the West.” Founded in 1542, Mexico’s second largest city is a bustling metropolis with a colonial heart and a provincial soul. Guadalajara is a center of learning with six universities, two culinary institutes, a renowned philharmonic orchestra and a thriving art scene. Mexico hotels in […]
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In today’s world, where massive factories churn out goods at breakneck speed, it is hard for many people to imagine that there are still devoted artisans tucked away in remote villages of Mexico who dedicate days, weeks and even months to creating one exquisitely crafted piece. These artisans, toiling away in their secluded studios, are […]
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Gallery: Discover the magic of papelmalecho in Tapalpa “Mexico has colorful folk art traditions,” says the diminutive woman in white, pointing to a series of papier mache creations. “Ours are always amiable or nice, like a pleasant dream.” Patricia Villalever flashes a smile and adds, “So when you write about us, more people can share […]
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Gallery: Tapalpa: Land of colors Tapalpa is an alpine town south of Guadalajara. Surrounded by forests, lakes and streams, Tapalpa beckons visitors to its restful landscape. One winter weekend, as my van snakes up the Sierras, I stare at the valley falling away… fast. At 2200 meters above sea level, it is no wonder that […]
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If there is one state that can be considered quintessentially Mexican, it is Jalisco. Home of mariachis, tequila, famous regional dances and equally well-known culinary specialties, Jalisco is at the heart of the country’s culture and contributes significantly to its cuisine. Located in Western Mexico, bordering on the Pacific Ocean to the west, and surrounded […]
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The ship’s embracing water is as still as the prevailing silence while I watch the sun rise from behind the Sierra Madre Mountains. Its glorious rays begin to rebound off red-tiled roofs of hillside bungalows that line the many dusty and tattered cobblestone lanes. Vacated golden beaches lie waiting in both directions, where bikini-clad sun […]
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