It is magical to just walk through the ancient city of Teotihuacan envisioning what this mighty city would have looked like in the 1500s. But nothing is comparable to floating over these pyramids in a hot-air balloon. Inside a basket with 12 other strangers floating in the air watching the sun rise to experience this ancient city. A forever memory etched in your brain. Here’s why you should try it….
Much like the country, Mexico City is so misunderstood, yet it offers a vibrancy and magnetism similar to many European countries. The city is both captivating and complex with a history that dates back to the ancient city of the Aztecs. Today, Mexico City is America’s oldest city founded by indigenous people. I spent six weeks in Mexico City exploring its beauty and culture while also understanding what makes this awesome city tick. Too much to do and too little time to fully take in all that it offers. Here is what I experienced ….
Driving four hours from Oaxaca to Puebla, you can fully appreciate the beauty and enormity of the Sierra Madre Mountain range that surrounds both the city and state of Puebla, (6000 ft. above sea level). There are probably very few cities that can boast about the abundance and the grandeur presence of its 16-18th century Baroque architecture. Puebla is known for its Mole Poblano, a sweet spicy chocolate sauce with a kick and for it spicy-spicy Chiles en Nagodo (neither one, my stomach handled well). But more importantly, this city is also known for the Battle of Puebla, celebrated today as Cinco de Mayo when tequila and mezcal takes over the city (and the US). During my 25 day stay, I got to experience much of the cultural diversity of both the city and state of Puebla….
I’ve always loved Rufino Tamayo as an artist and a muralist. Little did I know he was also an avid art collector of Mesoamerican Art. During my stay in Oaxaca, I visited the Tamayo Museum of Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico and was blown away by the throve of ancient archeological artifacts collected by Tamayo and gifted to the city he was born in. This avant-garde modern artist has two museums named after him for good reason, leaving behind a legacy unequal to most artists of his era…
During my stay in Puebla, I came across a craft that I have seen many times in my travels in Spain and Mexico, but knew very little of its origin and production. The “Talavera”, as it is called, is an artisanal technique of pottery and tile making that uses a type of clay mainly found in Puebla. I visited two certified “Talleres” on how it is manufactured with very little modernization. Its origin (referring to its ornamentation) was first perfected by the Chinese during the 15th century. Yet today it is the Chinese who present a threat to this iconic traditions. Here how.
There are certain times during the year that you may want to visit the city of Oaxaca (although most anytime would be good). December is clearly one of those seasons. A time of festivities–full of music, colorful traditional dresses, ancestral dancing, and unique cuisine. An urban city designated as a heritage site surrounded by the Sierra mountains at 5,000 feet above sea level. This city, which includes the state of Oaxaca, is known for its indigenous art and handicrafts. Maker of at least 8 different types of mole’ and the home of Mezcal with way too many varieties of this mystical libation to take home. It is the homeland of the Mixtecos and Zapotecos, who decedents today represent over 16 ethnic groups. An entirely distinct part of Mexico, perfect for celebrating the holidays and ringing in the new year. Here’s why ….
