TRAVEL JOURNAL & OTHER THINGS

Raramuri Weavers -Creel, Chihuahua Mexico Photo by J. Bjarnason November 2018 When the Spanish arrived in Barrancas del Cobre, they misinterpreted the name of the local people thus named them, their language and territory Tarahumara. The indigenous people had little way to correct this error, given language barriers, isolation and the fact that they could never have imagined how influential published articles and books would be in the world outside of their home. For hundre

Traditional Home Inside a Cave Near Creel, Chihuahua Mexico Photo by J.Bjarnason November 2018 Imagine being able to create a form of currency from your field and stovetop? The Raramuri of Chihuahua, Mexico continue to function communally, often employing trade and bartering as a means for negotiating payment for labour and supplies. The importance of communal living is significant to the Raramuri and refusing to help a community member who has requested support can have ex

A Rebozo full of Marigolds, Santa Fe de la Laguna, Michoacan Mexico Photo by Bart Bjarnason November 1, 2021 The arrival of the musky, golden Cempasuchil (marigold) flowers on Benigno Serrato in Patzcuaro marks the start of the regions most significant and important observation of the year. For many foreigners who come from all over the world to observe this cultural ritual, Dia de Muertos is an enchanting overnight pilgrimage to select cemeteries around the lake region. Fo

T-Shaped Door, Las Ventanas, Chihuahua Mexico Photo Courtesy of INAH The most striking architectural feature stamped into the minds of anyone who visits Pueblo sites of the Southwestern United States or Paquime & the Sierra Madres of northern Mexico, are the striking and unforgettable T-Shaped doors. I am unsure who gave these doorways such a name, as for me, most look much more like a keyhole for an old fashioned lock, than a T. These unusual openings are also suspiciously

Ancient Mogollon City, Paquime, Chihuahua Mexico Photo by J. Bjarnason December 2018 "It has been said that in Chihuahua there is no green and burgeoning Eden; that it is a kingdom of yellowing plains: eroded, dry and desolate; a land of high rugged mountains shot through narrow passes. The scarce and torrential rain when it falls forms stagnant pools in the desert bowls, which later evaporate or hurl themselves down among the rocky canyons. The sun blisters and cracks, the w

Jipijapa hat weaver Alfredo, Becal, Campeche Mexico Photo by J.Bjarnason December 2023 The Lonely Planet was clear about buying a Panama Hat in Merida, back in 1996 when my family began researching hat dealers. One of the first rules was to avoid stores with salespeople bookmarking a Lonely Planet review from years previous, as some would purportedly use an old review to hock lower quality pieces for a high price. If the edition was current, there was a stronger possibility

The ancient trade route that extended from Oasisamerica near Chaco Canyon to the southernmost corners of Mesoamerica's ancient Maya cities began around 700 CE and lasted until after the Europeans arrived. The trade routes passed from the Anasazis through Mogollon territory in what is now Chihuahua, continuing southward to trade hubs along the way, including Chicomoztoc in modern Zacatecas, Tollan-Xicocotitlan in Hidalgo, El Tajin in Veracruz, and south through Zapotec cities