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

Long & winding road to Batopilas, Chihuahua Mexico Photo by J. Bjarnason November 2018 THE AMBITIOUS VILLAGE OF BATOPILAS Some roads are more dangerous than others, but the truly intrepid journey to a colourful Pueblo Magico in the base of Batopilas canyon is as exciting as it is brave. The twisting road spirals down a series of steep and unforgiving switchbacks from the canyon rim to the base, through a remote expanse of raw and magnificent wilderness. Though the prospec

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

HISTORY - THE JESUITS AND THE WINE THEY LEFT BEHIND

Pottery Vessel, Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua Mexico Photo by J.Bjarnason December 2018 The story of Juan Quezada is as fascinating as it is reminiscent of so many legends whose accomplishments were against all odds. Born on May 6, 1940 in Tutuaco, Chihuahua, Juan Quezada's family relocated to a tiny village that had shrunk to only three blocks following the Mexican Revolution. That village was called Mata Ortiz. As a child, Juan was engrossed by creative activities. From sculpt