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

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

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

Russian-American Tatiana Proskouriakoff Born in 1909 in the Siberian city of Tomsk, Tatiana Proskouriakoff departed Russia in 1915 when her father, who was a chemist, was contracted by Czar Nicholas II to oversee the manufacturing of munitions in the United States. The family was living in Ohio when the Czar was forced to abdicate the throne (1917), and thus decided that a permanent relocation was more attractive than returning to the turmoil of the Russian Revolution and on

Jose Guadalupe Posada Political Satire has always been dangerous, but thankfully the efforts of certain revered celebrities, such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, have ensured that the incredible works of satire cartoonist Jose Guadalupe Posada, who died broke and in obscurity, would become legendary in Mexico. Born on February 2, 1852 in Aguascaliente, Posada was schooled by his brother, Cirilo, who ran an elementary school. He learned reading, writing and drawing, and lat

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