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

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