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Broken Spears is more than a history book. It is the tragedy of a people whose memory was effaced from the pages of history just as its physical existence was wiped out by the force of arms. The Aztecs of mexico, who have been reduced to a caricature of their former glory in both might and beauty, are being handled with grace and conviction in this engaging book.

Broken Spears tells the tale of the Spanish conquest, but does so from the mouth of an Aztec warrior. It is the story of Spanish treachery, Aztec courage and brutality, and short-sightedness of minor tribes who lent their power to the Spanish in order to be rid of the Aztec machine.

In all, this is a compelling and interesting study. Those who are interested in Mexico would do well to acquire and read it as part of their preparations for travel to the shiny beaches of the country.

Photo from mycancuntraveldeals.com

Santa Clara del Cobre is the heart of copperworking in mexico. Artisans, craftmen from all ages pour their creativity and skills into the various kinds of copperware they create, working tirelessly under the warm gaze of the sun.

mexican traditions are a mix of the cultures and habits of many nations who have arrived here over the years. In Santa Clara del Cobre, a town of just 12000 people, the expression of Mexican spirit finds its most evident form in the hard work and lively creations of the coppersmiths. This place is well worth a visit, if only to meet the tradition kept alive like a mighty shield against unyielding modernity. 

An Old World Shopping Experience

The origin of the mexican Mercado can be traced back to a group of people who arrived in North America some 12,000 years ago.  The Clovis People as they were known, were initially big game hunters but when the glaciers began to retreat in North America and the woolly mammoths and giant elk disappeared they were forced to look elsewhere for survival.  Around 2000 BC they learned how to work the land and grew things like maize, beans and squash.  Now that they had become farmers, they gave up the nomad lifestyle of chasing wild game, to stay in one place to tend their crops.  This brought about a complete cultural change.  Now, as a community, they had wares to buy and sell.  Thus the mercado is born.

Chiles, Chiles, and More Chiles

Around 1500BC the Olmec Culture was the first major culture to be born in mexico.  They were responsible for building massive temples and enormous structures of stone.  They had a calendar and a writing system that helped them to keep track of their inventories.  The temple cities were generally for religious ceremonies, but when this many people come together a form of commercial commerce was bound to evolve.  In these days, goods traded would include things like jade, marine shells and pottery.  At these trade centers, people exchanged goods and services but the mercados also provided a place for people to meet and communicate.

As time passed, Mexico became a place of great action and growth.  Villages became towns and cities and the mercado also grew in complexity and size.  As civilization evolved so did the mercado, and people became more and more dependent on them to peddle

there goods and services.

Over time, the markets have become more sophisticated but they still hold all their Old World charm.  A visit to a mercado is definitely a cultural experience.  To smell the smells, see the wares and watch the people is an energizing experience.  An adventure back in time awaits you.

Via SFChronicle: “Whether your interest lies with kitschy sombreros, handmade musical instruments, whimsical carved figures or fine silk shawls, one of mexico’s greatest pleasures is visiting its hundreds of craft towns. In addition to some of the larger and better-known cities that produce Talavera tile (Puebla), silver (Taxco) and hammocks and mosaico tile (Mérida), clusters of artisan villages — some whose entire populations are employed in a single craft — are sprinkled throughout Oaxaca, Michoacán and Jalisco states. Oaxaca:

Michoacán:

• Paracho (25 miles north of Uruapan) is a small Purépecha town famous for its high-quality, handmade stringed instruments. You can buy a reasonably priced guitar, violin, cello or traditional guitarrón at shops and home factories throughout town and at the Expo Cuerdas in the Casa de la Cultura on the main plaza or visit the Centro Para la Investigación y el Desarrollo de la Guitarra, a school, museum and concert hall.
• Santa Clara del Cobre (11 miles south of Pátzcuaro), spilling down a gentle mountain slope, is devoted to copperware. Tarascan Indians used copper to make rattles, masks and breastplates long before the Spanish turned the town into a mining center in the 16th century. Today, dozens of workshops craft gleaming jars, plates, napkin rings and jewelry with the traditional method of hand-pounding each piece of metal.

Guadalajara:

• Tlaquepaque (five miles southeast of downtown) is an eastern suburb that has become one of the country’s most important centers for arts and contemporary design. It produces a variety of crafts but is known particularly for its hand-blown glass. Lamps, dishes, glasses, vases and figurines are made by classic methods including compression and stretched blown glass, a difficult technique used only for decorative items. Tlaquepaque and neighboring Tonolá, which produces a variety of high-quality crafts from pottery and stoneware to brass and papier mâché, comprise Mexico’s biggest crafts center.

Elsewhere in Mexico:

• Bécal (55 miles from Mérida), in the far northeast corner of Campeche state, is famous for its hand-woven jipis, the pliable Panama hats (which actually originated in Ecuador) made in underground limestone caves, where cool temperatures and steady humidity make the palm fibers pliable for shaping and weaving. Bécal’s hats are every bit as elegant and durable as those made in Ecuador, though their best are shipped to New York, Paris and other international capitals.
• Metepec (35 miles west Mexico City), a suburb of Toluca, produces elaborate and symbolic pottery; its most famous is the árbol de la vida, or “Tree of Life.” These large, hand-painted clay pieces defy description, but are based on a representation of the tree from which Adam and Eve ate and may take on any theme, sacred or profane.
• Santa Maria del Rio (30 miles south of San Luis Potosí) calls itself the “cradle of the rebozo,” the all-purpose mexican covering, tote and baby carrier. The most prized rebozos are made of silk so fine that the whole cloth can pass through a wedding ring, though less expensive versions are made in other fabrics. You can learn how to make them at the Rebozo School on the town square.

Green house with white trim

CC photo by Mexicanwave courtesy of Flickr

A first glance throughout the town of Campeche shows a beautiful town rich with history and character. Traveling down the streets opens a world of marvelous colors of cool pastel-painted buildings highlighted by white trim. colonial details offer elegant flavor and tasteful architecture which mixes perfectly with the cultural style of this interesting coastal town.

Cathedral

CC photo by Rageforst courtesy of Flickr

In the 17th and 18th centuries, a wall was built to protect Campeche against pirate attacks. Evidence of the strength and will of the town can be seen in this still-standing structure. Rich historical details which perfume the town also offered it the title of a World Heritage Site in 2002 through UNESCO. Campeche is well known for taking care of its important historic structures preserving them for future generations.

Brilliant colors of homes

CC photo by Jungle_boy courtesy of Flickr

The night show at the Fort of San Jose El Alto is sure to fascinate visitors, but a walk through the beautiful cobblestones streets after the show is just as fun. Exhibits and museums awaken the senses while eateries indulge your culinary desires and bars delight visitors with drinks and entertainment. There is a comforting feel around town which seems to embrace visitors making them feel welcome and at home.

Balconies of Campeche

CC photo by Mexicanwave courtesy of Flickr

Adventures can also be enjoyed outside of town with rafting adventures, mountain biking, hiking and climbing activities. Close to Belize, Campeche is often a stop over or jump off for vacationers to and from this northern South American country. Flights to and from Belize are becoming quite popular with vacationers wanting to visit both areas while visiting this beautiful tropical haven. Trips to Campeche are sure to please and perfect for all members of the family.

CC photo by Simbiosis courtesy of Flickr

Located on the southernmost tip of the mexican state of Tamaulipas, Tampico is the second most important port in the Gulf of mexico. Tampico has long been the chosen location for international sporting events because of its prime location, excellent weather and great venues. Fishing is a wonderfully popular sport bringing in many tourists for various tournaments throughout the year.

Rancho el Porvenir

CC photo by Sergio Lubezky courtesy of Flickr

The historic downtown area is a definite must see and best seen by foot. It is suggested that drivers park in any of the lots and enjoy leisurely treks throughout the beautiful city. The area is known for great food, exquisite architecture and interesting shops and boutiques. Culinary fare consists of classical Mexican creations, in addition to, seafood favorites and local specials. Break fast is a must to set your day on the right track and give you energy to take in the many sights around town.

Laguna del Carpintero

CC photo by Simbiosis courtesy of Flickr

The Plaza de Armas is a must see, as well as, the  beautiful Temple of the Immaculate Conception. If you have access to a car, the Tampico Bridge is a breathtaking sightseers delight along with the nearby Laguna de Tamiahua shoreline.Eateries and shops decorate the shoreline offering a delightful trip outside the more crowded historic downtown area. Both, however, must be enjoyed.

Metropolitan Theater

CC photo by Simbiosis courtesy of Flickr

The city of Tampico is brimming with possibilities for leisurely day trips or extended stays. There is something for everyone and for every day of the week. From relaxing walks to indulging cultural activities, Tampico is a modern Mexican city affording so much beautiful history, modern elegance and delightful attractions and fun.

(CC photo by Bruno .C. courtesy of Flickr)

First domesticated nearly 8,000 years ago, the vegetable remains just as important a food source today as it was then. Aztecs revered corn as an important food source and spiritual component for life as well. Often eaten raw off the cob, boiled and grilled, the most common method for cooking was mashing up the cooked kernels into a masa that was dried, mixed with water and lye and rolled into a flat bread, the tortilla.

Corn arches

(CC photo by Docman courtesy of Flickr)

What is so intriguing about this starchy vegetable is it’s health characteristics and how well it plays with other mexican staples. For example, corn and beans make up the daily requirement of amino acid. This is the protein make up that allows our bodies to function properly. So, the simple, yet tasty, bean tostada offers a very healthy way to sustain life while satisfying the need for flavor as well.

(CC photo by Panetulipani courtesy of Flickr)

A serving of corn offers 25% of your daily vitamin B intake and 20% of dietary fiber. Niacin can also contribute to health, but only when lime is added to corn. The by-product of ash releases the mineral into the human body for absorption. Food made from corn is a wonderful way to get even the pickiest child to not only eat, but eat healthy. It’s nutritional make up affords a perfect energy pick-up and the taste accompanies any Mexican fare perfectly.

(CC photo by Prometeo Lucero {aka Prom} courtesy of Flickr)

Corn comes in a myriad of colors with varying benefits based on the hues. Blue corn, for example, offers a sweet tortilla and even affords a lower glycemic index rating. The colored varieties also offer higher levels of antioxidants.

What’s the best way to taste mexico’s best corn? Visit any market place in Mexico during shopping adventures and you are bound to find stalls with corn tortillas being freshly made. Either with toppings or by themselves, corn tortillas are the perfect way to indulge in the historically valuable and ever popular staple of Mexican culture. A healthy and affordable alternative to some other street food, tortillas are the perfect snack during your Mexican travels.