Because Mexico

A list of Becauses becomes us as I begin this blogging novella about Mexico, and my passionate love affair with that country.


Cuilapam, an abandoned 15th Century Dominican Convent. Our last day in Mexico but this photo sums it all up.


Because: I hate the current government and their anti-immigration and trade stance directed at Mexico.  We are all immigrants in this very young country. Mexico has buildings that are still lived in and used every day from the 15th and 16th century. That's two hundred years before the USA contemplated being a country. Our inhabitants were too busy destroying the indigenous people occupying this country to worry about any other place. Mexico has had its own issues with indigenous people, racism, and the occupying Spaniards, issues that still exist both  here and there.
Lynn and Roxy happy to be heading out at 3:00 for the longest travel day ever.

Because: I am an artist and a photographer who grew up in a small farming town in California and Mexico and Central America were always a part of my life. My parents lived in Mexico and Central America in the 1940s and I was surrounded with the art and food of the countries south of us, every day of my life. My sister spoke fluent Spanish and I having never lived there, I limped along but loved it. Mexico still colors my world. My house is Southwestern in color and flavor although I now live in the green and gray Pacific Northwest. The art and culture of Mexico has seeped through my pores and color my world.
Somehow, it seems perfect to be in a plane with a blonde Japanese stewardess on the way to Mexico

Because: this trip to Chiapas was planned almost a year ago, in the early spring of 2017. After two earthquakes, my travel partner Lynn and I looked at each other and wondered if we should still go, could we go?  After talking to lots and lots of people, we decided the best thing we could do for San Cristobal de Las Casas and Oaxaca and the surrounding villages was to go and take our tourist dollars and spend them supporting Mexico.

And did I mention Lynn is the most amazing travel partner ever? She speaks fluent Spanish, is in love with Chiapas and has worked to support the EZLN. She made my share of the trip beyond special because she encouraged me to improve my Spanish, and supported my efforts endlessly. She also has the most wonderful gift of engaging every single person she meets. Because of her my view of Mexico was deep, amazing and meaningful. On to Tuxtla and day 1!
We met this wonderful dog on the way from Mexico City to Tuxtla, the first of many amazing Mexican dogs.

So we did, and this blog is the story of that amazing journey and the things I discovered and lived and loved and photographed and ate and celebrated.
On our way.

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