posted by AetnaJo on Aug 28

This is such a touching account of an encounter of Mary Harter together with friends and the rescuing of  whales in Mexicos southern Baja.

It was an unusually gray overcast day for southern Baja in mid April. We were relishing the respite from the often relentless sun and enjoying morning coffee at camp on San Francisquito Island north of La Paz. We were a group of 12 friends and 5 Mexican crew on a 9 day island hopping expedition complete with skiffs and kayaks from La Paz to Loreto.

Some of our party decided to take advantage of the overcast skies and go for a hike up the spectacular ridgeline above camp. A well worn path leads up the north east ridge of the island. From the ridgeline you get a spectacular view of the surrounding Sea of Cortez and islands of Espiritu Santo to the south and San Jose to the north.

While most of us were enjoying morning coffee at camp the hiking party returned from the ridge in a hurry with news of a baby whale they spotted near shore entangled in fishing nets. Everyone at camp immediately set into motion with plans to help rescue the whale. We grabbed ropes and knives and of course cameras and 6 of us jumped into a skiff (otherwise known as a panga in Baja) and headed in the direction of where the entangled whale was last spotted. Meanwhile the hiking group returned to the ridgeline to direct us to the spot with their birds eye view. As we motored around the northeast corner of the island we noticed a couple of whales sounding off in the distance, tails raised high as they dove. They were humpbacks.

We were directed by our folks on the ridge to travel closer to shore and further south and soon we were getting close to the vicinity of where the distressed whale had last been sighted. Suddenly there it was, a humpback calf only about 20 feet in length (mature humpbacks reach 50 feet) with brightly colored fishing net wrapped tightly over most of its head and upper body. The small whale was about 50 yards off shore in about 40 feet of water. Two of our Mexican crew, Carlos Gajon and Manuel Higuera, dove into the water with snorkel gear and knives in hand attempting to swim along side the whale and try to cut the netting off. They were able to snorkel directly above the whale and helplessly watch as it continually dove and tried scrapping the net off on rocks on the sea floor. The poor whale was covered in scraps and cuts, some bleeding, from its fruitless efforts.

Carlos and Manuel’s efforts to free dive 40 feet and try cutting the net off were in vain. We finally realized we would need to get the whale into more shallow water in order to effectively work on removing the net from the whale while working on the surface of the water. Manuel dove down and successfully tied a line from our panga to the net entangling the whale. We used the skiff to start pulling the whale toward shallower water. At first the small exhausted whale resisted but almost immediately it relented and gave in to our efforts to assist it. We succeeded in getting it into shallow waters and several more of us abandoned our dry, warm seats in the panga to jump into the cool, gray waters and begin cutting the net. We were now in about 10 feet of water and the small whale remained docile and calm along side our panga at the surface of the sea. Ever since our initial tug from the panga pulling the whale toward shore this highly intelligent animal totally relented to our efforts in freeing it from its bondage. Several of our party adorned with masks and snorkels noticed its eyes wide open staring at them under water. One of our members even noticed this 20 foot probably 15 ton animal close its eye and nudge toward him as he started cutting the net off. Once the knives started slashing the net was off and in our panga within 5 minutes. The whale hovered near our panga as we all cheered and stroked it. Then smoothly and deliberately the whale slowly swam off toward deeper waters. We all cheered again.

Due to the fact I was 6 ½ months pregnant at the time, I opted not to jump in the water and cut netting off this unfortunate little whale. It took all my will power to refrain from joining my friends in the water as it’s always been a dream of mine to look a whale in the eye from underwater. Instead I took on the role of photographing the event. As a biologist and naturalist on whale watching trips for 20 years I know young humpbacks aren’t weaned until about 8 months. From the size of this whale calf I imagine it was only about 2 months of age if that. Therefore without its mother’s milk supply we didn’t have much hope for its survival.

We truly hoped that one of the two humpbacks we saw in the distance when first rounding the island was its mother and that she would soon find her calf net free. Of course we have no way of knowing what happened to the little whale but we felt good in knowing we at least prevented it from suffering any further distress caused by the net.

Several weeks later one of our guides, Carlos, who had participated in the rescue, was guiding another trip and our group was camping on the island of San Francisquito. There they saw the little humpback, alone, swimming among the numerous yachts anchored in the bay known for its safe harbor on the southern end of the island. Several people were snorkeling with the young whale and our group joined in. Both groups of people from trips in April of 2002 now have lasting memories of frolicking with a young humpback whale in the Sea of Cortez.

It’s difficult not to anthropomorphize when observing such an event. In my professional education I’ve been taught as a biologist to never try and convey human feelings upon an animal. But what other options do we have when trying to explain the emotions of an animal we share many similarities with? This young whale, exhausted as it was, still could have dragged our panga down and under had it been inclined. It knew we had good intentions and let us help it. Whether we made any difference for the population of whale kind doesn’t really matter. All we know is we feel better to have done something rather than nothing and we know in our hearts our little whale friend felt relieved of its entrapment upon release from the netting entangling its body.

I really hope that you’ve enjoyed and envisioned this awesome adventure in Mexicos Baja Whale Rescue. Until next time, enjoy!

Re-Published or Posted by Aetna J B on August 28, 2010

Editor’s Note: Mary Harter (mary@kayakbaja.com) is the owner of Mar y Aventuras(http://www.mexonline.com/kayakbaja.htm), a kayak and whale watching company in southern Baja. They provide other tours as well. She is an expert on the local area and all it has to offer.

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posted by AetnaJo on Aug 8

I’m posting this article on Backpacking in Chiapas, Mexico for your enjoyment and hopefully this will be useful to all of you who enjoy traveling and backpacking. Although I am sorry to say that this is not a good time to travel into Mexico due to the present drug wars that are happening on a daily basis.

Local advice from a local “mochilero”, Don Fernando, in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas.

Most visitors in Chiapas are Back-Packing or “mochileros” as we call them. 60% of these visitors are from Europe, 35% from USA and Canada, 5% from Latin America and Asia.

Palenque and San Cristobal are the two major towns that are used as the entrance to Chiapas. At the present time, most of Chiapas is a easy and safe journey.

One of Mexico’s best preserved archaeological sites, Palenque

Transportation by bus, “Cristobal Colon”, is the most common transportation, but if you want to go to places where the only outsiders that you will see, are a few “mochileros” like you or no one,

then you have to travel by local “camionetas” or “combis” vw-buses, or by boat in the rivers Usumacinta, Jataté or Lacantún. In these rivers the boats are like buses, in that they have a departure time, but information is very local. Once the boat has enough people, it gets ready to leave. The same for the “camionetas”, but you can always make a deal for a small group of 4 to 6 persons for a special trip, “viaje especial” as the locals call them. “Transporte comunitario” meaning traveling on public buses or vans will cost less than “viaje especial”.

September and October are not the best time to travel by boat or camionetas, it rains every day or night and transportation is not too reliable. You may not be able to get in or out the day that you want to, so if you can avoid traveling then, do it.

Usually while you wait for the departure and during the trip, your Spanish conversation will be improve, children are always present in the area and it’s impossible not to learn some Spanish, Tzotzil, Chol, Tojolobal or Tzeltal. These are the four major ethnic groups in Chiapas. Chiapas is know as “Rich Land, Poor People”, this title was given in colonial times by the Spanish and other outsider travelers. It is true, the land is very rich and most of the locals are very poor, but I have found that in most of the locals, their lives are very rich, the idea of “family values” and “community values” are very rich, and it has always been outsiders that call them poor and ignorant. Reality is very different, the values that we have are just different from theirs, but the smiles of the people are more honest and frecuent than in our society. They smile much more than we do in the cities. “Mochileros” are true travelers that understand that smiles can make great conversation, that will leave eternal memories on you, it happened to me, I am sure it will happen to you too.

Where to go? And how to get there?
The selva (jungle), los altos (the high land), la playa, (the beach)?

Selva, from Palenque, where you can visit Bonampak and Yaxchilan. The best way to do it by yourself is by bus. At Bonampak look for the village Lacanja and once you are there, you’ll find an air strip, a local school and a health clinic that always look like is closed, this is the central area. Ask the locals for the home of Don Jorge, a Lacandon older person, and members of his family – Kim-Bor, Vicente, Alberto – have camping areas with hammocks to rent. Stay wherever is best for you, all are nice families to stay with.

Once you are there, visit the waterfall of “Rio Cedro” and the Lacanja lake. Always ask for the price of the service before you take someone as a guide. You can also go to Yaxchilan for the day, by bus to Frontera Corozal, then take the collective boat to Yaxchilan. Tickets are sold next to the Escudo Jaguar Hotel. This is the only way you can visit, or by plane, but the cost is much higher.

In this same place, you can take the boat to Guatemala, if your destination is Tikal. The boat leaves every day at 12pm and 2pm. It takes about 45 minutes to Betel, where you take the bus to Flores (about 5 hour drive). Once in Flores it’s easy to take the bus to Tikal, there is also a bus every day from Flores to Belmopan, Belize, if your destination is the Caribbean area, or from Flores to Guatemala City.

Bonampak ruins

If you would like to do a “Zapata” tour, and combine natural beauty and it’s people, from Palenque take the bus to Roberto Barrios, a Zapatista community where very recently (January of 2001) the Mexican Army was removed as part of the agreements with the EZLN (Zapatistas).

The waterfalls and blue river are a dream to go swimming in and spend all day moving from blue pools to green pools, very few outsiders come to visit this area. Always ask permission of the local authorities to visit the river before you go, they will almost always say “yes”, but they want to know who is on their land because of the army conflict.

From Palenque ask for the bus that goes to Chancalá, although you will get off the bus before Chancalá. Ask the bus driver to leave you at the crossroad of Nueva Galilea and Arimetea, Roberto Barrios is on the way. You walk 8 kilometers (4.5 miles) on this road and you may get a ride from a local truck. You can camp next to the church, but remember always ask for permission before you set up your camp. Some people go only for the day, early in the morning and return in the afternoon to Palenque, but I like to stay for one night, and it is on the way to Bonampak and Yaxchilan.

Laguna Miramar is “community ecotourism” at it’s best; the best adventure you can have in Chiapas for the true backpackers. The Lonely Planet Handbook of Mexico has a very good description of the lake and how to get there.

You can go from Ocosingo or Comitan by bus, it takes from 5 to 7 hours driving depending on the time of the year that you go. Take the bus that goes to San Quintin, it is the major town in the area, and is the end of the bus route. Once you arrive walk to Ejido Emiliano Zapata, one mile, and ask for the “comisario ejidal” (local authorities). and pay your fee before you make your walk to the lake. It’s $3 US dls a day and you can rent a canoe for $10 US dls a day. I recommend renting a canoe, which holds 4 people, so you can explore the shore and the island with the archaeological site of Lacam-Tun.

Majestic and Mysterious Laguna Miramar
You can also go by boat on the Jataté river. The way to get there is from Comitan to Lagos de Montebello. Take the “carretera fronterisa” (Guatemala – Mexico border highway) to Maravilla Tenejapa. After you pass the Santo Domingo river, look for the towns of Loma Bonita and Amatitlan. There you can take the boat up the river to San Quintin, it takes about 3 hour and is a great adventure. The boat leaves once it’s full. It’s a long journey to Laguna Miramar, give yourself a minimum of 4 days and 3 nights to make it worthwhile. It is only camping and you have to do your own cooking.

San Cristobal de las Casas
Most of the tour guides in this area are individuals or companies, but if you want to be guided by the local indigenous, I will recommend a local organization called “Turismo Comunitario” El Rostro Indigena de San Cristobal (forods@laneta.apc.org). They have made a “Network of Community Tourism” and support community tourism — no one speaks English and Spanish is their second language. The guide is called “interprete cultural” (cultural interpreter) and has four different daily trips and it’s run mostly by women. In San Cristobal you can get information at Tel. 678-0456 (Claudia Castro or Mario Perez – turismocomunitariochiapas@yahoo.com). I recommend them because it’s a way to suport local indigenous women to make a better income for their family.

The Pacific – beach and lagoons
Visit “Boca del Cielo”. Don’t be surprised to find great hidden places, with very few locals at the beach, eternal Pacific Ocean sunsets, mangrove lagoons with all the birds you’ve seen in the Discovery tv programs.

The seafood at the restaurants are fresh, cold beer, tender coconuts and local prices are low. As we say in Mexico “bueno, bonito y barato” or “good, nice, & cheap”. The European or American tourist mass market is far away from this area, no golf courses or yacht marinas. The area is mostly inhabited by people of th Istmo of Oaxaca influence more than Maya influence.

How do I get there?
From Tuxla Gutierrez take a bus to Arriaga and Tonalá, then change buses at Tonalá and take a local bus to Puerto Arista, getting off the bus a few miles before Puerto Arista (ask the bus driver to leave you at the crossroad of “Boca del Cielo”). From there take a local “combi” vw bus to Boca del Cielo, then take a boat across the lagoon where you will find many restaurants that have shade areas for camping. It’s usually free, as long as you buy food or beverages from them. Most of them have toilets and shower, many have hammocks for rent, and some have storage room for your pack.

While you are at the beach, all restaurants are facing the lagoon, if want to see the ocean, you’ll have to walk over the sand dunes. I recommend walking south, so you can be by yourself for miles and miles. If you walk the other way, you will come to the mouth of the lagoon that connects with the sea, very nice but the locals are not very conscious about garbage collection. By the way if you go there, tell the people of the restaurant where you are staying, that you don’t like what they are doing to the environment so maybe things can begin changing.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this article  about backpacking in Chiapas Mexico as much as I did and  for all of you believers out there, please keep the people of Mexico who are now caught in the crossfires between the Mexican army and the drug cartels, in your prayers. Until next time, enjooy!

Author:Fernando Ochoa Magaña
Fernando is the owner of Laguna Miramar Ecotours. He is a 1997 Conde Nast Eco Tourist Award Winner, and bilingual outfitter from San Cristobal de las Casas. For overnight camping trips or guide services to the Lacandon Rain Forest, contact him at 11-52 (9) 678-0468 (from U.S. or Canada) or by e-mail at donfer8a@prodigy.net.mx.

Republished ane/or posted by Aetna J H on August 8, 2010

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posted by AetnaJo on Aug 2

This is very different to what I have recently been posting. I have found it necessary to expose what I can about current events in N Laredo,Mexico Laredo, Texas and other US/Mexico border towns as the violence is spilling into the U.S. side of the border.

Recently the U.S. congress blocked additional funds for Border protection as they feel that it is as safe as ever on the US side of the border. I dare to disagree. This particular video includes the bombing of  a N.Laredo newspaper office in retaliation for an article that did not favor the drug cartels. Those of us living on the border certainly do not agree as we can actually hear the explosions and gun fire on the Mexican side and have seen an escalation of murders in Laredo, Texas. Actually the American Embassy Offices located in L. Laredo were bombed with grenades  and just this past weekend an affiliate of  a national TV station was also blown up with grenades.

Once again, recently the U.S. congress voted for no additional funds for border protection as they feel that we are safe as ever. The American Embassy Offices located in L. Laredo were blown up with grenades  and this weekend the affiliate of  a national Mexican TV station was also blown up with grenades, so please do not insult us by telling the world that the US/Mexican border cities are as safe as ever.

I have a personal invitation for any senator who voted for “no additional funds for border security” to come and visit us and see for yourself what is really happening. As a matter of fact, bring your families to the US/Mexico border and spend a week here and see how safe you feel while visiting.

I encourage all of my friends and followers to forward this to as many friends and people that you can so that we bring awareness of the truth. Thank you in advance for your help.

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posted by AetnaJo on Jul 31

This is obviously very different than what I normally post but I just couldn’t resist. I find it to be quite interesting and I hope you will too.

The World’s Richest Man’s New Mansion

Francesca Levy, 07.29.10, 07:16 PM EDT

What you need to know about Carlos Slim Helu’s record-breaking purchase.

If you stand on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and look across the street, you’ll have a small chance of glimpsing the world’s richest person.

On Thursday Mexican telecommunications tycoon Carlos Slim Helu, who is worth $53.5 billion, bought the Duke-Semans mansion, a beaux-arts townhouse directly across from the Met, for $44 million, public records show. That record-breaking price is the most paid for any New York home in nearly two years

The mansion’s seller, Tamir Sapir, famously ascended from taxi driver to billionaire by trading in oil and then investing in real estate. He bought the property from the descendants of its original owner, tobacco mogul Benjamin N. Duke, in 2006, paying $40 million. That leaves him with a 10% profit–healthy, in a sluggish market.

Here’s what’s important to know about the sale, the home and how this transaction will change luxury real estate.

The Duke-Semans is one of a kind.
Location is critical in ultra-high end Manhattan real estate, and the Duke-Semans has a great one: The corner of Fifth Avenue and 82nd Street, on New York’s vaunted “Museum Mile.” But staking a claim to the right street (Fifth Avenue is the Holy Grail) isn’t enough to qualify for greatness. Buyers measure prestige in feet–as in, how many of them a building occupies on a coveted block.

The Duke-Semans has everything going for it: It stretches up 82nd street for 100 feet (a luxurious distance, in this part of Manhattan), then turns the corner, occupying 27 feet on Fifth Avenue. The combination of its unusual length, Fifth Avenue visibility, and corner location can’t be found in any other building. That uniqueness is what allowed Broker Paula Del Nunzio, of the firm Brown Harris Stevens, to originally price the home at $50 million.

But it might be a fixer-upper.
Samir reportedly intended to renovate the 19,500-square-foot house in the four years he owned it, but never did. Although the exterior is breathtaking, the house needs some work on the inside–a fact that helps explain Helu’s 12% discount off the asking price.

There’s more evidence to suggest the mansion boasts a less-than-sparkling interior: Brown Harris Stevens only provided press and prospective buyers with detail shots of ornate moldings and period elegance, not the sweeping shots of ballrooms, stairways and terraces that are typical for these kinds of sales. The home may be in need of major work.

It was snapped up quickly.
Brown Harris Stevens put the Duke-Semans on the market in January. If it were a normal home, stagnating on the market for nearly seven months would bode very poorly for a sale. But in the rarified world of luxury real estate, where homes fetch $10 million or more, it’s expected that properties may languish on the market for two or three years. Only a few thousand people in the world can afford homes like this, so sellers expect to wait. The fact that the turnaround was comparatively quick indicates wise pricing, and perhaps growing demand in the luxury market.

It’s so inedible that someone can posses such luxury. Let me know if you’ve enjoyed the variety of this article and if you would like for me to continue posting this type of articles once in a while.

Resource: Forbes.com

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posted by AetnaJo on Jun 3

Hola everyone. Since we are starting summertime I decided to do a little something to help us get in the mood for the season. There are many styles of Mexico’s awesome music and this one is dedicated to you.

I really hope that you’ve enjoyed this small portion of  Mexico’s  awsome music. If so, drop me a line and let me know and I will continue sharing Mexican music with you.

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posted by AetnaJo on Jan 24

Maximilian I Emperor Of Mexico

Maximilian I (1832-1867), Emperor of Mexico from 1864-1867, qualifies as one of the country’s most ill-fated rulers. Hailing from a european dynasty, Maximilian was duped into accepting the role of Mexico’s emperor. Brought to the country under false pretenses, the archduke of Austria was led to believe his presence would be welcome by the people of Mexico. In fact, the opposite was true.

Mexico was experiencing the painful residues of a civil war (The War of the Reform) when Maximilian arrived in Veracruz in 1864. Mexico’s president, Benito Juarez, supported wide sweeping reforms for the country. This deeply angered the conservatives and the church who sought to maintain the status quo.

In 1861, President Juarez suspended interest payments to Britain, Spain and France. Juarez took this drastic measure out of necessity to help stabilize the country’s infrastructure. This decision, however, set off a chain of events that ultimately culminated with Maximilian’s arrival.

Maximilian I

In response to President Juarez’ decision, Napoleon III of France persuaded Britain and Spain to join forces with his country and demand repayment from Mexico. The Treaty of London was signed in 1861 for this purpose. However, France had ulterior motives that went beyond the settling of a debt. Napoleon III sought to take advantage of Mexico’s instability by establishing a monarchy in the country.

Once Britain and Spain learnt of France’s true intent, they withdrew from the treaty. Napoleon III remained resolute and French soldiers were promptly dispatched to Mexico. The Battle of Puebla occurred during this time, a rare Mexican victory over a foreign country. This famous engagement gave birth to the tremendously popular Cinco de Mayo holiday so widely celebrated today.

Despite Mexico’s success at the Battle of Puebla, the French soon emerged victorious and took command of Mexico City. This occupation was welcomed by the conservatives and members of the clergy who hoped to have their powers restored by the forthcoming monarchy.

Maximilian was enjoying the life of a country gentleman when Napoleon III approached him concerning the role of emperor. A member of the Imperial Habsburg-Lorraine family of Europe, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria had a received a fine education. However, he possessed a naive nature that led him into dangerous circumstances. As a result, Maximilian became embroiled in an international melee that would have no happy ending.

Napoleon III convinced Maximilian that Mexico had authorized his appointment. In truth, a mockery of a vote had been staged. Led to believe their presence would be welcomed, Maximilian and his wife Charlotte looked forward to their new home and dominion. They set sail for Mexico.

Maximilian was crowned Emperor on April 10, 1864. Both he and his wife immersed themselves in Mexico’s culture. Charlotte changed her name to the Spanish equivalent and was known as Empress Carlota. A humanitarian at heart, Maximilian could not help but notice the great disparity between the country’s rich and poor. To the great dismay of those who had put him in power, Maximilian supported the liberal social reforms set forth by President Benito Juarez.

The United States had been embroiled in its own civil war during the French occupation of Mexico. However, once this war was over, the United States made it clear that they recognized Benito Juarez as Mexico’s legitimate president and reminded France of the Monroe Doctrine. As a result, Napoleon III was successfully pressured to withdraw his troops from Mexico.

Without military support, the Maximilian monarchy was destined to fail. Empress Carlota returned to Europe to beg Napoleon III and the Pope to reconsider their decision. Her pleas fell on deaf ears and these futile attempts proved to be the downfall of Empress Carlota’s sanity. She lived out her life in Europe, in seclusion, never to see her husband again.

Maximilian was encouraged to flee for his life. He adamantly refused, fully committed to Mexico and her people. Maximilian had grown to love his adopted country and felt responsible for her future. Before long, Maximilian was captured and sentenced to death. Pleas came from around the world, imploring President Juarez to spare Maximilian’s life. These pleas were in vain. Maximilian was executed by a firing squad on June 19, 1867. A famous chapter in Mexico’s history had come to an end. MEXonline.com

Maximilian I Emperor Of Mexico

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posted by AetnaJo on Dec 31

Feliz Año Nuevo

Happy New Year

Mexican New Year

Feliz año nuevo y prosperidad.  Happy New Year and prosperity to all.
AetnaJo

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posted by AetnaJo on Dec 28

Mexico Awaiting 2010

The year-end holidays in Mexico are always known for time honored with traditions and a family oriented spirit. You can sing Christmas carols with your friends and family and enjoy some buñuelos, tamales and ponche with spiked rum.

Then comes New Year’s Eve. And while it has its traditions, this holiday is not so family-oriented.

The most important beach destinations in Mexico are packed with young people looking for a good time. The most visited ones are Acapulco, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. They are always packed with young Mexicans who travel in groups to get together and have fun with friends on the last night of the year.

Upscale hotels and restaurants host New Year’s Eve dinners with festive menus and orchestras for dancing.

What you wear on New Year’s Eve is thought to influence your destiny during the next 12 months. Some dress in white from head to toe to invite good vibrations and assure a good year spiritually. Green clothing attracts a year of good health. Wearing red underwear is said to bring love, while yellow underwear brings wealth. And no, it’s not fair to wear both colors. You have to decide which is more important.

Whether you celebrate with family or friends, New Year’s Eve dinner is usually a feast.

Roast turkey or stuffed pork loin with pasta in a creamy sauce and a salad are favorites in my family. A margarita glass filled with grapes and a glass of champagne or sparkling cider, known as sidra, are set at each place.

Someone keeps an eye on the clock, and leads the countdown chorus to midnight — “Diez! Nueve! Ocho! Siete! Seis! Cinco! Cuatro! Tres! Dos… Feliz año nuevoooo! At the stroke of midnight, we drink a champagne toast to the New Year. Then we gobble down the 12 grapes in a single minute, one at a time, to assure good luck in the upcoming 12 months that they represent. Here’s a suggestion… choose small seedless grapes. They’re easier to chew and swallow fast.

Some of us seize an empty suitcase we had ready and walk around the house or run around the block so we’ll get to travel in the year to come.

And all of us embrace those present, one by one, with an air kiss near the cheek for the ladies, and a bear hug that goes slap, slap, SLAP, slap, slap, SLAP on the back for the men. Published on December 26, 2009 byDaniel Wheeler © 2009.

As you now see,  Mexicos’ New Years Eve Traditions are full of fun and love and are never ending. As always, enjoy.

New Years Eve Fireworks In Mexico

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posted by AetnaJo on Dec 1

Straberry/Lime Margarita

Because of the popularity of this article at http://www.Mexican-goods.com and the information given to you  in the previous article on this blog (“tequila,”) I’ve decided to share this with you. So here it is, specially for you.

This traditional Mexican tequila-based cocktail has grown in popularity since it’s inception in the 1950′s. Now it is practically synonymous with tropical beaches and palm trees. While there are thousands of Margarita recipes, this one will give you one of the most traditional, classic fruit flavors of the earlier original version.

Tangy and fruity margaritas can be whipped up in the blender quicker than you can say “cheers!”

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lime juice
• 1 cup tequila
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup triple sec or cointreau
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• Ice
• Salt (optional garnish for glass)

Preparation:

Fill blender 2/3 with ice. Add ingredients and blend until smooth. Serve in a glass with a salted rim.

As you enjoy the holidays, relax with a few,  Mexican tequila based cocktails. Remember, all in modest consumption is good.  Enjoy!

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posted by AetnaJo on Sep 28

Mexican Pinata

Piñatas for Mexican Theme Parties

When it comes to Mexican goods, the Piñata is one of the first things that come to mind. Piñatas are enjoyed world wide for their festive presence and the promise of fun.  They are beautiful fabulous creations and are used for party decorations and are also used as a fun game.  Usually it is heightened at the end of a party with candies and toys inside it.

In the past piñatas offered traditional motifs, such as the seven pointed star and the classic donkey.  Today, piñatas can be purchased that look like Sponge Bob, Superman, and Mickey Mouse or just about anything you desire. Most of us associate piñatas as being only Mexican but their origins are elsewhere.

Unlike most Mexican goods, the piñata’s origins are multi cultural.  The merchant and great traveler, Marco Polis is known to have seen a version of the modern-day piñata when he was exploring in the Orient 13^th Century. He observed the Mandarin people celebrating the New Year.  They were celebrating with miniature representations of animals that were fashioned out of craft materials and made hollow to accommodate seeds.  On a given holiday, it would be displayed, usually hanging from a tree branch and beaten with a stick, therefore releasing the contents inside the piñata. Seeds represented a good forthcoming harvest and also portended wealth and prosperity.

Marco Polo, as legend claims, upon returning to his native Italy,  loaded his vessel with luxurious silks, exotic spices and he also brought an ancient version of the modern-day piñata and introduced it the Catholic Church, and it became intertwined with religious holidays. It was not long before the tradition spread from Italy to Spain which in turn came to New World from Spain. The missionaries used the piñata to teach the natives their religious doctrine. Interestingly, this method succeeded in teaching the indigenous peoples of Mexico because they already had their own version of the piñata.

The Aztecs would honor their god each year with a gift. This offering took shape in the form of a clay pot that contained presents. When the contents fell to the ground, it was a sign to the Aztecs that the offerings had been received.

Wearing a blindfold while trying to break open the piñata is also rooted in the past. The ancient Mayans were known to play their favorite game blindfolded. Taking note of this practice was the Spanish missionaries and they incorporated the blindfold into the teachings with the piñata.

Today, piñatas are one of the most sought after Mexican Goods. Piñatas are in very high demand in the United States.  The most popular piñatas have to do with a child’s birthday party. Children love the game as well as the hidden treasures inside.

Getting a piñata for your next event or party will truly give it a special festive feeling. Given time I can provide any and all shapes of pinatas. If you wish, I would be more than happy to help you with the planning or simply in  making suggestions for your Mexican party.

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