Mexico
The Lost City of El Dorado
Perhaps when you were growing up you heard vague tales about a lost city in Mexico and untold wealth in gold and silver? We all love a good hidden treasure story and the lost city of El Dorado is a fable of lost treasure that predates 1595 – which is possibly the earliest recorded mention of it. In that year, an English explorer Sir Walter Raleigh set out to South America to find the Golden City that was said to contain hidden Spanish treasure (the stolen gold, silver and gems of native tribes). The city was never located, but the legend persisted for centuries right up until 1808 – the last date on record that a map contained the unverified location of the city.
The Exotic Varieties of Maize
The USDA funds a center called the Maize Genetics Cooperation Stock Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. This location stocks approximately 80,000 maize mutants which can be used in the research and cultivation of various types of corn. By warehousing numerous varieties of maize, experts in plant sciences can selectively breed new maize plants that show unique characteristics and market potential.
Poblano Chiles
There are many different types of chilies but the mild Poblano chili originates in the region of Puebla, Mexico. They are known to have a mild flavor but they can be unpredictable as far as their hotness goes, sometimes ripening to a fiery flavor exceeding their reputation. Even within the same pepper plant the heat of each chili can vary. A healthy plant can reach a height of 12 inches and produce 6 inch long fruit while other varieties of pepper can attain shrub-like stature.
Huichol God’s Eyes
Perhaps you are old enough to remember the popularity of the yarn weavings known as God’s eyes or Ojo de Dios. Colorful wools are woven around two sticks that are crisscrossed over one another creating a series of vivid diamond shapes. For a while they were a real trend as a craft item in the United States and Canada (think 1970s). The God’s eye is actually considered a magical object and an item for ritual use in Northwestern Mexico. It is part of the culture of the Huichol people of Jalisco and Nayarit and their God’s eyes are also considered “Sikuli” which translates as “the power to see and understand things unknown”.
Chanel Goes to Cancun
When thinking about the name, Chanel, it is almost impossible not to conjure up visions of their legendary commercials from the 80s. It is so easy to start humming one of the catchy tunes that framed the beautiful imagery of the ads, which dripped with sensual energy, youth and vitality. It has to go down as one of the greatest advertising campaigns ever. The execution was so simple, yet forever imprinted the images on the minds of everyone who saw them. Chanel was famous before these adds hit the airwaves, but after, they were stuff of legend. Chanel hasn’t just limited its exquisite taste to perfume alone. They now have an equally stunning selection of sunglasses available for all your summer vacation needs.
The Rise and Fall of Mexico’s Emperor Maximilian I
Emperor Ferdinand Maximilian I was a tall, lanky man who shied away from confrontation, and had a keen interest in studying botany. He was married to Princess Charlotte of Belgium, cousin to Britain’s Queen Victoria and daughter of the King of Belgium. In 1863 Napoleon III and aristocratic members of Mexican society came together and managed to convince the couple to take the Imperial throne of Mexico. Unfortunately the decision meant they both lost all nobility rights in Austria, which meant Princess Charlotte became Her Imperial Majesty Empress Carlota.
The Aztec Triple Alliance
Made up of the city-states of Tenochtitlan, Tlaxopan and Texcoco they comprised the governing bodies of the area that made up the Valley of Mexico. Under Henan Cortes they were defeated with help from Spanish conquistadors in 1521. The reign of the three cities lasted ninety-three years after a war between the Alliance and Azcapotzalco, which ruled them. After their victory the three cities became self-governing, but in a short time Tenochtitlan held the dominant power and when the Spanish came in 1520 the other two cities were already in an auxiliary power position.
What is it about the Sea?
What is it about the sea that conjurors up mental images of vast vistas of the most lovely cerulean blue? What do you think of when you think about the sea and the tropics? Exquisitely painted Winslow Homer watercolors of the Bahamas or fabulous rock formations off of the coast of Thailand? What do you picture? Perhaps you long to catch a fish or at least try your hand at fishing? Do your well-traveled friends mock your lack of snorkeling skills and laugh that you don’t know your east coast from your west coast (people can be so cruel)?
The Ancient Art of Sand Painting
Sand painting is a tradition found throughout the world and is a sacred craft of practitioners in Japan, Australia, the United States (Navajo), Tibet, Germany, England and Mexico. Also called drypainting, colored sands and pigments are poured into patterns of religious or historical significance and left in an un-mounted state (no glue is used to affix the sand to a surface).
Having the Time of Your Life
Yes it is possible – you CAN have the time of your life! Like a magical incantation “Doldrums Be Gone!” a tropical escape is a mere online booking away. Ask yourself what’s holding you back from taking some time, over the course of a few evenings, from planning that needed getaway you keep promising yourself. Do you need to be reminded that you’re not getting any younger? Really?
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