Bugs of San Blas

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow waxed poetic about the bronze bells of San Blas without seeing or hearing them. These less eloquent westwords are about the bugs of San Blas, a very up-close and much too-personal accounting with scars as proof of participation. From a distance, San Blas is just another beach town, in the state of Nayarit, on […]

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San Patricio by the Sea, an interdenominational community church on Mexico's Pacific coast

San Patricio by the Sea on Mexico’s Pacific coast

Age-old question: Were great churches built to the glory of God or to satisfy puffed-up egos of men? Mexico has many magnificent cathedrals in a variety of architectural styles and craftsmanship, some with spires and bell towers reaching for the sky, some featuring spectacular art, some with lavish decorations, some of historical significance, some tourist […]

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The Bijou, docked at Punto Morelos, Quintana Roo © Roger Cunningham, 200o

Ask an old gringo about Mexico economy, Guerrero recovery, anchovy gelato and Yescka

It appears much of the world is very interested in Mexico. A surprising number of Mexconnect readers asked the old gringo about the economy, reforms, boats, Guerrero recovery, Michaocan dangers — and hospitality. Some questions are far out. One asked about anchovy gelato. Another asked about Yescka. That got my undivided attention. Question: I was reading […]

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A Frida Kahlo doll wears the artist's characteristic indigenous dress © Alvin Starkman, 2012

Ask an old gringo about Frida Kahlo, Mexico contradictions, colorful protests

I repeat: Contrary to rumor, many years and extensive travels in Mexico do not qualify me as a know-it-all, A-1 infallible expert. I apologize if I have faked you out. I do try to answer all questions or redirect them to more knowledgeable sources. I thoroughly enjoy most exchanges with readers. I offer a few […]

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Chinas or "Chinese Girls" from Oaxaca's central valleys whirl to the music of a local folkloric orchestra.This is part of Oaxaca's annual Guelaguetza festivities held the last two Mondays of July.   © Oscar Encines, 2008

Travelers ignore warnings, Mexico wins

It works! Advertising actually works. Mexico’s tourism board kept pouring millions of pesos into splashy ad campaigns featuring white sandy beaches, turquoise blue waters, Maya ruins, fresh fruit and genuine hospitality. Americans, Canadians, Europeans and several from the Orient ignored dire warnings, bought the sales talk and came to see for themselves. OK, there are […]

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Traveler’s Guide to Mexican Camping, 3rd Edition by Mike and Terri Church

By Mike and Terri Church Rolling Homes Press, 2005 Available from Amazon Books: Paperback This indispensable guide for campers exploring Mexico (and Belize) – using RV or tent – and now in its third edition is loaded with practical information. Chapter 1, Why Camp Mexico?, lists some of the reasons to explore Mexico: the beaches – […]

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