What’s more, he wrote it without ever setting foot in Mexico! Most people know Jules Verne (1828-1905) as one of the pioneers of science fiction writing. His most famous works include Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (a submarine voyage with Captain Nemo as the enigmatic hero), A Journey to the Center of the Earth (in which Prof Lidenbrock […]
Continue ReadingIn the nineteenth century, prior to the advent of the railroads, overland travel was decidedly slow and arduous. To get to Lake Chapala, for example, from Guadalajara usually entailed either an overnight stop en route, or a full day’s travel, with a change of horses mid-way. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that relatively few people […]
Continue ReadingFive places in Mexico are on the list of the world’s 100 most endangered heritage sites. “The World Monuments Fund (WMF) is the foremost private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of endangered architectural and cultural sites around the world. Since 1965, WMF has worked tirelessly to stem the loss of historic structures at more […]
Continue ReadingAgaves can be thought of as another chain of “7-Elevens”. The numerous members of the Agave family are all native to the New World. “Agave” is derived from the Greek word “agauos” (admirable). Agaves, the “admirable plants”, are the source of several commercial products, including tequila, the equally admirable national drink. Known as “magueys” in Spanish, the plants have […]
Continue ReadingI know what you’re thinking: “Tequila prices have been rising for years, but 225,000 dollars for a bottle is ridiculous!” “Are we talking about a regular-sized bottle, or a supersized jumbo-jet full of liquor?” It may be ridiculous, but it is nonetheless true. The tequila company Tequila Ley .925 issued a press release in July […]
Continue ReadingThe world’s largest natural crystals (of selenite, said to enhance sex drive) have been discovered in caverns in Chihuahua. Early in 2001, news emerged of a truly extraordinary discovery in caverns deep under the earth in the state of Chihuahua. Miners tunneling through the Naica Hills, south of Chihuahua City, in search of silver and […]
Continue ReadingOur “Mexico: Did You Know” series offers lots of not-so-well-known but interesting facts about Mexico’s contributions to the world. Here is the list (most recent at the top): First scientific account of Lake Chapala was in 1839. Mexico’s vultures have very different eating habits. Los Mochis and Topolobampo are both examples of “new towns”. The […]
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This article is Part 2 of Tony Burton’s series: “Can Mexico’s Largest Lake be Saved?” . Part 1: May, 1997 – Can Mexico’s Largest Lake be Saved? Part 3: March, 2001 – The Future of Lake Chapala–Suggestions For Discussion Part 4: May 2002 – Lake Chapala–Fish Farm, Farmland or Bungee Jump? Part 5: April 2003 – A review of “The […]
Continue ReadingThe Sierra Madre! The very name conjures up images of movie sets, mine shafts and majestic, rugged mountains, perhaps with cowboys riding through. Nowhere in Mexico is it quite so easy to experience and savor the reality behind these derived images as on the drive from Mazatlan to Durango along Highway 40. Just 24 kilometers […]
Continue ReadingThe following extract is taken (with the author’s permission) from the English edition of Western Mexico: A Traveller’s Treasury by Tony Burton (3rd edition, Perception Press, 2001), available from Sombrero Bookss The least touristy town along the northern lakeshore, Jocotepec has a distinctive charm all of its own. The large central plaza which lies in the shadow of […]
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