Cultivating curiosity and wellbeing in Mexico
We’re just back from some wonderful travels. Our original destination this year was Barcelona, Spain. We’d been there before, and I had actually worked there during the 1992 Olympics, but we were more than willing to go back and spend some more leisurely time than what we’d experienced in the Continue Reading →
I don’t know how well cute describes an archaeological site, but that’s the closest term I can find for the neat and compact ruins that are found just outside the town of Tingambato between Uruapan and Patzcuaro, Michoacan. Besides the archaeological site of Xihuacan (also called La Soledad de Maciel Continue Reading →
Cats, boas, a vegan fair, and dinner… What an unusual day! First, an early morning phonecall informed me that my cat, who resided at our office instead of our house, had almost–almost–been devoured by a boa constrictor. She was saved in the nick of time by a vigilant and fast-moving Continue Reading →
(S5663AM6AQX4) On a side street in the heart of the historical center of Mexico City, close to Parque Alameda and Bellas Artes (the Palace of Fine Arts), is a small, unassuming restaurant called simply Restaurante Vegetariano. It is open only for lunch and caters to the personnel of nearby offices Continue Reading →
So much has come out lately in health news circles about the wonders and benefits of avocados. The avocado is touted as a superfood, effective for conditions and ailments ranging from osteoarthritis to cardiovascular disease, from dry skin to depression. As more studies come out about its properties and qualities, Continue Reading →
My tropical garden right now is at what must be the height of lushness for the season. Most of the plants are fully grown and providing me with wonderful organic fresh produce. I harvest splendid bunches of greens daily, enough for my smoothies and salads and soups, but not so Continue Reading →
The Alternative Daily published an article about the health benefits of gazpacho*, a cold, tomato-based soup that is brimming with flavor and nutrients, citing research published in the journal of Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases** that points to the ingredients of gazpacho containing properties helpful in protecting us against conditions Continue Reading →
This week, my Bedouin tomatoes began ripening on the vine so I’ve finally been able to give them a taste. I had started the plants from seed in individual pots on October 4 and transplanted them into their permanent home around the middle of November, some five weeks after planting. Continue Reading →
When in the Patzcuaro area of Michoacan, Mexico, with my cousins last month, we visited the lakeside town of Tzintzuntzan with its old churches set in an ancient olive grove and its crafts market replete with straw Christmas decorations, baskets, painted pottery, and miscellanea. Outside the gates of the church Continue Reading →
Last summer, I was looking for vegetable seeds suitable for cultivation in the tropics: things that would accept (and hopefully thrive) in a climate of hot, damp, and salty. One summer’s day while garden shopping, I was inspired by a friend of mine (thanks, Kat!) to pick up a packet Continue Reading →
Fuerte de San Diego, Acapulco The Fort of San Diego, a pentagonal-shaped stronghold commanding a fabulous view of Acapulco bay, is located very near what is now Acapulco’s core downtown area, Originally constructed between 1615 and 1617, the fort was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1776. Reconstruction began in Continue Reading →
Flor de jamaica is the Mexican name for the flowers, or actually the calyces, of the variety of hibiscus known as the roselle, or Hibiscus sabdariffa, which is commonly grown in the tropical climes of the Americas. Recently, I came across fresh hibiscus flowers at our local Zihuatanejo market. They Continue Reading →
The cuisine of the Costa Grande de Guerrero in Mexico, which extends from Acapulco all the way to the Michoacan border, centers unsurprisingly around the bounty from the sea. All the regular fare such as shrimp, oysters, lobster, whole and filleted red snapper and dorado (mahi-mahi) can be found in Continue Reading →
Over the course of the last several months, Zihuatanejo’s downtown center has been undergoing a very noticeable face-lift. We began seeing sidewalks converted into covered passageways with attractive columns supporting red-tiled overhangs, providing pedestrians both sun-shade during the winter season and rain shelter during the rainy season. Continue Reading →
A morning stroll along the Madera walkway that runs from the bridge over the flood control canal next to the Archaeological Museum on Playa Principal all the way to Playa Madera in Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Continue Reading →
Here is a lovely video about Zihuatanejo that will give you a great introduction to the town and flavor of our little piece of paradise. This video, accompanied by music by Zihuatanejo’s own Jose Luis Cobo, a well-loved and widely-enjoyed local songwriter and musician, presents downtown Zihuatanejo and the four Continue Reading →