xmas 09 II 069, a photo by robyn tinus---- on Flickr.

ROOFTOP WITNESS

 Just one of those special evenings when everything was perfect for the heavens to show off.

 note: these photos are not computer enhanced! the gods used their best pigments.

sept07-jan08 120

sept07-jan08 120, a photo by robyn tinus---- on Flickr.

majate

majate, a photo by robyn tinus---- on Flickr.

sept07-jan08 091

sept07-jan08 091, a photo by robyn tinus---- on Flickr.

sept07-jan08 111

sept07-jan08 111, a photo by robyn tinus---- on Flickr.

THE GOOD..THE BAD...AND THE UGLY

MAYO DANCERS AND SAN JUAN BLESS ALAMOS WITH FIVE STORMS

  I had the opportunity to go to a neighborhood velacion for the day of San Juan Bautista. I attended with some hesitation, not knowing what to expect, with my friend Francoise. We were greeted with "pasa le" and  walked up the road to the yard decorated with pretty paper streamers and big red paper roses, red being the color of San Juan. There was a live band and a choice of pozole or menudo. The people in this area don't bother with much small talk, they just enjoy the moment....being with friends and family.
 It was a special night, one in which the Mayo culture combined with Catholic customs were praying for rain, as the day of San Juan represents the beginning of monsoon season.

Backroad Oasis

El Cajon is part of the Cuchujaqui River. It seems to be fed by a large underground spring as it is very deep. Traveling for 2 hours from Alamos on a very bad and dusty backroad we opened and closed at least 10 gates. It was a short walk from a cow corral up the river and there it was ..... an emerald green mirage.

ASS ME IF I CARE!

Burros in La Aduana

Just Charge It ! a visit to La Aduana

 La Aduana  is located a few miles from Alamos but it feels like Mexico of long ago.

 When you walk into the general store on the plaza at La Aduana, you will be greeted with friendly faces like this boy and his proud grandma. Everyone hangs out at the store or outside under the portal and no one ever sits in the glorieta in the middle of the road. The tienda is where you can have a cold soda and chat with the neighbors or help the 2 gringas find a ranchito.

 Please don't sit on the counter and if your name is pinned up maybe you should pay up (a slightly embarrassing way of billing)