Café Arté, Tepoztlán, January 1, 2024  An intimate coffeehouse hidden in the heart of Tepoztlán's center with some unique features. #culture #places #people

Laguna Bacalar, December 4, 2023   Bacalar is the second largest inland body of water in Mexico. Located in the state of Quintana Roo, in the Yucatan, it is about two hours south of Tulum, and attracts tourists for many reasons. #places #beaches

Tepoztlán's Mushrooms, November 6, 2023   A local professional widlcrafter guided our weekly hiking group on a  mushroom walk. He showed us medicinal and edible ones, and pointed out others that were poisonous. This article shows photos of the mushrooms he identified.                #places #nature #hikes

Religious Icons: Part One, October 2, 2023   Catholicism is the major religion south of the US border. But it is different here. #culture                    

Murals in Tepoztlán, September 4, 2023   Part of the magic of the "Magic City" of Tepoztlán comes from its many colorful murals adorning buildings. Some are quite imaginative and whimsical. #culture #art

The Santiago Trails in Tepoztlán, August 7, 2023   Tepoztlán, where I live, is a "magic city' in the central Mexico volcanic region. It is in the state of Morelos. Santiago is a small village that's part of the Tepoztlán municipality on the outskirts of the city. #places #trails #hike

Chalcatzingo-Morelos Archeological Site, July 3, 2023  Chalcatzingo is an ancient Olmec site (1,500 BC) an hour's drive from Tepoztlán, where I live. The Olmecs are the oldest known Mesoamerican civilization. A group of us went on an excursion there. we first examined the bas-reliefs carved into the rocks and protected with overhanging roofs.  We took a long hike up the mountain. After coming down, and before leaving, we investigated the pyramids at the site. #places #archelogical site #trail #hike

In the Time of Nick, June 5, 2023   Nick Kruser's talents are multifaceted and highly developed. #people

Carnival Tepoztlán, March 6, 2023   Carnival in Tepoztlán is a big production. The population doubles from added celebrants during this four day event, with the focus in the town Centro. A lot of work is involved in setting it up and cleanup afterwards. It brings in a lot of income to the community, but also generates problems mostly stemming from drunkenness. #culture #fiesta

Tepoztlán Hiking Club, February 6, 2023   Our hiking group began as a mushroom expedition led by a professional mycologist on September 24, 2022. #places #hiking #trails

Consejo de Visiones, Tepoztlan, January 2, 2023.  Consejo de Visiones, Vision Council, is an annual week long camping event in the fall in Mexico that brings together different organizations promoting care of the earth by educating, sharing and networking. #culture #nature

Dia de Los Muertos-Tepoztlán, December 5, 2023   Dia de Muertos is an important fiesta celebrated in all Latin American countries. Every town in Mexico has different customs, and Tepoztlán is no exception. #culture #fiesta

Ulli Visits Tepoztlán, November 7, 2022   As do many tourists, Ulli enjoyed visiting Mexico. After enjoying exploring beaches for a few months, she wanted to be at a cooler place and heard about Tepoztlán. #people

Camps in Tepoztlán, Part Two: Meztitla, October 3, 2022   Outdoor recreation areas abound in Tepoztlán. This article is about the Boy Scout Camp, Meztitla, which is a major jamboree site in Mexico, hosting both national and international events. #places #nature

Camps in Tepoztlán, Part One: Camohmila, September 5, 2022   In Tepoztlán, there are two major camps within the city limits. This is about the YMCA camp, Camohmila. #places #nature

Parks in Tepoztán, August 1, 2022   Parks are outdoor public recreation areas. There are several types in Tepoztlán, and we'll not cover all of them here. Many have mixed uses.Parks in TepoztánParks are outdoor public recreation areas. There are several types in Tepoztlán, and we'll not cover all of them here. Many have mixed uses. #places #nature

Eli Pig Sanctuary, July 4, 2022   Eli Pig Sanctuary is in a remote part of Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico. It was founded by Janis, a Mexican, in 2019. She follows a vegan diet and believes that animals have personalities just as we do and should not be treated as resources. #places

Dagen Visits Mexico, June 6, 2022   Mexico attracts many creative people. Dagen Julty is one of those. #people

DaVida:  Artivist Priestess, May 2, 2022   DaVida, originally from Spain, now lives in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico. Mexico attracts many internationally acclaimed creatives like her. #people #culture #art

Valle de Atongo, March 26, 2022   Valle de Atongo is the largest section of metropolitan Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico. It is mostly residential and it is the wealthiest neighborhood. #places #neighborhood

Morelia, Michoacon, Mexico, February 26, 2022   Morelia, the capital of the state of Michoacan, is in central Mexico. It's a four hour drive northwest of Mexico City. #places #culture

World Rainbow Gathering at Palenque, January 29, 2022  During the month of December, the World Rainbow Gathering, an international event, had its camp out at a site near the ruins of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico. #places #culture #people

Construction in Tepoztlán:Part Two, November 27, 2021   Adobe is the characteristic and distinctive building material in this region. Continuing from Part One, we'll look at this material and how it is used locally. #places #neighborhood #culture

Construction in Tepoztlán: Part One, October 30, 2021   Across the street from me a crew started pouring the cement roof on a house. I grabbed my camera to film the work. #places #neighborhood #culture

Pets in Tepoztlán, September 25, 2021   Pets are very popular in Mexico. Like everywhere, their owners love them. They become part of the family. #culture #neighborhood

Lana Visits Tepoztlán, August 28, 2021   Are you interested in how a first time visitor experiences this place? #people

Hikes to  Pyramids, July 31, 2021   This documents the two main pyramids in Tepoztlán, focusing on nearby back trails.#places #hikes #trail #archeological site

Mountain Hike/Retreat in Tepoztlán, June 26, 2021   Follow my adventure climbing a mountain and sleeping in a cave. #places #hike #trail

"Jazz Is"-Tepoztlán, May 29, 2021   This newly formed jazz trio had their debut on Sunday, May 2, at La Sombra del Sabino, in Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico. #culture

Craig  Lewis:Cultural Creative/Mexican Immigrant, April 24, 2021   In this article, we'll look at how Craig Lewis, a refugee from the US, adjusted to living in Mexico, and we'll explore his projects. #people

Trails From Tepoztlán Centro, March 27, 2021.  There are many trails in the area through the mountains and woods. Recently I discovered two trails that are only a fifteen minute walk from Centro. #places #trails #nature

A Trail in Amatlán, February 27, 2021   Amatlán is an ancient village in the municipality of Tepoztlán. It is the birthplace of the Nahuat god Quetzalcóatl. Its name derives from that of the Amate tree, from which a form of paper was made. I am going to introduce you to one of the trails there. #places #trail #nature

The  Sacred Fire Community, January 30, 2021   Around the world, at the Sacred Fire, people take part in one of humanity’s oldest traditions—sitting together around a fire. #culture #ceremony

Food Markets in Tepoztlán, Mexico, December 26, 2020   It's fun to shop for fresh vegetables and fruit at the outdoor markets. #places #culture #neighborhoods

Off-Grid Living in Mexico, November 28, 2020   Have you ever thought of simplifying your life? Living off-grid and in closer harmony with nature? #people #culture #nature #sustainability

Equinox Ceremony at Finger Rock, October 31, 2020   On September 22, the day of the fall equinox, I hiked alone into the mountains near where I live, in Tepoztlán, to honor the transition of seasons. #places #ceremony #nature #trail

Rainy Season, September 26, 2020   There are two seasons in Tepoztlán: rainy and dry. #nature #neighborhood

My Neighborhood in Tepoztlán, Part Two, August 29, 2020   I’m sharing what my neighborhood is like in Tepoztlan, Morelos, Mexico. This is the second part, where we explore the streets away from the my apartment. #places. #neighborhood

My Neighborhood in Tepoztlán, Part One, July 24, 2020   This is a personal description of my neighborhood in Mexico. It is not just any neighborhood, or an average one. #places #neighborhood

Gardens in Tepoztlán, June 27, 2020   The climate in Tepoztán is temperate, making it an ideal place to grow plants. The soil is from volcanic deposits, and very rich. #places #neighborhood #nature #culture

Trash in Tepoztlán, May 30, 2020   In order to continue the federal funding normally paid to a "magic city" in Mexico, Tepoztlán needs to meet a certain level of cleanliness. #places #culture #neighborhood

Mexican Abstract Painter, April 25, 2020   Christina Del Valle Macleod is an abstract painter who lives in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. #people #art

A Bilingual Hiking Group In Tepoztlán, March 28, 2020   Tepoztlán has many incredible trails that I've explored over the years. A man named Jesus contacted me to be a trail guide and help form a bilingual hiking group here. #places #culture #trails #hiking #nature

Tourists in Tepoztlán, February 29, 2020   Tepoztlán, in the state of Morelos, is in central Mexico, in the "volcanic region." It has the designation, "Magic City." The federal government recognizes its tourist potential and provides funding. #culture

Cloud Atlas Tepoztlán, January 25, 2020   In Central Mexico, there are two seasons—dry and rainy. During the rainy season, we often see spectacular skies, with clouds oozing down the strange mountain shapes that characterize Tepoztlán. #places #nature

Housebuilding in Mexico, Dec. 28, 2019   Buying land and building a house in Mexico is no easy feat. This article tells the story of a friend of mine who has done it and in a very innovative and artistic way. #places #people

A Music Festival in Tepoztlán, Nov. 30, 2019   This was an all day outdoor music festival in Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico, on Sunday, November 3, 2019. #culture #music

A Musician in Tepoztlán, Oct. 26, 2019   Jim Doney is a drummer extraordinaire! Not only is he a skilled and creative jazz drummer, but also a good teacher, and an inventor of a special musical instrument, based on his research of tunings. #people #culture

Deer Sanctuary--  Tepoztlán, Mexico, Sept. 28, 2019   The Deer Sanctuary (Santuario de los Venaditos) is a beautiful nature preserve with two main trails--one to a cascade, and the other to an overlook with petroglyphs and a cave. #places #trails #nature #hiking

A Mexican Artist, Aug. 31, 2019    Alejandro Aguirre Hernandez is an artist and musician in Tepoztlán, Mexico. #people #culture #art

Cuernavaca, Part Two, July 27, 2019   This is a continuation from the previous blog, Cuernavaca Part One. #places #culture

Cuernavaca, Part One, June 29, 2019Cuernavaca, with a population of 350,000, is the capital of the state of Morelos. #places #culture

The Silver City, May 25, 2019   Taxco, pronounced Tasko, is noted for its finely crafted silver. #places #culture

Tlayacapan, Mexico, March 30, 2019   Tlayacapan, a Pueblo Mágico (Magic City), in central Mexico is noted for its dancing Chinélos, 26 small chapels, and pottery made from the red clay in the hills. #places #culture

Trails In Tepoztlán, Mexico, March 2, 2019.  The most used trail in Tepoztlán is the one to its pyramid, Tepozteco. #places #hikes #trails

Climate in Tepoztlán, Mexico, January 27, 2019   The elevation of Tepoztlán is midway between that of Mexico City and Cuernavaca, at 5627 ft. It is 19 degrees north of the equator. These are some of the factors that make its climate a very favorable temperate one. #places #nature

Christmas In Tepoztlán, December 29, 2018   In Mexico, the holiday is celebrated differently than in the US or other parts of the world. #culture #places

Guadalajara, November 24, 2018   Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico. Only an hour away is Mexico’s largest fresh-water lake, Lake Chapala. #places #culture

Sacred Plant Medicine, October 27, 2018   In Mexico, where law enforcement is more relaxed than elsewhere, one finds numerous ceremonies using psychoactive plants. #culture #ceremony #nature

Healers and Healing, September 29, 2018   From the regular mainstream practitioners to far out forms of alternative healing and traditional indigenous medicine--you'll find it all, side by side, in Mexico. #people #culture

Jose of Tepoztlán, August 25, 2018   I interviewed Jose Rodriguez, an expat from the US with relatives in Mexico. He’s an excellent filmmaker/photographer. #people #culture #art

Watery Places, July 28, 2018.  In this blog, I’ll introduce you to two places where water runs year round. These places have been “spiritual sites” since antiquity. #places #culture #nature #ceremony

Water In Mexico, June 30, 2018   Mexico is a dry country. Then how does it deal with water? In this blog, I'll be introducing a local organization, in Tepoztlán, state of Morelos, that develops and educates on different aspects of water sustainability. #culture #sustainability

Sounds of Tepoztlán, May 26, 2018   Tepoztlán, in Central Mexico, is a "magic city." It is tourist oriented and the streets are crowded on weekends. During the week there are many fiestas.In a prior blog, I wrote of how noisy Tepoztlán is, and how one acclimates to the noise in time. What kinds of sounds are there? #places #culture #neighborhoods

Fiestas of Tepoztlán, April 28, 2018.  The major factor that drew me to move to Mexico was experiencing its fiestas. They are loud and colorful, a feast for the senses, with nothing like them in the US. #culture #places

Murals of Tepoztlán, March 24, 2018.  This Letter features murals feeding the eye and soul the colorful nourishment of the Latino culture. #culture #art

Acapulco--More Than Beaches and Banana Boats, February 24, 2018   When Mexicans and international visitors think of Acapulco, beaches, water sports, and the famous cliff divers come to mind. Less seemly images are narco trafficking and high homicide rates. #places #beaches

Becoming Mexicanized--Living in Mexico on a Low Budget, January 27, 2018.  When you live in another country don’t expect it to be the same as yours. It’s an adaptation requiring patience. This is what I call “becoming Mexicanized.” #culture

My Daily Life in Mexico: Tepoztlán, Morelos, December 30, 2017   What’s daily life like living in Mexico? I’ll share experiences of what I do. #culture

Mexico Is Fiesta! Nov. 25, 2017.  Fiestas were the major reason I moved to Mexico. I love this part of the culture! The music and dance, costumes, foods, parades, and ceremonies—different for every occasion. #culture #ceremony

Beaches of Mexico, Oct. 28, 2017   Not long after I moved to Mexico (2003), I spent two weeks in Tulum. It’s the best for swimming I’ve visited. #places #beaches #nature

Fiasco with the Federales, Sept. 30, 2017   At three AM the red-eye bus going home from the coast ends at a service control stop. #culture

Myths About Mexico, July 29, 2017   First, I am piggy-backing off of the last letter, Get Lost! And 'll describe some of the logistics of living and traveling in Mexico after. #culture

Mexico's Click and Clack Culture, Aug. 26, 2017   I’m walking along one of the main streets in the center of Tepoztlán where I live. I bump into a friend. CLICK! #culture

Get Lost! June 26, 2017  Is getting lost an entirely bad thing? It’s disorienting, disturbing, and problematic. But I think there can be upsides. #places #nature #trails #hiking