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Rufino Tamayo: Mexico’s Avant-Garde Modern Artist

I’ve always loved Rufino Tamayo as an artist and a muralist. Little did I know he was also an avid art collector of Mesoamerican Art. During my stay in Oaxaca, I visited the Tamayo Museum of Pre-Columbian Art of Mexico and was blown away by the throve of ancient archeological artifacts collected by Tamayo and gifted to the city he was born in. This avant-garde modern artist has two museums named after him for good reason, leaving behind a legacy unequal to most artists of his era…

February 11, 2024

My Photography Wanderlust

The Ancestral Splendor of Oaxaca, Mexico

There are certain times during the year that you may want to visit the city of Oaxaca (although most anytime would be good). December is clearly one of those seasons. A time of festivities–full of music, colorful traditional dresses, ancestral dancing, and unique cuisine. An urban city designated as a heritage site surrounded by the Sierra mountains at 5,000 feet above sea level. This city, which includes the state of Oaxaca, is known for its indigenous art and handicrafts. Maker of at least 8 different types of mole’ and the home of Mezcal with way too many varieties of this mystical libation to take home. It is the homeland of the Mixtecos and Zapotecos, who decedents today represent over 16 ethnic groups. An entirely distinct part of Mexico, perfect for celebrating the holidays and ringing in the new year. Here’s why ….

January 14, 2024

My Photography Wanderlust

Spending 25 Days in the Historic City of Campeche, MX

It was time to move on from Merida to the next city, heading two hours southwest to the historic city of Campeche. A city that reminds me so much of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, where my parents were born. The similarity is mostly in its architecture, narrow sidewalks, cobblestone streets and the fortress that surrounds the city. Most of it well-preserved, a defensive walled city going back to the 1600s, created for the sole purpose of protecting itself from pirates. Yes, pirates, much like those we see in movies….

December 19, 2023

Arts/Culture My Photography Wanderlust

Remembrance and Loss …. The Concept of An Altar

During my stay in Merida, Mexico, in 2023, I had the opportunity to partake in the celebration of El Dia De Los Muertos. At the time I had little understanding of what this holiday meant other than what I remembered from watching the Pixar children’s movie Coco where the audience (both children and adults) are educated about Mexican culture and their approach to how they view death. Notwithstanding, the movie does not fully touch on the significance of what this religious holiday is all about and the power of the altar…..

December 19, 2023

My Photography Wanderlust

Solar Eclipse at the Chichén Itzá Pyramids… A Mystical Experience at one of the Seven Wonders of the World

I knew during my stay in Merida, Mexico, I would tour the pyramids of Chichén Itzá as I failed to do so last year when I first visited this city. By chance, I was not aware when I booked the tour for Saturday, October 14th, 2023 that there would be a solar eclipse over the Yucatan Peninsula. A one-time Mayan experience that only happens every 40 years. Although there is not much of an astronomy bone in me, I was thrilled to partake in this mystical experience. Could it be that I was meant to be there? Who knows! Here is how the day went….

November 14, 2023

My Photography Wanderlust

Celebrating the Day of the Dead in Merida, Mexico … What’s Not to Love

By staying a week longer in Merida, I was able to partake in what was seven days of events celebrating the Day of the Dead recognized by the Mayans as Hanal Pixan, meaning “feast of the souls”. Indeed, it is! A well-orchestrated series of communal events to honor the spirits of those who have departed this world by welcoming their return. Celebrating and reconnecting with those that are no longer with us……

November 14, 2023

My Photography Wanderlust

First 30 Days in Mexico …Now What?

For those who are not familiar with my blog, 2023 became the year for revamping my entire life by closing my 38-year-old consulting practice, downsizing all that I have hoarded over the years to fit into two 10×10 storage units and become a nomad. Besides a 6 week stay in New York City, I have already moved to Mexico with plans to stay for 6 months and then to Italy through next year. Here is what those first 30 days of beginning a new chapter have been like….

November 14, 2023

My Photography Wanderlust

A Visit to Loreto, Mexico…A Road Less Traveled and all its Splendor

Loreto, Mexico is in the Baja California Sur peninsula about 300 miles from Cabo San Lucas. The town faces the Sea of Cortez, an amazing body of water of the color of lapis lazuli where whales come to mate and birth their young between the months of January-March. The town is surrounded by what is known as the Sierra de la Giganta, a mountain range of rugged golden hills in a desert environment of immense beauty and mystery. If you are looking for a road less traveled or a change of scenery, you may want to head out to Loreto. Here’s why?

January 28, 2023

My Photography Wanderlust

Merida MX Series #6: Merida’s Doors…Their Beauty and History

The magic of opening a door that could lead to something entirely different never escapes me and is why I am so fascinated by the architectural designs of doors from all over the world. I am drawn by the intricacies of both new and older colonial style doors on homes, churches and buildings. In Mexico, doors represent both protection and pride as well as an invitation to come in. Walking through Merida’s streets photographing so many captivating doors, I could not help wandering about the history and cultural elements that built this unique craftmanship…

December 1, 2022

My Photography Wanderlust

Merida MX Series #5…Merida’s Timeless Architecture and Real Estate Bonanza

If you are a lover of architecture, an architect or maybe an urban planner, you will easily fall in love with Merida’s 18th century colonial homes and buildings heavily influenced by both the Moorish and Mediterranean designs of that period. One of Merida’s most pleasing attributes is the preservation and restoration of what remains of a once colonial empire with a dark past. A real estate bonanza for those who seek to retire in a foreign country or invest. It certainly crossed my mind….

October 26, 2022

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