Folk Art

Following are some photos of some of the Folk Art for sale here so you can see what is available and what prices are.  These were in higher-end stores and the prices are not negotiable.

This is a typical piece of folk art displaying the story of life.  It is actually called El Arbol de Boda or The Tree of the Wedding.   I took photos of each section starting with the wedding at the bottom and have more detailed fotos  of each "story" below - the handwork is quite intricate and the piece stands about 2" tall

The Wedding

More detail from the piece

Then of course the baby and its baptism

And Finally death and grief

 Once again, the full piece

And the price is.... $1,765

You do the math!  Exchange rate is about 12.6 pesos to the dollar.

Equates to about $240 U.S. Dollars

Jaguars used to roam this area freely so they are a popular theme in local art.

About $40

This is a metal door knocker at a cost of about $100 (U.S.)

Now this hat comes in at $175....  I don't think the rest of these items are overpriced and still think we can get a "fine" hat for around $85

I really like this one and may have to go back for her!

I guess I didn't get the price on this - think it was around $95

Hats for Ron Spinelli

We've been researching Panama Hats for Ron Spinelli and have learned that the price is directly connected to the weave quality of the hat.  They can range in price from $20 to $125 and we have determined that a "fine" hat is around $80 (U.S. dollars).  Following are some photos of different styles in that price range.

Fine Hat ($80) Weave is tightly woven and made of sisal

Cheap Hat ($40) - Weave is much less fine

Fine Man wearing a Fine Hat!

 

 

The hats can have a narrow or wide brim

Variety of Styles

$30-$50 Hats

 

 

Most of the hats can come with a colorful woven hat band.

We've finally done some traveling by renting a car and driving to the state of Quintana Roo and visiting the towns of Bacalar, Chetumal, and Tulum.  Bacalar is a small town located on the second largest lake in Mexico.  The water was warm and crystal clear.  We were pleased with our hotel (Hotel Laguna Bacalar) which was a somewhat funky old resort hotel that Mexican citizens tend to frequent. 

Our Bathroom

The sign refers to the shell covered, resin coated counter top!

 But as I said, the view was stunning!

The next day (Sunday, Feb. 17) we drove to the city of Chetumal (on the border with Belize)  to have breakfast in a nice hotel there.  Then we drove west to some little visited ruins called Dzibanche.  We're finding that we really like the smaller ruins that most tourist don't visit.  Dzibanche was believed to have flourished between 300 A.D. and 800 A.D. and covered some 40 sq. kilometers (25 sq. miles).

Looking straight up in a room in the temple towards the ceiling.

This photo shows a ruin that has not be excavated - it rises up from the ground and is covered in plant life and trees.

The government has come in and planted the sides of a temple to deter further deterioration.

Contrast of Histories

One of the most surprising things to me has been the contrast between the European  and Mayan Cultures of the Yucatan.  We came to see the ruins and I hadn't expected to see so much of the European influence in the grand old homes of the Spanish Conquistadores.

The Catedrals and homes were literally built on top of, and using stones from, Mayan Ruins.
This photo is from the Casa de Montejo and they have cut out a section of the repaired stucco to show the original stones  used.

 We usually try to have lunch as our largest meal of the day in a restaurant.  Below was a
particularly good restaurant. 

The Restaurant

 

Jerry Waiting for Lunch

Well Worth the Wait!  Pollo Pibil

Ash Wednesday was the end of "Carnaval."  Much like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, they party and celebrate very noisily for a solid 8 days....  Below are some select photos from the four parades we attended.  After the parades, there is music and dancing in all the parks around the city until dawn!

The Children's Parade

The Regional Parade

The Fantasy Parade

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We purchased tickets so that we would have seats.  One parade we sat in the bleachers that line the streets, one we sat at a table at a sidewalk cafe and one we sat front row in folding chairs.  The parade starts at 7 p.m. and you claim your seats around that time but the parade doesn't pass thru El Centro (where our seats were) until at least 9 p.m.!