Can adobe make a comeback in Mexico?
It’s probably not a Western without at least one scene of a Mexican village with adobe structures. Perhaps cliché, but until the 20th century, Mexico really was built of the stuff.
Today’s ´ring of fire´ eclipse recalls years of Maya astronomy
Today, an annular or “ring of fire” solar eclipse will be visible over parts of Yucatán. I envy those able to see it.
Flamingos find refuge in Mexico
As much as Florida is associated with these funny pink birds, perhaps it is better to think of them as Mexican.
Beyond vanilla: Mexico home to 1,200 species of orchids
When British Surrealist Edward James founded his famous gardens in Xilitla, he was initially looking for a place to house his prized orchid collection.
He was one of many aficionados of the plant, and since Mexico comes second only to Brazil in its range of native orchid species, it makes sense that many Mexicans and foreign residents alike are involved in the conservation and promotion of these exceptionally beautiful blooms.
Popocatépetl volcano: central Mexico’ volatile guardian
Mexico City residents often forget that they live nearly on the doorstep of one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes. The city’s infamous smog rarely allows even a glimpse.
But Popocatépetl has dominated the geography, history and culture of the region. It remains iconic for Mexico, and its recent activity makes experts and the government nervous.
Paricutín, the volcano that fascinated the world, still captures imaginations
Growing up in New Jersey in the 1970s meant that Mexico was almost like another planet, something that appeared in Clint Eastwood movies.
But since moving to Mexico, I have had two experiences that jarred memories related to Mexico from my primary school days — things I had read about in textbooks, then got a chance to find out they were really, really real. One was Teotihuacán. The other was the Paricutín volcano.
If you think you know what an axolotl is, think again
Most Mexico City residents, as well as many tour guides and publications, will absolutely swear that the famed axolotl amphibian can only be found in what is left of the lake system now mostly destroyed by Mexico’s capital. But like so many things in Mexico, that statement is true and false.