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Archive | October, 2009

Copper Canyon Slide Show

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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Copper Canyon Slide Show

Mexico’s Copper Canyon is a land of expansive vistas, crumbling mule trails and endlessly convoluted mountain scenery. Comprised of six monumental canyons and a labyrinthine network of some 200 gorges, you can’t do much better for sheer size, scope and geological grandeur. These images were snapped at various locations: the mountain-town of Creel, the look-out of Divisadero, the rocky road to Batopilas and others.

Guerrero Slideshow

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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Guerrero Slideshow

The state of Guerrero, central Mexico, is punctuated by miles and miles of incandescent coastline. Home to the quintessential pleasure resort of Acapulco, it is one of Mexico’s most touristic states, and yet it is also one of its poorest. Rugged topography means many parts of the region are secluded from the outside world. These images were snapped between two of the region’s best known tourist attractions: Acapulco and Taxco.

El Norte: Northern Mexico Slideshow

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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El Norte: Northern Mexico Slideshow

Mexico’s north is a lesser visited land of sprawling cattle ranches and endless expansive vistas. Tempered by harsh deserts and mountains, el Norte has always been a wild and uncompromising destination, as well as an historic bastion of political resistance. These images were snapped at various locations: Chihuahua City, the Copper Canyon, Hidalgo del Parral, Alamos and others.

American Beauty

Saturday, October 17, 2009

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American Beauty

Frederick Catherwood was the first 19th century artist to record the splendours of some of the most inaccessible Central American ruins. His images, published in books that changed the way academics viewed the region’s indigenous peoples, were created under appalling conditions. They remain some of the most vibrant and beautiful illustrations of the ancient Mexican world ever rendered…

Aguirre, The Wrath of God

Friday, October 9, 2009

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Aguirre, The Wrath of God

In the uncompromising locale of the Amazon rainforest, Werner Herzog explores the theme of man versus nature in his stunning 1972 film, Aguirre: The Wrath of God. Like his other great tribute to the jungle, Fitzcarraldo, this is a story about impossible dreams.

Fitzcarraldo

Friday, October 9, 2009

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Fitzcarraldo

Werner Herzog’s 1982 Amazonian epic, Fitzcarraldo, explores the idea of impossible dreams. Set in early twentieth century Peru, the story follows an eccentric Irishman and opera-lover, Brian ‘Fitzcarraldo’ Fitzgerald, who dreams of making his fortune in the rubber business.

Mexico Map

Thursday, October 8, 2009

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Mexico Map

This map was generated using googlemaps. The blue markers indicate points of interest – click on one to generate a photo and a set of internal links related to that destination.

San Cristóbal de las Casas: Ethereal Highland City

Monday, October 5, 2009

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San Cristóbal de las Casas: Ethereal Highland City

San Cristóbal de las Casas is one of Mexico’s most beautiful and popular cities. Nestled in the mountains of Chiapas and replete with fantastic colonial architecture, San Cristóbal is a focal point for surrounding Mayan communities. Learn more in this guide.

Of Beasts and Heroes: A Bullfight in Guadalajara

Monday, October 5, 2009

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Of Beasts and Heroes: A Bullfight in Guadalajara

Some years ago I thought I’d be a man and go watch a bullfight in Guadalajara, Mexico. I had always been inspired by Hemmingway’s depictions of this heroic Spanish tradition and longed to witness it for myself…

Tequila: A Holy Communion

Thursday, October 1, 2009

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Tequila: A Holy Communion

Tequila, central Mexico, is the hallowed birth place of the same-named severe and intoxicating liquor. During a visit to a local distillery I learned about the production process and had a tipple. Do you know your tequila anejo from your tequila reposado? If not, read on.

Located in Nicaragua’s most remote and disconnected province – the North Atlantic Autonomous Region – the diminutive settlement of Waspam is the centre of the Miskito universe. This short video clip, featuring music from Miskito musician Li Lamni, was shot on take-off from town’s modest airstrip.

Mr Edgar ‘Rasta’ Coulsen is a native of the Caribbean town of San of Juan del Norte – an end of the world settlement perched at the mouth of the Rio San Juan. In this short video interview, Interamericana talked to him about the changes that have taken place in the region since his childhood.

One day, me and my compadres took a trip up the Río Istiam – a tranquil waterway that meanders inland at the isthmus between Ometepe’s two volcanoes, Concepción and Maderas. The river is home to abundant bird life, caimans, turtles and herds of indolent livestock. Many thanks to Jennifer Kennedy and the three Matts – Barwick, Hicks and Ashford, who appear in this video clip.

Via Via is something of a León institution, attracting Nicas and foreigners alike with its buzzing multi-cultural atmosphere, dirt-cheap bottles of rum and rousing Friday night music sets. Amalgama, featured in this video, are an institution in themselves, playing everything from rock ballads to crowd-pleasing revolutionary classics. In this clip they are accompanied by itinerant musician Richard Crandell and his Zimbabwean imbira.

As a poor chele, or white boy, rhythm was never going to come naturally to me. Nonetheless, my militant salsa instructor, Angel, patiently tried to teach me to dance. And when he could be patient no longer, he simply ordered me to the nearest disco…

Granada’s international poetry festival kicked off yesterday, 14th February 2010, with a belting set from Katia Cardenal. Performing at the Plaza Independencia, Katia sang a mixture of rousing folk songs and revolutionary ballads, including a superb homage to the Miskito people of the Atlantic coast (2nd song featured, actually in the Miskito language). Turn up the volume, pour yourself a rum, kick back and enjoy…