Alebrijes

Compositions in red and green were the theme of a whole summer of photography back in the early 80's in Montana with my Nikon EM.  Here is a more recent one of an alebrije from the state of Oaxaca, wooden carvings painted iridescently, never boring, always changing.  Like Mexico.

Lake Cuitzeo, Michoacan, Mexico

"You don't miss the water 'til the well runs dry."  -Bob Dylan

You may not have known that today is World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, I didn´t either until I picked up the morning paper.  Reminded me of this photo taken on Lake Cuitzeo in Michoacán a couple years back, the western extremity completely dry, abandoned fishing boats scattered along the shore.  Fortunately, the heavy 2010 precipitation filled it back up, but how long will it stay that way?

Tuxpan, Michoacan, Mexico

There is a two lane highway with some impressive views that passes through Tuxpan when going from Morelia to the monarch sanctuary or Valle de Bravo.  On this particular day, what caught my attention was this countryside cemetary (they always intrigue me), although I took all the color out with this infrared rendition.

Chorros del Varal, Los Reyes, Michoacan

It only took a postcard to get me here back in 1992, and some Spanish to stop and ask along the dirt road heading west out of Los Reyes if this was the way to the waterfalls.  No signs.  At that point, only a couple miles from the falls, we were driving through flat sugar cane fields.  At one little town, there was a rope across the road.  We stopped and paid the unofficial five peso fee to be able to continue.  This is Mexico.  A map will only get you so far, then you have to ask directions.  And if you come to a rope and need to pay a tip, just pay it.  Don't be the ugly American and request a receipt.  Believe me, the final destination, more often than not, will be well worth it!