Sra. Ignacia

Off the beaten track; the best description of yesterday in México.

Our primary destination was Chalcatzingo, an ancient site of the Olmec people,

nestled between two large and very steep peaks, not quite full mountains their selves.

The carvings on this site were discovered in 1930, by little boys while playing on the peaks.

We drove through a tiny village on what was barely a road to climb and explore.

We saw many carvings that represented Olmec gods of fertility, rain

and their origination from the jaguar god.

We also met our first "amate amarillo."

The amate tree covers the state of Morelos, its paper was often used for writing and paintings.

This special kind of amate has striking yellow bark and engulfing branches.

After Chalcatzingo, we went in search of some "exconventos."

These churches were built by Native Méxicans, under the supervision of

Spanish Catholic priests, therefore they all portray the same European style.

On our way, we met Sra. Ignacia, the star of the day.

Sra. Ignacia handweaves wool ponchos, blankets and purses

from her own sheep.

She invited us off the streets of the zócalo, and into her home.

We met her three daughters and one grandson.

Chickens and roosters roamed the house,

much to the jealousy of the geese in their cage

next to Leonardo, and a horse made his presence known from 20 feet away.

I am humbled by their simplicity and

lack of reliance on modern commodities.

Brett bought a poncho from Sra. Ignacia, and Kate a purse.

I always want to remember this little town,

happily forgotten by the rest of the world,

hidden among chains of volcano mountains.

(Pictures courtesy of my sweet roommate, Kate.)