Puebla, Mexico July16 - 19, 2011

Cantona, on a windy volcanic plateau where the state of Puebla meets the Veracruz border.
Wonderfully situated on a fortified basalt bluff called the Cerro de las Aguilas, the Pizarro volcano and Cofre de Perote in the distance developed based on predictable weather and harvest patterns and established trade lanes, between 600 and 1000 A.D. 

Given its altitude, around 7500 feet, the plateau, known as the Plains of St. John, is cold and dry. The winds bounce off the Zacapoaxtla range and the Atlitzin and Citlaltepetl, Pico de Orizaba, volcanoes. Once a river system fed the fields but now rain water is collected in cisterns on the bluffs, then drained into the valley.

The neighborhood  ball court

 Benito was born 10 km away. Look for the blue Astro Bus to his right

21-year-old Alejandro is eager to form a cooperative, take courses, give talks, and see Cantona prosper beyond that finite time, not so long ago, when after nearly ten centuries, money and men came and went and the site flourished. "With such a prospect our uncles and brothers and fathers would have
no need to emigrate to the cities in search of work and our sisters would learn more than planting."

Cuetzalan - Avocados, Los Volatores and a Mold Migraine
http://youtu.be/gYeJ-aR3uQI

'Talavera de Uriarte' workshop

Dating to 16th Century Mexico, the term Talavera Pottery describes the faithful reproductions of ceramic pottery first created in the Spanish Village of Talavera de la Reina. A form of Majolica, today's Mexican Talavera reflects a diverse blend of cultural heritage from China, Renaissance Italy, the Moorish Empire, Spain and the indigenous peoples of Mexico. 

The city of Puebla is home to some of the oldest and most notable of Mexico's Talavera fabricas. Of these, Uriarte Talavera is perhaps the most renowned. First established in 1824, it is one of only 14 "certified" talavera fabricas in Mexico and is still operated by the Uriarte family in the original location.

Talavera has designed this amazing work of art for the Vatican to be displayed this Christmas in the Holy See. Below artists are using paper mache to make a life-size model of Mary.

Huajotal with Dr. Hector Pelaez - The whole community welcomed us!
In the community Santiago Huajota,  Monica and Brenda have supported the construction of family gardens, 54 of the 80 families participate in a children's poultry farm project "Huevos de Ranchero", a recycling program, two beautiful book projects and are currently building a children's library.

Playing rock, paper, scissors

Playing Tag with Alex and Kate

Leaving Puebla