Raptor Dance

We decided to stop in Ajijic for the night on our way to Patzcuaro.   We also decided to try the relatively new route via Mascota and Amica instead of the usual Northern route up by Tepic.  Wow, 5 hours of winding mountain roads.  Next time we'll go the other way.

Ajijic town square with the church on the far side.

Interesting fish statue.

With the lake at the far end

Once we got to Patzcuaro - it took us over an hour to get to our hotel.  All the streets were gridlocked with the Fiesta!

Rincon de Josefa - We were the only guests in 60 rooms!  Very nice place.

Then off to neighboring Santa Clara del Cobre - the town of Copper craftspeople.

The museum also had a display of the contestants and winners at the recent pinata contest.

Mary's favorite looked like a boquet of flowers

Bill's most interesting pinata award goes to a big ear of corn.

This fellow could create a bracelet from a strip of copper in just a few minutes.  Then the tempering process added color and strength.

The copper fabrication facility in the Museum.  Most of the other workshops were closed for the holiday.

Patzcuaro has a nice public library right on the small square.  The mural, as do many in Mexico, tells a very interesting historic story from the surrounding area.

We spent the second day in Patzcuaro with our guide seeing the surrounding area.  First to the dig in Tzintzuntzan.

Mary and our guide Jorge Mendez

This is what the flower of the Agave plant looks like if you let it bloom.  Agave's bloom once in their life after 7 to 10 years.   Agave grown for Tequila is harvested right when the bloom's stalk starts to form.

We then walked down to town from the dig.

Early Spanish Monistery undergoing restoration.  Includes some early paintings and frescos.

Next we went to the Northern most island in Patzcuaro Lake.  Isla Picanda.  Most tourists go to the Southern most island Janitzio, but Jorge arranged for lunch with a local family.  A very special treat!

We are off to have lunch with Vicktor and his family.  He's also a fisherman and is driving us over.

Victor lives with his 3 daughters-in-law.  His sons are out of the area working.  They take real good care of him... and took real good care of us!

Mary, Jorge and Victor enjoying the great menu of Panella Quesadillas, Nopale (Cactus) Salad, Guacamole, Salsa, Tortillas and Beans.  We passed on the local speciality of small crispy fried fish.

A great local singer.  See his video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaBQOs8jO9o

Then on to Tlaquepaque.  We stayed again at Qunita Don Jose, Highly recommended...  This is the Day of the Dead Sink that Mary loves.  It's in the ladies room ;-}

We really like the local Markets in Mexico.  This fellow has his chickens ready to go!