There are now more than 55 artists living in our little village. Most are tucked away in places you would never think of looking, like the Zona Urbana. But now Nadja Billard has made it possible for you to take a private tour of these artists’ studios and homes.
We recently went on the tour and were shocked by the amazing talent of artists living in our town. We have painters, sculptors, wood workers and more. Nadja has organized a tour that lasts 2-3 hours and takes you to 4-5 locations.
In most cases the trip is worth it alone just to see the homes that these talented people have built. We were astounded at the quality of workmanship that is going on right under our noses.
Daryl Eady in her studio
We really enjoyed talking to the artists about their work and their process, plus spending time in the Zona Urbana is a bonus. Even though the Zona is so close to Puerto Morelos, the bird, animal and plant life is completely different than in town. You are bound to spot something special.
Maricela Salas Rico in her studio with Nadja Billard
Next time you are in town, be sure to contact Nadja at nadjabvd@gmail.com to book a tour. The cost is $35usd for up to 3 people or the driver can save 50% if you use your own vehicle. Many artists have their works available to purchase, some even have prints starting at very reasonable prices. Don’t miss the Art Tour of Puerto Morelos, it is truly a special experience.
Note: No tours from the end of April to the end of July
Casa de los Venados (House of the Deer) in Valladolid is not to be missed.
Owners John and Dorianne Venator have an amazing collection of Mexican art that they have hand picked from all over the country. The collection became so large that they needed to find the perfect space for it.
The couple spent eight and half years remodeling a colonial home in Valladolid to house the collection. The home is something to see on it’s own, but ad in the amazing art collection and you are in for a treat.
Although it is their private residence the couple opens their home to the public everyday at 10:00am for tours, in both English and Spanish, of the more than 3,000 pieces of the collection. In return for the tour they ask for a small donation which goes to a local charity.
Whenever we have a chance to sneak away to Valladolid in the Yucatan, we do. This little city is quickly becoming a trendy, hip place to hang out thanks to businesses like Coqui Coqui Spa & Perfumes that make their own scents and candles or Dutzi Bags that make high end handbags sewn by local Mayan woman using recycled materials and our favourite restaurants Conato 1910.
Monastery of San Bernardino de Siena
Valladolid played a huge role in the Caste War of the Yucatan making it one of the major historical sites of the area.
With tons of history, art, culture, cenotes and great food, Valladolid is not to be missed if you are traveling through this area. Check back this week as I will post more on this cultural hot spot.
We had Easter dinner last night at our dear friends Sandra and Dan’s home. They live in an area of Puerto Morelos called the “Zona Urbana”, also referred to as “the Jungle” where people live on large 50 x 50 meter lots cut out of thick Yucatan jungle. This little guy hopped by to join us for dinner.
It’s Semana Santa here in Mexico and the thing to do is go to the beach! So we are off to the beach. We hope you and your family have a great Easter. ENJOY!
Jazzing up our concrete yard.
Our backyard was badly in need of a makeover. It was just old cement that is great for keeping bugs away, but ugly. We wanted a low maintenance finish, so we went for stamped concrete. Which could be done in one day, but is a much larger job than we thought.
River of Cement
First the entire backyard was flooded with cement. Then the cement was spread it out and made sure that it was level.
Leveling the cement
Adding the colour
Then the bottom colour was added, which was much brighter than expected.
Adding the contrast
Then a contrasting colour was added and the entire backyard was stamped with a brick like texture. The stamping was done by hand.
Then we waited for the cement to dry. Just before it was completely dried the top coat was washed off . Then once it was completely dry, a sealer was put on top.
The finished product is beautiful! So much nicer than the old cement.
We are lucky enough to be able to look out our front door every Good Friday and see the stations of the cross as they pass by. It’s the start of Semana Santa in Mexico.
This is the recipe my friends ask me for again and again. It’s always a hit and fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest recipes I know. It was Miguel Robles, owner of Mi Rueda Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, who taught me this recipe many years ago and after we had all shared a few too many tequilas. The proportions of this recipe are inexact, this may have been due to the too many tequilas or that fact that is a traditional recipe that is just known by most Mexicans.
Ingredients
-beefy tomatoes (I use Roma or Cherry)
-sweet white onions
-cilantro (optional for you cilantro haters)
-fresh lime juice
-sea salt
Cut the top and bottom off tomatoes. Squeeze out the seeds and juice. Chop into small squares. Chop an equal amount of white onion to the same size. Add chopped cilantro. I like lots of cilantro, but I have also learned over the years that there are people who HATE, not just dislike, but hate this herb. I personally think it is a crime to leave the cilantro out. Cilantro is added to taste. Then add the juice of 1 to 2 fresh squeezed limes depending on the size of your batch. And the secret ingredient in this salsa, sea salt. Regular salt does not work. Salt to taste. Mix it all in a glass bowl (not metal) cover and let sit for a few hours or overnight so the flavours can meld together. Before serving, drain off excess liquid.
Enjoy!
In Mexico our homes are made of concrete. The great thing about it is you can dress up the concrete however you like. Here is an example of how, in just a few hours, our handyman turned a drab window into a fab window.
We bought this box of tiles for less than $17usd in Dolores Hidalgo.
Roughing up the cement so the tiles will stick.
The tile is up, now the grout needs to be added.
Grout & a line of blue paint finish the job. From boring to WOW in a few hours.
Our truck and trailer near Saltillo
In a few weeks we will begin our drive from Puerto Morelos, Mexico to Calgary, Canada. As we go we will keep you posted here on our adventures and the wonderful places in Mexico we get to visit. Check back with us.
Between now and then feel free to enjoy some road music from the Red Headed Stranger to get you in the mood. ¡Hasta pronto!
