Our next stop will be the butterfly sanctuary.
But, before we head off to the mountains, I want to share a few Morelia photographs with you.
Bus tours have a tendency to drop passengers off at handicraft shops filled with souvenirs indistinguishable from offerings at Import Plaza.
You could have colored me suspicious when our guide announced the next stop on our walking tour was a center offering handicrafts from each region of Michoacán.
My boredom meter pegged. But I was wrong. What could have been a garage sale on steroids turned out to be a cross-cultural cornucopia of writing and photographic opportunities.
The Casa de Artesanias is located in a former convent that ended its religious days when the Juarez government seized it. It is now filled with all types of handicrafts -- of varying quality.
Most of the pieces were either pottery or carved woods. Some very simple. Others extremely complex -- incorporating pottery pieces into huge woven tapestries.
The photograph below is a typical display. Furniture and pottery.
Most of the pieces were either pottery or carved woods. Some very simple. Others extremely complex -- incorporating pottery pieces into huge woven tapestries.
The photograph below is a typical display. Furniture and pottery.
The tables are carved and then most are painted in primary colors. I liked this one because it was unique almost as linear as an Italianate bed frame.
Pumpkin and squash pottery pieces are a common motif. And very well-crafted. They manage to be concurrently massive and delicately detailed.
Pumpkin and squash pottery pieces are a common motif. And very well-crafted. They manage to be concurrently massive and delicately detailed.
There are a few smaller pieces. Such as this pottery chess set. You may want to click on it to see a larger version. The pieces are quite clever.
Not everything managed to ping my cultural bug. Some of the presentations looked as if they were masquerading as a Pottery Barn clearance sale.
Or you might considering buying this. Your very own IKEA crucifix kit. (I rather liked it -- as a piece of art.)
My cultural association with the next piece is a reach. But any of you who remember Laura Petrie's infatuation with the Thing she purchased at an auction would be tempted to buy one for your living room.
Now, you will need to excuse me.
I need to get back to assembling my IKEA crucifix -- while watching reruns of The Dick Van Dyke Show.
