This is the second installment of our trip to the state of Nayarit, Mexico. It's about a forty-five minute drive north of Puerto Vallarta (in the state of Jalisco).Â
Our friends asked us to buy them a hammock. With this goal in mind we took a taxi to La Penita, the town just five minutes or so north of Rincon de Guayabitos, where we were staying. Here is the clever sign outside the shop. I was enchanted even before I walked inside.Â
 
 
It was refreshingly cool and colorful. The lovely english speaking owner was just finishing with some customers and we listened and watched her presentation. The hammocks come in various sizes and materials. I tried out the hammock above for a blissful mini siesta and was sold on the spot!
Now all we had to do was to pick out the size, material and color.
Here is a shot of the owner and her dapper and delightful Egyptian father (who was visiting from Montreal!).  We thoroughly enjoyed our conversation.
We were also entertained by her pet, a brilliant Mexican Macaw.
 
I got to feed it some peanuts...one of many thrills on our vacation.
On another day we explored the area south of Rincon de Guayabitos. First we stopped in San Francisco, also known as San Pancho (a nickname for Francisco). It is a popular surfing spot as is Sayulita, our subsequent stop.
A stunning young woman was selling her creations right on the sand in San Pancho. I was mezmerized by her jewelry and her beautiful self designed clothes. Her friend was also wearing unique home made clothing. I found out later that these people were Huichol Indians, decendants of the Aztecs. You can learn more about them here.Âhttp://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/huichol/huicholindex.html
 
We found more bead art in Sayulita just south of San Pancho. We eagerly picked out our favorite pieces from the lavish spread. I will post a video taken in Sayulita where a rodeo was taking place.
In the end, these are the pieces we brought home...
 
As you might imagine, I am eager to go back for more shopping! Viva Mexico!
Here is a link to a very short video of downtown Sayulita:Â http://www.gather.com/viewVideo.jsp?id=11821949021863011&nav=Namespace
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Comments: 28
Nayarit, Mexico ~ Day One
This is stunning. It reminds me of two things - one, it reminds me of the Mayan peoples, clothing and wares in Guatemala and the wares - especially the Pottery - reminds me a bit of the Polish pottery we have. I also have a sweater that looks so Scandinavian, but is in fact from Argentina - sometimes folk designs seem to have recurrent themes in them that are repeated as part of the collective unconscious, irrespective of whether the design stems from a northern or southern culture. ( I am only referring to similarities I've noticed in European and South American designs. I have not noticed these similarities in Eastern, non-Western wares. But I suppose it makes sense, in a way, that some of the patterns and themes could be similar in Mexican and South American wares, since they were settled from the Conquistadors - but it does not really explain the similarities in themes or patterns with Scandinavian or Slavic wares. I still favor my collective unconscious theory that I've been working on for a couple of decades.
Your article is Featured in the Triple Name Club.
I thoroughly enjoyed this shopping tour with you, my friend.
qualia quaking fare.....these are some of the most
intricate and playfully designed pieces I have ever
seen in Mexico. I would have had a very difficult time
selecting. The shots of the beautiful people you
met and the artists themselves completes the visit
with smiles and heart essence and I, too, am so
envious and desirous of visiting this lovely state
someday. Thank you, again, for brightening my days
and my world with your gifts of many hues and
spectrums. This feast is inspiring and the visual
tastes of another culture expand my senses
from the sating.
i will feature this, in travel photos. thank you!
Love all the bead art & jewelry shown above as well!