The intricately patterned and intensely colored taperes/woven wool rugs of Teotitlan del Valle, Oaxaca are reputed to be the finest in Mexico. While on a birding, natural history and cultural tour our group visited the home and workshop of master weaver and artist Francisco Martinez and family.

By adding turkey ham and colorful sweet bell peppers to the traditional burrito filled with rajas/strips of poblano chiles and cheese, a delicious antojito can be transformed into an even more delicious one. If you do not believe me, just ask "traditional" Maria.

What is nature-based tourism? What does it involve and how can it be preserved in Mexico and elsewhere? What are some of Mexico's nature-based hotspots? This article which spotlights an interview with naturalist and tour leader Mark Pretti addresses those questions and "naturally" much more.

The state of Oaxaca is well known for its indigenous handicrafts such as black pottery, jade-green glazed ceramics, basketry, and woven textiles. Perhaps the most outstanding of that state's crafts are the fantastical, amazingly patterned, and flamboyantly painted "creatures" called alebrijes.

On February 2, forty days after the birth of Christ, the end of the Christmas season and the soon to be arrival of spring is celebrated during the Feast of the Candles. Partly religious and partly familial in nature, the Dia de la Candelaria is a tradition that has continued throughout the country.

Reflecting the wealth, magnificence, grandieur, and diversity of Mexico's cultural and natural heritage, the country is home to 31 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Mexico is so very much more than just the stereotypical "sun and sand" destinations.

Reflecting Mexico's diversity, currently there are four educational and, hopefully, informative, interesting and fun quizzes about Mexico at BellaOnline. Please come and explore the opportunities that are available to gently test your knowledge of what Mexico is all about, mas o menos.

For the last five years I have been collecting as a separate part of my "Mexican Museum" free calendars distributed by various merchants in my town and elsewhere in Mexico. However, it was only recently did I really discover what they collectively symbolize, the nation's psyche.

Come December, throughout Mexico, month long tianguis de Navidad/open-air Christmas markets are very common. Every year I go to the one in La Piedad, Michoacan where one can see and purchase a plethora of colorful items that are traditionally used in the creation of nacimientos/nativity scenes.

In Mexico traveling carnivals are very popular, especially in small towns in conjunction with religious fiestas. Where I live, Churintzio, Michoacan, every year there is a carnival during the Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe, December 1-12. Not to be missed are all of the traditional foods!