Mexico Site
	Les Shulman BellaOnline's Mexico Editor

Banded Agates of Northwestern Mexico
Strikingly colorful and distinctively patterned banded agates from Northwestern Mexico are among the most beautiful and most sought after in the world. Come learn about such cryptocrystalline wonders like the Lagunas, Moctezumas, and Crazy Laces that are found in the state of Chihuahua.

Cantera Stone Past and Present
Cantera is a quarried stone found exclusively in western central and central Mexico. Many of the country's Spanish colonial cities were constructed with cantera, mostly of the pink variety. Today, this attractive, lightweight, strong, porous, and malleable material is utilized in many creative ways

Chihuahuas of a Different Breed
Chihuahuas are the national dog of Mexico. They are also the smallest dog in the world and the oldest recognized canine breed in North America. Many of them are pampered and temperamental indoor dogs that are friendly and loyal only to their owners. Fortunately, not all chihuahuas are the same.

Fire Agates of Mexico
Mexico is known for many kinds of colorful and beautiful agates. Arguably, the most unique and beautiful of these are the fire agates found in the states of Chihuahua, Aguascalientes, and San Luis Potosi. More durable than opals, fire agates like precious opals can exhibit a striking play of color.

Fire Opals of Queretaro
The state of Queretaro in the Central region of Mexico, by area the fifth smallest in the country and about half the size of New Hampshire, has numerous touristic gems. Its true gem, though, regarded to be the national gemstone of Mexico, is el Opalo de Fuego, the Fire Opal!

Mexico's Long Hurricane Season
With a coastline that covers 5797 miles, Mexico's hurricane season extends from late spring to late fall. While not every storm turns out to be severely intense and extensively destructive, all must be proactively prepared for. Even far inland, the effects of some of the storms may be felt.

Nature's Megadiversity in Mexico
Despite the stereotypes, Mexico is more than cacti, scorpions, and parched land. Encompassing only 1.5% of the Earth's land area, it ranks 5th in the world in species diversity. Out of 170 nations worldwide, it is one of the 17 countries that is considered to be megadiverse, flora and fauna-wise.

Nopal a Perennially Multi-Utilized Cactus
Nopal cactus also known as prickly pear cactus is an iconic part of Mexico's landscape. Its image dominantly appears on the country's flag. Indigenous to Mexico and dating back approximately 12,000 years, do you realize how many functions it currently serves to all sorts of life forms?

Obsidian Use in Prehispanic Mexico
Technically neither a rock nor a mineral, obsidian is a form of volcanic glass. Highly integrated into their daily and ritual life, for thousands of years it was utilized in a variety of functional and non-functional ways by prehispanic Mesoamerican civilizations.

Rainy Season in Mexico
Mexico has two climate seasons, the dry and the rainy. The extent and duration of the rainy season varies from year-to-year. When the rains finally do occur, whether "on time" or late, the landscape of much of the country radically changes. Try not to get caught in any of those "afternoon dumpings."

Viewing Insects and Flowers with Binoculars
When the rainy season in Mexico makes birdwatching problematic, I insect watch and wildflower watch instead. To optimally do so, I use a pair of relatively inexpensive binoculars. Only one make of binoculars has the close focus capabilities to allow viewing their intricately wonderous details.

You Say Guava I Say Guayaba
Have you ever had the pleasure of eating guavas or guayabas? Here in Mexico, I am fortunate enough to have a guayaba tree on our property. Guayabas are a versatile, delicious, fragrant, nutritious, and healthy tropical/subtropical fruit.