Memories of Mexico.....and beyond

Every morning I am reminded of recent travel adventures to Mexico and beyond (Guatemala & Colombia). On my bar,where my coffee machine is, I have displayed the few small souvenirs that I brought home from my travels. I didn't buy too much on my travels because I had knew I would have to lug them from country to country. However, it makes me happy to wear my bright pink leather belt (not pictured) that I got in Mexico City or use my wool drinks coaster, from Oaxaca, when drinking my morning coffee. Along with the beautiful hummingbirds making me smile and giving me hope that every day is going to be great.

Here's some pics of the few small handicrafts that I brought home from Mexico, Colombia & Guatemala.

A beaded hummingbird. I actually bought a few of these and gifted to family and friends on my return. These were my favourite souvenirs from all of Mexico.

A Lucha Libre mask made by a handcrafter utilising a technique similar to papier machie and then handpainted by his wife! 

These artisans were staying in the same Art Residency as us when they were visiting the area for the once yearly Chapala Fair that brings creaters of Mexican handicrafts altoether for one big massive fair near Ajijic. I also bought two little handstitched blouses to send to my two neices living abroad.

This bird was gifted to me by a friend as I left Mexico and it reminds me of time spent in Ajijic, Jalisco.

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This cutie came all the way from the beautiful town of Antigua in Guatemala

The best way to start the day - a cup of coffee on a brightly colored Mexican wool coaster. Handcrafted in the shop that we bought it in and we even got to speak to the weaver who showed us all of the naturally dyed wool out the back of the shop in his home!

And then one of the final things I bought was this fun handpainted Mexican hat. I haven't had musch opportunity to wear it here in Ireland but I got to wear it recently in Spain. Here I am wearing the hat and coordinating with the PIGSY painting in the background!

Souvenirs really are fun things to buy when on vacation, and even a simple thing like a fridge magnet can bring back happy memories of past holidays with family and friends.

Let me know - what do you like to bring back from your vacations?!