As you see yourself, I once saw myself; as you see me now, you will be seen.
      Mexican Proverb

MEXICO WORLD'S MOST POPULOUS SPANISH COUNTRY

México is the most populous Spanish-
speaking country in the world. According to the latest statistics, México's total population is over 99 million. Mestizos, of Indian and Spanish blood), make up 60% of the population, followed by indigenous peoples  (30%), whites (9%), and other ethnic minorities  (1%).

Carnaval in Mazatlan

Visitors and locals scream, sing, shout and dance amid confetti and ribbons. Bands of all kinds play the infectious rhythms of the State of Sinaloa. And the food–oh, the food–camarones (shrimp) prepared in every way possible, washed down with ice cold Pacifico beer, for it’s Carnaval Time, Mazatlán’s biggest pachanga (fiesta). 
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Updated
March 12, 2006

 
BOOK REVIEW

THE NEW HACIENDA
by Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr
Gibbs Smith, Publisher, Layton, UT (www.gibbs-smith.com)

Haciendas are to Mexico what castles are to Spain. They're unique and in their quiet, serene beauty a bit romantic. Karen Witynski and Joe P. Carr, sensitive to the charm of old haciendas and their influence on contemporary design, take their readers behind the scenes as they open the doors to Mexico's haciendas to reveal antiques, artifacts and creative interiors.

Originally built in from the 16th to the 19th centuries to grow sugar, henequen, coffee and wheat and to mine silver and produce mescal, many of Mexico's haciendas have been transformed itno country homes, resorts, and art centers.

Witynski and Carr introduce their readers to the romantic world of old haciendas through intriguing text and spectacular photographs. Beginning with the origins of these old haciendas, they discuss the different types, their furnishings, architectural elements, restorations, and their influence on contemporary design, the basic concept of their book. In their chapter on hacienda kitchens, they even offer a few traditional recipes.

The authors show how the use of natural materials like stone, wood and brick lives on in the design of today's interiors. Their book shows how designers and architects have found inspiration in the old haciendas, as well as how they've integrated Mexican elements into new home on both sides of the border.

Both lovers of Mexican culture and art, as well as contemporary design, will cherish this book. It's one to keep on the shelf to read again and again.

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