A post from the log that JM kept on the August 09 buying trip to Mexico for Chiripa. -kl
Shortly after dawn, we used the usual tongs and metal pan to make pastry selections at the bakery, and then walked to the bus station. We made it in time to get some coffee and catch the early bus to Dolores Hidalgo (birthplace of the movement that led to Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1810). At Dolores, we visited the shop of our trusted friend Estela Liceagui, and selected some nice Talavera ceramics for Chiripa. Estela was proud that President Obama was visiting Mexico that day.
We were back in San Miguel by noon. There we picked up some hand-painted tile, and ordered some of the latest painted tin creations from our friend Hector. We also picked up more items in the craft market. The rest of the afternoon was spent on another frantic struggle with cardboard boxes, packing tape, labels, etc. We carried the boxes ourselves, and delivered them to our cooperating shipper just in time. This is not glamorous work. But it is often necessary when you buy directly from artisans who are good at their craft, but unsophisticated when it comes to packing, consolidation and export. It lets us bring you hand-selected crafts that are available nowhere else, and ensures fair prices to the artisans (without the middle-man).
We were just starting to relax in our hotel room, after our packing struggle, when we heard a knock at the door. It was Ricardo, another fine tin artisan, responding to the phone message that we had left the day before.
We quickly gave up on any idea of relaxation, and went with Ricardo and his wife to their home workshop. Ricardo speaks a little English, so that made it (fairly) easy to agree on the details of our order.
Ricardo specializes in fine mirrors, and has been at his craft for many years. His children are grown, but on weekends he and his wife love to visit their grandchildren. Like other artisans we know, Ricardo confided that the current economy has had a serious effect on his business. So he was happy to catch us before we left San Miguel. -JM, August 11, 2009
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