The Americas – Fake Flamenco

history, Indigenous Peoples, Nature, The Americas

The Ecological Wisdom of Prescribed Burns

Before colonization, landscapes were consciously shaped by the transformative power of fire. Many Indigenous peoples used fire to clear the land, protect it from uncontrolled wildfires, improve harvests of nuts and acorns and to conserve water for selected plants and trees. This process was central to cultures of fire; to shape the land, to grow […]

food, history, Indigenous Peoples, Nature, photography, The Americas

Before 1500: What Did Europeans Eat?

I guess it was turnips, wheat, barley, rye, eggs, onions and apples. Slight exaggeration perhaps, but the foods we often associate with Europe were developed elsewhere. What would Spanish and Italian food be without tomatoes? The foods the Native agricultural geniuses of the Americas shared with Europeans were worth more than any treasure. Check out […]

food, Indigenous Peoples, photography, The Americas

Happy Thanksgiving, Dear Readers!

My gratitude for this great year communicating with you. I enjoy our conversations in the comments and what you teach me in your posts. I appreciate your unique way of looking at the world. By the time you read this, my cooking journey will have begun; gathering ingredients, making the quinoa stuffing, priming the oven. […]

bilingual, Chile, En español, history, Immigration, Spanish Culture and Language, The Americas

Who Was the Schindler of Bolivia?

A recently unearthed secret is that a tin baron in Bolivia paid for thousands of Jews’ transportation from Europe to South America during World War II. Although he saved the lives of 9000 to 22,000 Jews between 1938 and 1941, he was not generally known for his kindness. His reputation was solely as a harsh […]

history, Immigration, Mexico, photography, Spanish Culture and Language, The Americas

Day of the Dead 2022

In October, I’ve set out tombstones to honor the great men and women who passed every year (since 2004); the revolutionaries, the trailbreakers, those luminaries who changed the world. From lists of thousands, I choose a few exemplary souls. Courage, selflessness, fighting for freedom, equality and justice are qualities I admire. Emiliano Zapata gets a […]

Humor, photography, The Americas

Are You Ready For Halloween?

Perhaps the past tense would be more appropriate. ; ) We planned, we assembled, we costumed! The fun began on Friday night with the middle school dance. Many home made outfits and much creativity. Saturday, friends and I strolled down State St. in costume and saw college students dressed up in their finest cow, cowboy, […]