I haven’t provided a dose of local color of late. What with being obsessed with moving. Saturday mornings are usually reserved for a quick trip to the Casa de Cultura  de Coatepec. This historic building is on Jimenez de Campillo right where the name changes from San Jose de Campillo.

It is just around the corner from Tony & Beth’s place and a couple blocks up from the Big Pink Church that is currently graced in front by one of the loveliest Arcos I have seen.

An ecological and organic market is held every Saturday.

“The popular and emerging Coatl Bio Regional Market of Coatepec began in 2004 with the initiative of some producers who decided to promote the organic theme and raise awareness of ecology and organic products found in this region.”

We go for the bread and cheese, but some of the other products often catch our eyes. They have herbs, honey, organic produce, exotic wood articles, clothing, and of course our personal weakness artisan jewelry.

Our friend Marguerite, wife of Tony the retired tugboat captain, has a table right by the entrance. She sells jewelry, delicious homemade salsas and when her truck is working incredible plants and flowers.

Marguerite & Anita in Serious Negotiations

Next to Marguerite is Xikury Joyería Accesories Artesanales (Jewelry Handicraft). Aris Mariajna Montes has beautiful handmade jewelry. Montes creates with mixed materials, color and varying gemstones in bold designs ala Paloma Picasso designs, yet uniquely her own – and for a lot less money.

Montes is a pretty, soft spoken, young woman who craves to learn English and actually speaks a little. Anita and I both have Montes’ pieces.

I added to my collection with a handsome earring comprised of a small, hanging, wire wrapped, purple cast crystal.

We rushed around the corner to our favorite cheese vendor. Ale Mendez sells the cheese her father makes locally in Coatepec. Mendez also a pretty girl – oh these Latino ladies – Gracias Dios I have one of my own! One has to get to the market early before she sells out of the soft cheese that I like. She didn’t have any this day. Not sold out; apparently the prepared batch was not up to her usual standards. I appreciate her quality control efforts, but of course was disappointed.

We bought some lovely organic tomatoes and cilantro. My thinking is all tomatoes and cilantro around here are organic, like most of the coffee beans, our growers can’t afford no stinkin’ chemicals (when poor equals better )

Down the last isle towards the end is the bread lady. We buy designer bread in Capitan for $5 US a loaf (a real luxury for the Calypso Kids). The luscious loaves here are 25 pesos or less than $2 US – quite a bargain and scrumptious.

If you are in or around our area on a Saturday be sure and check out the eco market. You will find an interesting array of homegrown products and most assuredly won’t go home empty handed or with some item that will end up on the top shelf of your closet. Stay Tuned!