A couple years back we drove from Xalapa to Huatusco to visit Bambuver, an organization that is trying to increase the cultivation and use of various types of bamboo. The drive itself was great from Coatepec to Bella Esperanza to Tuzamapán then up to Totutla and on into Huatusco. They have a small office in town and a large farm on the edge of town where they grow a couple dozen species of bambú. They incorporate a vermiculture (worms) compost feed by coffee bean husks that growers give away for the hauling. They have been exploring new (old) commercial uses for the big grass. If you ever get a chance to visit, do it. Quite inspiring. And you end up with products like the great furniture you found in “Bamboo Town”. Good for everyone.

Mark – we visited Huatusco and toured the facilities back in 2006 – you can read and see lots of photos about that trip here:

http://www.vivaveracruz.com/blog/?p=748

Considering all of your other skills, I am surprised you did not harvest, mill, and construct your own living room suite.

First, I’m getting a “kick” out of your “catchy” titles. Double entendre, no? Who would’ve guessed that “Mexican Bird Dogs” had something to do with free lance real estate agents. You should qualify for an award for “titles” that really invite a “read.”

Anyway, great photos. I suspect that not many of the “tallers de bambu” have laptops to better show their diverse selecttions. I’m guessing, as you may have suggested, that this family bambu operation is one step ahead of the competition.

Co-incidently, We looked at bamboo furn. here near Puerto Vallarta yesterday. They wanted 6000 pesos for a set of sofa, chair (without cushions)and coffee table. It seemed expensive to me???

This stuff use to be cheap, some of it was decent and some not. Now it seems that it has become popular and the asking prices are all over the planet. In Tucson we had a friend who was in the business and he is closing up shop, too many Chinese rattan imports that he can no longer compete with. He was buying tons from Mexico. So we will see what happens. I have a few pieces that we enjoy, the grass has yet to unravel……

Love, love, love your posts, Calypso. They make me feel like I’m there in Mex with you and your lovely bride.

By the way, RE: the bugs – My nickname in college was Bait. I could attract every single pest within a 30 metre radius.

Steve – Some things are simply better bought than made

BJ – Yes it was apparent these folks were doing a good business amongst some stiff competition in that virtually every house along the main drag was in the business.

Frank – That does sound a bit high – however I think most of those pieces come from Monte Blanco – so they have to pay for hauling them a long way. I have been told they have a big market in Acapulco and PV.

Ken – The product here is high quality and should last for years.

Kelsi – Gracious Amiga – Looking forward to you and your fella getting down here. I have seem you and perhaps there was some double meaning to that nickname. I think you could easily have attracted some hombres as well.

I love that bed but it might be a bit creaky for bedroom activities. LOL Did anyone try it out….well not actually with bedroom activities but with a little wiggly or two?

Great post, Juan.