(I now have reliable and fast internet . . .)
Our final Wednesday excursion was to the state, and town, of Tlaxcala. It is a small state with a rich history – starting with Tlaxcala being the first state who formed an alliance with Hernan Cortez! This was my favorite tour – this place is colorful, easy going, not very touristy, and charming!
I love this Talavera style pottery! 
Tlaxcala is known for their tapestries! 
This artisan stitches blouses with maguay! 
Standing with Honorina, one of the winners of Mexico’s MasterChef in her restaurant. 
Desiderio Hernández Xochitioyzin has interpreted Tlaxcala’s history in his many murals 
Raising bulls for fighting & bullfights are a strong social and economic focus here 
My first taste of pulque (pineapple – fermented & sweet) was at this bar with atmosphere!
My guide from the Institute, Adriana, also took me to the Talavera de la Luz where they make the treasured Talavera pottery of Puebla. We showed up at 3 pm and the young man in the yellow shirt gave the two of us a complete tour. He showed us the white and black clay that is mixed with water to form the gray clay. The clay is stomped by feet, like grapes for wine, and kneaded by hand, like dough, until it is ready to be molded into plates, pots, and more.
He is showing us the first glaze the pottery gets, as well as a final glaze. 
The master potter turns a lump of clay into a consistent & beautiful bowl. 
The pots on top are dried and ready for their first firing. They come out orange, like the ones on the bottom shelf. 
After their first firing,, the first glaze is applied and they look more creamy. 
Completed tiles before, with glaze, and after firing. 
More work before and after the final glaze and firing. 
At the end we went to a beautiful patio! 
My México Travels 
More gorgeous pictures. Love the pottery-making. How do you not buy it all?!
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You’re right, the impulse is there. However, all I have to do is remember that I have to carry it for two more months. I do make a list of what I think I’d like to buy and for whom. I expect to take an additional bag home, I just don’t want to carry it just yet.
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