No comments about Latin America for the hitchhiker: A guide to low cost travel in Mexico, Central America and South America.

1 comments about Spirit of Chiapas: The Expressive Art of the Roof Cross Tradition.

1. Spirit of Chiapas, a handsomely illustrated new book by Virginia and Robert Guess, is a fascinating study of the roof crosses of Chiapas, a folk art unique to this Maya region of southern Mexico.
   This authoritative account, the product of many years of research, details the rich social and religious history, variety and iconography associated with this disappearing folk tradition.
   
   After a discussion of the role and symbolism of the cross in Christian and Maya tradition, Spirit of Chiapas continues with a full description and stylistic analysis of the different cross forms, based in part on the noted Frans Blom collection of metal crosses in San Cristóbal de Las Casas. There is also a comprehensive street by street guide to the roof crosses of San Cristóbal, the old colonial capital.
   Robert Guess' fine color pictures complement the authoritative text and add special distinction to the book.
   
   This timely volume - the only published study of this unique folk art - not only serves to publicly document this dying tradition but, it is hoped, may lead to its authentic revival. Guaranteed to appeal to lovers of hispanic folk art and folk traditions as well as travelers to Mexico.
   
   (from the author of guides to colonial Mexico)

5 comments about Best Stories of Baja.

1. This isn't the story of fast times and high living in Cabo San Lucas. Having lived and worked in Baja, I can verify that Dr. Stanton's book is as vivid as your 3rd flat tire on a deserted dirt road. The adventures are real; the people are genuine; the laughter is from the gut and the beer, while not always cold, always tastes like it came from heaven! There's a certain "grit" to the story telling here, but you can't tell a story about Mexico if there isn't dust falling out of the pages and if you can't feel the hot sun radiating off each word. Mom always said, "Stay out of the dirt." Dr. Stanton obviously never listened. That's why he had so much fun.



2. Best Stories of Baja entertains you with fun, lighthearted accounts of the author's adventures in Mexico. I thoroughly enjoyed these easy-to-read stories and would recommend it to anyone who likes humor and travel.



3. The book was a disappointment for me. I brought this book with me on my trip to Baja thinking it would enhance my experience during my travel. But this book turned out to be stories after stories of a bunch of gringos drinking beer and shooting as many game birds as possible.



4. The book does tell stories from the author's own experiences in Baja. I was just surprised that they all revolved around duck hunting. I wanted to read about someone's perspective on the landscape, towns and people. However, I did still get a feel for the author's love of Baja.



5. A physician by trade, Larry Stanton is also a talented hunter, adventure writer and storyteller. This book and it's sequel "Arriba! Baja" are compilations of stories culled from Senor Stanton's 400+ trips into the baja wilderness. Though the preface states that these stories are "fictional" interpretations of actual events, it is readily apparent that Stanton is relaying rather accurate portrayals of the hunting and fishing adventures that he enjoyed (or at times merely endured) with his ramshackle group of fellow gringos. His stories are simultaneously cocky and self-deprecating and are thoroughly entertaining. If you enjoyed "Tales from Margaritaville" by Jimmy Buffet, you will enjoy Best Stories of Baja's entertaining characters and easy-to-read style. I highly recommend this book, especially for hunters, adventure enthusiasts and men who appreciate the efforts that men will take in order to enjoy a few Tecantes and some fresh-cooked meat by the campfire. As a sidenote, this book reminded me of a book I read called "Working on the Edge". Though I cannot remember the author of that book at this moment, it is also recommended as a similar tale about how fine memories are often created from trying and difficult circumstances.

No comments about Of Sea and Sand: A Drama of Two Living Deserts.

No comments about Mexico Travel Pack (Globetrotter Travel Packs).

No comments about Trails to Tiburón: The 1894 and 1895 Field Diaries of W J McGee (Southwest Center Series).

No comments about History of the Conquest of Mexico and Peru, Vol. I.

No comments about History of the Conquest of Mexico and Peru, Vol. II.

3 comments about Cruising Guide to Belize and Mexico's Caribbean Coast, including Guatemala's Rio Dulce.

1. Just checked here for the availability of this guide and was suprized to see no review. Having recently returned from cruising with friends in Belize I can say that this guide is often the only chart info available inside the reef. If you intend to cruise Belize obtain all available charts of course but be sure to get this book. Capt. Rauscher has obviously spent countless hours charting Belizean waters and although they are really no more than sketches (and do not purport to be more) they are invaluable for piloting within the 10 fath. curve. The guide also includes sailing directions and commentary on the various destinations.



2. I used this guide for pre-cruise planning and while on a 2 week charter in Belize last month. The book is well-written with good information. We cruised from Ambergris Cay to Placencia and found enough accuracy and detail to keep out of trouble (assuming you pay attention to your other sources of navigational information) and to make decisions about what to see and do. The sketch charts and regional maps provided were very helpful. Some of the assesments of the holding ground offered in various locations were a little more dire than we experienced. (We had a Delta, the author used a Bruce). Overall, the guide is well worth the money.



3. ...We used your books for years to guide cruisers passing thru New Haven, Belize. Your guide is the most accurate and informative of it's kind on southern Belize and the Rio Dulce...

5 comments about Journey to the High Southwest, 7th: A Traveler's Guide to Santa Fe and the Four Corners of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

1. This book give to the reader and future traveller an unique vision of the history of this country. the writer help us to understand the people that inhabited this country and the geological features of this land of enchantment. For an european like me is the first and essential step to the visit of a country.



2. This book give to the reader and future traveller an unique vision of the history of this country. the writer help us to understand the people that inhabited this country and the geological features of this land of enchantment. For an european like me is the first and essential step to the visit of a country.



3. This is a great travel book, providing quick and easy to reference to the lay-of-the land in the four-corners region in the style of a virtual tour of the area. The author takes you along his journey, showing you what to see and do, how to get there, where to eat, sleep, shop--or simply soak up the sublime beauty.



4. My wife and I plannned a trip to the Four Corners area and at the last moment received Journey to the High Southwest as a gift. We read it during the plane ride and made immediate adjustments to our travel schedule. The results were so good that we continued, chapter by chapter, to use Mr. Casey's guidance and suggestions. For those uninitiated in the region, or even experienced Four Corners visitors, we strongly suggest this guide. It will provide very accurate and useful information to anyone who uses it. Read the entire book - before you go!



5. This is a serious guidebook for travellers who take their touring and sightseeing seriously. It covers the Four Corners region of the southwest (UT, CO, NM, AZ) and is divided into four geographic sections. It includes information on the history of each section (in detail), points of interest (fully described), and where to stay/eat (fully annotated). Chapters focus on the canyon country of Utah, the Indian country of Arizona, the Rocky Mountains, and the Rio Grande country. There are also a full index and a substantial bibliography. It's everything you could ask for in a guidebook and should be taken along by anyone travelling in this region. Highly recommended.