Last night I went to sleep behind the shutters to the long tall windows. The sounds of mysterious musicians, children still playing in the street, and the conversations of unknown persons late at night was comforting.

6.00 am and the stillness of the night is being broken by the billowing sound of single fire crackers. ‘Boom’ the sound pillow fractures the air and it’s a signal for the roosters to compete in chorus.

I’m looking forward to the day. We’re having a presentation this afternoon  at the ALAS Gallery in one of the many Colonial era buildings.

“ALAS is a multi-cultural, bilingual, woman-run organization whose mission is to enrich the quality of life in the Lake Patzcuaro region, especially that of women and girls, by providing an art center where regional and international creative activities illuminate, educate and entertain.”

Dara and I walked wandered  through the local market and down cobblestone streets to enter  huge  doors that open into paved courtyards. Behind every door is a burst of color. Bright hand-woven fabrics. A weaver working on his ancient loom. Traditional embroidery done only in this region, and lacquer artists similar to those I’ve seen in India. We visited some of the indigenous embroiderers who will join us in our sharing in the next 3 days. It seems strange, an Australian in a rural town in Mexico sharing a craft to many who have not been exposed to it previously.  On the other hand in partnership I’m learning about the stunning story embroidery that has been handed down through the centuries.

You can wander through the shops of local artisans and it appears that here in Patzcuaro on the banks of Lake Patscuaro its a paradise for folk art lovers and collectors.

Our walk took us through the local market and out into the spacious green city market surrounded by outdoor cafes and stunningly beautiful buildings.

It’s an exciting adventure for a gal from the suburbs of the Adelaide hills. This is more than a quilting experience its a blending  of culture and art, something that is often missed by the casual tourist.