#xlitla

22 abril 2012

Adventures in Being (In Mexico)

         Sandrine Schaefer "Orange Moss" 2012 photo by Daniel S. DeLuca location: Xlitla

During our final week in Mexico, we visited Xlitla, a small rainforest town in the hills north of Mexico City.  After a bumpy 9 hour bus ride up the mountains, we arrived in the small town, where chickens and stray dogs roam the streets.

Xlitla is famous for being the location of Las Pozas, a surrealist garden created by the eccentric Edward James from 1949-1984.  Amazing concrete structures peeking out above the trees, waterfalls crashing into turquoise colored water,  a symphony of tropical birds, Las Pozas was a slice of paradise on Earth!

Sandrine Schaefer "Stairs to Nowhere" 2012 photo by Daniel S. DeLuca location: Xlitla

Sandrine Schaefer "A Perfect Fit" 2012 photo by Daniel S. DeLuca location: Xlitla

The structures in Xlitla demanded physical and mental negotiations that I had never experienced before.  We we warned to be careful when entering Laz Pozas, being told that although it was their dry season, many of the structures could be slippery.  Other cautionary signs invited 10 or less people to climb stairs leading to no where.  The spaces were fear inducing, and also created unexpected illusions once I fit my body inside of them.

Sandrine Schaefer "Broken Figure Movement" 2012 photo by Daniel S. DeLuca location: Xlitla

Sandrine Schaefer "Broken Figure Movement" 2012 photo by Daniel S. DeLuca location: Xlitla

Sandrine Schaefer "Broken Figure Movement" 2012photo by Daniel S. DeLuca location: Xlitla

Las Pozas was not the only magical location in Xlitla.  We were told about a place called "The Cave of Swallows" where thousands of green Parakeets swarm every day at dusk and dawn.  The cave was located behind a family's home.  After paying a small entry fee, we were led down a steep hill with freely roaming cows to the entrance of the cave.  After exploring the cave area for several hours, the time came for the Parakeets return.  Follow this link to see a video of the performance I did with the flock of clamorous birds.