For quite some time I have had an interest in the tequila type spirits of Chihuahua. Many of our guests have enjoyed the sotol we have experienced there – usually purchased at a roadside liquor store. Often we are able to buy Hacienda brand (also widely available in the USA) or Don Cuco Sotol (rare in Chihuahua and only distributed in four states now).

At other times we have found local sources for non-labeled local brews. In other words bootlegged stuff and we usually can buy it once we get the word out we are looking for it. These local spirits are often delicious and it is interesting how they vary. They vary according to the origin location of the plants used, soil, water, etc. These factors have been well discussed by Ron Cooper and what makes sotol vary will be discussed in another blog soon.

So…we are putting together a trip to explore not just local sotols in Copper Canyon but also the other brews- lechuguilla, bacanora, mescal, etc.

The first ever Sotol Circle

This October 24 leaving from El Paso, Texas, the inaugural edition of “The Sotol Circle” will make a circuit through Chihuahua exploring the spirits of this enchanting area. The itinerary will include Janos and Don Cuco Sotol, Casas Grandes (Mata Ortiz and Paquime), Madera, Creel, Temoris, Areponapuchi, the Mennonite country (not much sotol here), and Chihuahua City- the big apple and home to the vintage saloon, “Antigua Paz” .

Here is the itinerary and some details:

The Sotol Circle, 2012

A tour exploring the tequila type drinks of Chihuahua

with a grand view of the Copper Canyon and the world renowned train.

Authentic Copper Canyon

The spirits of the Copper Canyon region are several and delicious. This trip will give a variety of experiences seeing the origins, sipping the drinks and seeing the production (in season) of sotol, lechuguilla, tesguino, and perhaps bacanora or pulque.

Here is a brief itinerary:

Day 1- Fly into El Paso and travel to Janos to experience Don Cuco sotol. Evening in Casas Grandes at the restored hacienda “Casa de Nopal”.

Day 2- Cross the high ranch country towards Copper Canyon and experience local sotol on the way. Evening in Creel.

Day 3- Board the world renowned Copper Canyon train and head through the heart of the canyons to Temoris. Evening meal at a local dive in this village with some sips of various local lechuguilla.

Day 4- Hike down to the train and head for Areponapuchi- more local sotol and lechuguilla. Evening with Lola Mancinas- a great chef and wine maker.

Day 5- Time to experience the gondola and zipline, then off to Chihuahua City through Mennonite country. Evening jaunt to the oldest bar in Chihuahua- Antigua Paz. We stay at the historic “San Felipe el Real”.

______________________________________________________________________

Tentative date for El Paso departure is October 24, 2012

This trip leaves from the El Paso airport and ends in Chihuahua City. Price includes all meals but 4, all transport, guides, hotels. Alcohol not included

Price is $975, single occ add $180.

Deposit is $500 payable to TopTrips, 514 S Edwin, Champaign, Il 61821. Balance due 30 days prior to departure date

There are options for adding on more time in Copper Canyon.

Return transit to El Paso can also be arranged.

Call Dav today at 217.369.9897 or email davehensleigh@gmail.com for details.

Here is the itinerary:

Copper Canyon Trip- APR2912

April 29-May 6, 2012

Apr 29- Arrive in El Paso. The airport is a good place to get pesos. Use the Travelex near the spot where you turn right to go to the baggage area. Meet our van and we head for Santa Teresa NM (20 minutes) to cross into Mexico. We are off toward the big apple- Chihuahua City. Dinner together and perhaps an evening view of the gigantic cathedral in the central plaza. We check into the historic boutique hotel, the San Felipe el Real. Stroll the historic district and the vast market.

The journey- We get an introduction to Norteño food as we travel south through the high elevation of the Chihuahua Desert. Burritos and other delicious street foods will be ours to choose from in the little towns north of Chihuahua.

Chihuahua City- This bustling hub for commerce has its roots as a mining and ranching center. Several fascinating museums (including the Pancho Villa home) gather around the towering 1700s cathedral. The food here is a bit eclectic and reflects the melting pot that Chihuahua has become.

Apr 30- Up early and off to San Juanito by train through Mennonite country. Winding our way into the Sierra Madre, we drop into several little villages and then arrive at the relaxing wooded Noritari near San Juanito- a unique cabin style solar hotel with a gourmet cook. A great night to enjoy dinner, chat with the chef, and take a stroll along the stream through the mountains.

Noritari- This unique 80 hectare site is dotted with cabins with fireplaces, private baths, solar lighting- the nearby stream flows and the pines whisper.

May 1– We will relax or take a hike and breakfast. Then board the train late morning and head through the mountains to Cerocahui and the little San Isidro lodge

Cerocahui- This quiet little town sits in a beautiful valley and is a great place to overnight. We will stay above town nearer to the majestic Gallego overlook.

May 2- A morning jaunt to Gallego to see the great chasm. Then board the train headed northeast for Areponapuchi (Posada Barrancas station). We arrive at this tiny town and a local lodge- above the canyon- Mansion Tarahumara. Dinner, relax as well as perhaps watch the sunset over the vast reaches of Copper Canyon. “Arepo”as we call it, is officially “nowhere Mexico”. The area around Arepo gives us a good long look at Copper Canyon, and we have plenty of time to look around.
Areponapuchi- Just call it Arepo and don’t expect the big city. This tiny place sits near the rim of some of the best views of Copper Canyon. The new gondola and ziplines are a scenic thrill, and you can walk or ride horses in and around the great canyon. Also a good place to pick up local souvenirs.Horses are available here- huge views!

May 3– All day to enjoy ziplines, gondola, hiking, etc….and relax!

May 4 – Sunrise at the edge of Copper anyone? Breakfast and a walk down through a Tarahumara cave dwelling. Some last views of the canyon, then we catch our van to head for Casas Grandes As the evening cools a walk through the ancient Indian ruins at Paquime. Our home this evening is the lovely hacienda, Casa de Nopal.

Casas Grandes- Right on the edge of Casas are the Paquime Indian archaeological ruins- a UNESCO World Heritage site- and nearby is the tiny village of Mata Ortiz. The pottery from this area is very special and known around the world for its intricacy and character.

Food in the Casas area- This is the high desert area and truly ranch country. We will eat at an historic hacienda and savor the local restaurants.

Mar 5 – Plenty of time to explore the Paquime ruins, Mata Ortiz pottery, etc. If your flight is early tomorrow- head to El Paso late afternoon

Mar 6- If your flight is after 2p, head up to El Paso this morning

• Price for this trip is $1,340 USD per person.

• This includes all guides, transport, food, and hotels in Mexico except your visa, 4 meals, gondola and zipline, and alcohol. I will supply an overview of expected personal expenses.

• Deposit is $500 per  person.

• Payable to TopTrips, 514 South Edwin, Champaign, Il 61821.

This will be a fun trip!!!

Dave

The sun still rises over this Sierra Madre paradise- this shot taken from my hotel room!

Copper Canyon Trip- Here is one of our Fall trips to Copper. We go twice a month and can plan a trip for you at any time!

October 6-15, 2012

This is a planned itinerary and may vary slightly.

Included meals are noted.

Oct 6- Arrive in El Paso. The airport is a good place to get pesos. Use the Travelex near the spot where you turn right to go to the baggage area. Meet our van and we head for Santa Teresa NM (20 minutes) to cross into Mexico. We are off through the high Chihuahuan desert toward Casas Grandes. We check into the historic Casa de Nopal hotel. Stroll through Paquime and dinner at the hotel. (L,D)

The journey- We get an introduction to Norteño food as we travel south through the high elevation of the Chihuahua Desert. Burritos and other delicious street foods will be ours to choose from in the little towns.

Casas Grandes- Right on the edge of Casas are the Paquime Indian archaeological ruins- a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Food in the Casas area- This is the high desert area and truly ranch country. We will eat at an historic hacienda and savor the local restaurants.

Oct 7- We have a relaxed morning and a light breakfast at Casa de Nopal, then off by van through ranch country into the Mennonite area around Cuauhtemoc. Lunch in this unique orchard covered area. We check into the Hotel Tarahumara Inn and enjoy dinner at one of the great local eateries. (B,L)

Mennonites- They migrated here from Canada around 1922 and have transformed the high plateaus into some of the most productive land in Chihuahua. Still German speakers, they produce apples, oats, and dairy products- including the famous white Chihuahua cheese.

Oct 8- Time for breakfast and then to the train to go up into the Sierra Madres. We roll through the mountains to Cerocahui and the little San Isidro lodge. (B,L,D)

Cerocahui- This quiet little town sits in a beautiful valley and is a great place to overnight. We will stay above town nearer to the majestic Gallego overlook.

Oct 9- We have time to go over to Gallego and perhaps down to Urique if we want. . Then we reboard the train for the unsurpassed journey toward our evening destination, El Fuerte. Tunnels, bridges, canyons, mountains…have your cameras ready! Arrive in El Fuerte for dinner…this place is known for incredible food! (B,L)
El Fuerte- A small town with a quaint (and delicious!) market and lots of colonial architecture. History, Indian culture, bird watching, and a palm lined plaza make this place a favorite.
Oct 10 – A full day for relaxing and exploring the area- the wonderful colonial town with lots of opportunities for food and photography. A morning trip to the river for bird watching as we float and a walk through the local petro glyph site. Lunch on your own. The visit to the market here is a must, then dinner in a local home with our host Evangelina. (B,D)

Evangelina- This lovely lady with her brother and extended family live in one of the historic mansions off the square in El Fuerte. We often dine with them and get a full taste of some genuine Copper Canyon hospitality.

Oct 11 - Board the train in the morning headed northeast for Areponapuchi (Posada Barrancas station). We arrive at this tiny town and a local lodge- above the canyon- Mansion Tarahumara. Dinner, relax as well as perhaps watch the sunset over the vast reaches of Copper Canyon. “Arepo”as we call it, is officially “nowhere Mexico”. The area around Arepo gives us a good long look at Copper Canyon, and we have plenty of time to look around. (B,L,D)
Areponapuchi- Just call it Arepo and don’t expect the big city. This tiny place sits near the rim of some of the best views of Copper Canyon. The new gondola and ziplines are a scenic thrill, and you can walk or ride horses in and around the great canyon. Also a good place to pick up local souvenirs.Horses are available here- huge views!

Oct 12– All day to enjoy ziplines, gondola, hiking, etc….and relax! Then off to San Juanito by van and we arrive at the relaxing wooded Noritari near San Juanito- a unique cabin style solar hotel with a gourmet cook. A great night to enjoy dinner, chat with the chef, and take a stroll along the stream through the mountains. (B,L,D)

Noritari- This unique 80 hectare site is dotted with cabins with fireplaces, private baths, solar lighting- the nearby stream flows and the pines whisper.

Oct 13- A relaxing breakfast and then off through the ranch country to Casas Grandes, We return to Casa de Nopal and go directly to Mata Ortiz. Dinner at a local hacienda. (B,D)

Mata Ortiz- - The tiny village of Mata Ortiz is an artistic mecca. The pottery from this area is very special and known around the world for its intricacy and character.

Oct 14-  Relax as we finish what we may have missed. Leave Casas by 2 or 3p and drop into Janos on the way and get a warm welcome and tour with Celso and Emma at Don Cuco sotol. Sotol is THE drink of Chihuahua and is somewhat like tequila- but better…bring some home! We cross back into the USA and  to our El Paso hotel. (B)

Sotol- This stop at Don Cuco will give you a full introduction (including a few sips) to this fine spirit from the enchanting Chihuahua area.

Oct 15- Fly home. (B)

• Price for this trip is $1695 USD per person. Single room, add $300.

• This includes all guides, transport, food, and hotels except your visa, 6 meals, gondola and zipline, and alcohol. I will supply an overview of expected personal expenses.

• Deposit is $500 per  person.

• Payable to TopTrips, 514 South Edwin, Champaign, Il 61821.

Authentic Copper Canyon Founder

This company – this family of experience providers known as Authentic Copper Canyon – has become the leader in small group culturally rich Copper Canyon tours. Now I am launching new trip experiences to directly involve the indigenous Raramuri with our guests. We have always emphasized the crafts, language, etc of these people. Now we will offer specific trips focused at these unique parts of their daily life.

Here is an overview of the trips:

Run with the Raramuri- Runners at all levels will have the opportunity to run daily with various barefoot runners up and down the train line. Road running and trail running can be included and trips can be coordinated with one of the local 100K runs in the Copper Canyon area.

Raramuri Basket Weaving- Hands on observation, instruction, and workshops on how to create these intricate baskets from local materials. Material gathering, dying, and weaving will be included.

Raramuri Language Immersion- Tour the canyons and the Raramuri ejidos with local Indians and learn the basics of their language as you go.

Raramuri Ejido Life- Visit and even overnight in a variety of Raramuri areas up and down the Copper Canyon train line.

The most important aspect of this initiative is that the Raramuri will directly benefit from it.

My plan is to employ an increasing number of  Tarahumara to teach these skills. It is a sustainable way for them to benefit from the growing tourism trade to Copper Canyon, Mexico.

Now you can not only SEE this great place but actually live life with the Tarahumara in Copper Canyon.

Here is the deal:

The first class train still leaves at 6a from both Chihuahua City and Los Mochis. Now the second train is hooked onto that first train, so they both leave at 6a. The second train still goes Chihuahua to Mochis on Thursday, Saturday and Monday. The it goes from Mochis to Chihuahua on Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday.

Cost for the second train is half that of first and it is about the same- just no bar or restaurant.

Most Copper Canyon tours still use the first train.

Chepe leaving Chihuahua at 6a on a fall day recently.

Here is the info from the CHEPE site:

Last update: September 29, 2011

Important Notes:
In the Divisadero station passengers have 15 minutes to get off the train and admire the canyon. For your safety, another station is not allowed down to its final destination.
On this train reservations are not dish locations.
Check with local time in Chihuahua City. Must report to the station 30 minutes before departure time.
Prices and schedules subject to change without notice. These fees already include 16% VAT. Ladas FREE: Nacional 01 800 122-4373 • International: 1 888 484-1623 RESERVATIONS AND TICKETS: 01 (614) 439-7212 Option 1 • chepe@ferromex.com.mx MANAGEMENT TOURISM: 01 (614) 439-7210 • FAX: 01 (614) 439-7208

1. Copper Canyon is so huge.

It is hard to get your mind around how vast this place is...several canyons deeper and bigger than our Grand Canyon.

2. The Rarámuri or Tarahumara- the indigenous people.

My little friend "Once" from Carichic- one of the some 70,000 Raramuri in the Sierra Nevadas- truly a "people apart".

3. The train through Copper Canyon- CHEPE.

This amazing railway stretches across the rugged Copper Canyon and includes 37 bridges and 86 tunnels.

4. The little towns – the heart of rural Chihuahua.

The main dreg of the tiny village of Cuiteco- one that few tourists ever visit or even notice.

5. History and lore abound in Copper Canyon.

The old church in Cerocahui- the mission dates to the late 1500s.

6. Adventure travel options abound in Copper Canyon.

Copper Canyon has ziplines, rock climbing, horse riding, hiking...and some of the best remote swimming holes on the planet.

7. The food in Chihuahua is unique- very different from other parts of Mexico.

One of the great dishes of the Sierras- Agua Chile- more shrimp than you can finish!

8. The Mata Ortiz pottery…a true treasure of the Sierra Madres!

Juan Quezada with Dave Hensleigh in his studio at Mata Ortiz.

9. Oh the view from those ridges in Copper Canyon!

The views go on forever in this amazing place.

10. Our team of local Mexican guides there can give you the best in a Copper Canyon tour.

Alfredo Murillo...the fave of many of our Copper Canyon guests.

So join us soon in this majestic place!

Call Dave today at 217.369.9897 or email davehensleigh@gmail.com to get on board.

Enjoy the train in Copper Canyon right after the Sun Bowl.

One thing you can know. There is a great way to cap off your Sun Bowl experience. Not far from El Paso is the incredible Copper Canyon (like it is bigger than Grand Canyon) and you can experience it and still be back home after New Year’s week.

Here is the itinerary for the Sun Bowl Copper Canyon trip for 2012:

Sun Bowl Copper Canyon Trip

January 1-5, 2011

This five day small group trip into the majestic Copper Canyon will be a true learning experience. How better to cap off your Sun Bowl experience than with a fascinating journey into one of Mexico’s most spectacular areas? Join the Copper Canyon experts from Authentic Copper Canyon on the train through the Sierra Madres!

Here is a brief itinerary:

Jan 1- You are picked up at your hotel in El Paso and we are off toward the big apple- Chihuahua City. Dinner together and perhaps an evening view of the gigantic cathedral in the central plaza. We check into the historic boutique hotel, the San Felipe el Real. Stroll the historic district and the vast market.

The journey- We get and introduction to Norteño food as we travel south through the high elevation of the Chihuahua Desert. Burritos and other delicious street foods will be ours to choose from in the little towns north of Chihuahua.

Chihuahua City- This bustling hub for commerce has its roots as a mining and ranching center. Several fascinating museums (including the Pancho Villa home) gather around the towering 1700s cathedral. The food here is a bit eclectic and reflects the melting pot that Chihuahua has become.

Jan 2-  Board the train in the morning headed west for Areponapuchi (Posada Barrancas station). We arrive at this tiny town and a lovely local lodge- above the canyon- Mansion Tarahumara. Dinner, relax as well as perhaps watch the sunset over the vast reaches of Copper Canyon. “Arepo”as we call it, is officially “nowhere Mexico”. The area around Arepo gives us a good long look at Copper Canyon, and we have plenty of time to look around.
Areponapuchi- Just call it Arepo and don’t expect the big city. This tiny place sits near the rim of some of the best views of Copper Canyon. The new gondola and ziplines are a scenic thrill, and you can walk or ride horses in and around the great canyon. Also a good place to pick up local souvenirs.

Jan 3 – All day to enjoy ziplines, gondola, hiking, etc….and relax! This is one of the most beautiful spots in Copper Canyon.

Jan 4 – Sunrise at the edge of Copper anyone? Breakfast and a walk down through a Tarahumara cave dwelling. Some last views of the canyon, then we catch our van to head for Casas Grandes As the evening cools a walk through the ancient Indian ruins at Paquime. Our home this evening is the lovely hacienda, Casa de Nopal.

Casas Grandes- Right on the edge of Casas are the Paquime Indian archaeological ruins- a UNESCO World Heritage site- and nearby is the tiny village of Mata Ortiz. The pottery from this area is very special and known around the world for its intricacy and character.

Food in the Casas area- This is the high desert area and truly ranch country. We will eat at an historic hacienda and savor the local restaurants.

Jan 5 – Plenty of time to finish our experience here. Later in the day we are off to El Paso. We drop into Janos on the way and get a warm welcome and tour with Celso and Emma at Don Cuco sotol. Sotol is THE drink of Chihuahua and is somewhat like tequila- but better…bring some home!

Sotol- This stop at Don Cuco will give you a full introduction (including a few sips) to this fine spirit from the enchanting Chihuahua area.

• Price for this trip is $999 USD per person. Single room, add $150.

• This includes all guides, transport, food, and hotels in Mexico except your visa, 2 meals, gondola and zipline, and alcohol. I will supply an overview of expected personal expenses.

• Payable to TopTrips, 514 South Edwin, Champaign, Il 61821 and due by December 20, 2011.

• Call Dave at 217.369.9897 or email davehensleigh@gmail.com with questions.

One of our recent groups taking a break at Gallego above Urique

People are often asking me about the best season to travel on the train in Copper Canyon. That is a hard one because every season has its draw. Fall is nice because it is usually green and the weather is moderate. Late Summer is nice because it usually rains and is very fresh. Spring is dry and usually is not too dusty.

But one season I really like is the holiday season, Christmas in Copper Canyon is hard to beat. The weather is usually cool, though the days at lower elevations can be very warm and nice. There is sometimes snow- a real treat.

The big draw for Navidad in the Sierras though is that the welcoming little towns seem to really carry the Christmas spirit. A trip during this season makes for a great memory.

Our Christmas trip to Copper Canyon will give you a full and personal immersion into the Copper Canyon culture at one of the most memorable times of the year.

And don’t forget- we also have a Sun Bowl Trip leaving El Paso on January 1, 2012!

There is no better way to bring in the New Year than on the train in Copper Canyon.

Well our experience is that it is and while there are concerns, even northern Mexico is much safer than other tourist destinations people use now- such as South Africa and Beliz. Still during this period, Europeans, Australians, Canadians and of course Mexicans are traveling extemsively in the country. Staistics show that tourism to the country has been up in the last 18 months.

I am walking this walk to connect and build a bridge.

Here is the info:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dave Hensleigh, 217-369-9897

davehensleigh@gmail.com

“One Solitary Gringo” to “Walk across Juarez”

August 18-21, 2011

Walk Across What???

Juarez seems to be the LAST place any sane person would chose to even go to, let alone walk across. Most people assume that my body will end up filled with bullets, decapitated, and hung from some bridge with a scrawled cartel note tied to it.

But the actual situation and threat to US citizens is actually much different than what we expect based on most US press reports. I will walk across this border city from the Rio Grande to the south neighborhoods and simply report what I see moment by moment…and let the results speak some reality into the situation.

Who I am:

I am just “one solitary gringo” walking across Juarez.

I am also the owner and lead guide of Authentic Copper Canyon, the premier supplier of culturally rich small group experiences on the train through Copper Canyon, deeper and more vast than our Grand Canyon and 4 hrs south of Juarez.

I have a deep love and respect for the people and land of Mexico. Our groups often travel through the border in the Juarez/St Teresa area, and I am pursuing this walk as a small step in bringing understanding and connection across the border.

Purpose: To give a clear view of life right now on the streets of Juarez from an outsider’s point of view. People on the US side are filled with negative images only and this will give an actual moment by moment story of what it is actually like on the ground in Juarez.

Plan: Enter Juarez from El Paso by the Bridge of the Americas on Friday morning and simply walk across the city. I will stay overnight, interact with people, etc. Moment by moment I will send pictures, text, audio and videos via twitter and blog to followers across the USA and the world. Then I will follow with more in-depth articles and videos of the experience.

Rationale: Many of us who work or live in Mexico have been frustrated by the one-sided perspective that most US side folks hold to of everyday life in the border areas.

Of course there are serious problems there. Yet when people travel there, almost all of them are amazed at how tranquil it is. So if it is possible to take a larger number of people there via the internet, perhaps they can understand more accurately that actually, there are not serious concerns with tourist travel to Mexico now. More broadly this little journey may help to replace distrust and negativity with respect and interaction.

Perspective: The idea is not to make a political point, but rather to communicate an accurate, on the ground picture of what life is like. I will not carry signs, make political or policy statements, meet with officials, etc. I will simply walk a path across the city to include busy streets, parks, markets, stores, restaurants, etc, and the message will be whatever I experience.

Interestingly as I have been preparing for this walk, 100 % of the people who know something about Juarez have very strong cautions. On the other hand, 100% of the people who live there or who know it well are very positive. Perhaps my observations will help connect these two groups.

Find Dave at www.AuthenticCopperCanyon.com and follow him on twitter @CopperCanyonGuy.

So follow me this week starting Thursday night …

Just get onto twitter and follow @coppercanyonguy and also watch my facebook page.

Walk Across What???

Juarez seems to be the LAST place any sane person would chose to even go to, let alone walk across. Most people assume that my body will end up filled with bullets, decapitated, and hung from some bridge with a scrawled cartel note tied to it.

But the actual situation and threat to US citizens is actually much different than what we expect based on press reports. I will walk across this border city from the Rio Grande to the south neighborhoods and simply report what I see moment by moment…and let the results speak some reality into the situation.

When is this?

 For three days, Friday, August 19 to Sunday August 21, 2011 I will amble through this border city.

Who I am:

I am the owner and lead guide of Authentic Copper Canyon, the premier supplier of culturally rich small group experiences on the train through Copper Canyon, Mexico. I have a deep love and respect for the people and land of Mexico. Our groups often travel through the border in the Juarez/St Teresa area, and I am pursuing this walk as a small step in bringing understanding and connection across the border.

Purpose: To give a clear view of life right now on the streets of Juarez from an outsider’s point of view. People on the US side are filled with negative images only and this will give an actual moment by moment story of what it is actually like on the ground in Juarez.

Certainly some of the impetus for this comes from me and others in the guide community that wonder how we can do better. There have been zero incidents involving tourists and we aren’t sure how to improve that stat. Yet, the overwhelming assumption is that this area is deadly dangerous. The Mexicans there just wag their heads when we discuss it with them…and they often point out what an issue we or other countries have with insecurity and tourism.

Plan: Enter Juarez by the Bridge of the Americas on Thursday evening or Friday morning and simply walk across the city. I will stay overnight, interact with people, etc. Moment by moment I will send pictures, text, audio and videos via twitter and blog to followers across the USA and the world. Then I will follow with more in-depth articles and videos of the experience.

Rational: Many of us who work or live in Mexico have been frustrated by the one-sided perspective that most US side folks hold to of everyday life in the border areas.

Of course there are serious problems there. Yet when people travel there, almost all of them are amazed at how tranquil it is. So if it is possible to take a larger number of people there via the internet, perhaps they can understand more accurately how it is that there are not serious concerns with tourist travel to Mexico now. More broadly this little journey may help to renew respect and interaction.

Perspective: The idea is not to make a political point, but rather to communicate an accurate, on the ground picture of what life is like. I will not carry signs, make political or policy statements, meet with officials, etc. I will simply walk a path across the city to include busy streets, parks, markets, stores, restaurants, etc, and the message will be whatever I experience.

Interestingly as I have been preparing for this walk, 100 % of the people who know something about Juarez have very strong cautions. On the other hand, 100% of the people who live there or who know it well are very positive. Perhaps my observations will help connect those two groups.

Contact:

Dave Hensleigh, 217.369.9897, davehensleigh@gmail.com

Follow on Aug 19, 20, and 21 twitter @CopperCanyonGuy

www.AuthenticCopperCanyon.com