Come shopping with me in Michoacan! A lovely day out! 

The casita is almost finished, and I need furniture, so we’re heading to Cuanajo, a village known for its woodworking. I thought it would be a simple errand day. It didn’t stay that way.

I love working in the yard at my property and all the house projects, but sometimes you just have to get away! 

Cuanajo is only about 20 minutes from Patzcuaro and it’s known for its wood furniture, made right in town. There are lovely hand carved pieces, painted furniture, and more modern and upholstered furniture too. Take a look.

As in all of Mexico, Cuanajo celebrates the day of the dead in a very particular way. The ringing of the bells that announce the arrival of the deceased at the home of their relatives, the decoration of the altars with cempasúchil flowers.

The wooden horses adorned with flowers and fruits, among many things are offered to the relatives of the deceased.

There is a legend that the wooden horses helped the deceased to carry the offerings that the relatives give them during the visit.

On the way out we stopped for a drink in the tiny town of Tupataro and wandered into the small 16th century church. walking on original wooden planks that creak with every step. Beneath them lie ancient tombs from the 18th and 19th centuries, adding a mystical and solemn atmosphere to the site.

They call it the Sistine Chapel of Michoacán. I understood why the moment I looked up.

Tupataro is a very cute little town, and though I didn’t buy much on this trip, it was great to see what’s available from the craftsmen and women in Cuanajo.

It was time to head back to town and I met some friends for lunch at a lovely restaurant called Petro above a fabulous bakery called Pancomido. It had a really nice outdoor terrace on the second floor, and the afternoon was beautiful. The salad and sandwich I had were very fresh and really hit the spot.

There are still so many restaurants here I want to try!

A slow walk through town, then a pause at the plaza on one of the stone benches. I would have liked some of the famous ice cream at Neveria la Pacanda, but I was too full.  Though many of the decorations are still up, after the crowds and rush of the holidays, town seems a bit quieter and peaceful. 

Eventually I made my way home, stopping first at one of my favorite plant ladies. I’m trying not to buy a bunch of plants yet because it’s the dry season! But I did get these two little gems.

The dogs were happy to see me and we wandered out to see the casita and all the work Temo has done to revive it, it’s looking really good! He’s done so much: painting inside and out, varnishing the wood trim, sealing holes in the concrete. 

What I love about this part of Michoacán is how much life happens in layers. Craft, faith, tradition, daily routines; all blended together. When you stop long enough to really let all that settle in, it’s a beautiful thing.

I set out that morning to buy furniture for the casita. That was the plan. But days here have a way of unfolding beyond what I’m aiming for. A church I didn’t expect. A long lunch with friends and a plaza bench in the sun.

These are small things, maybe. But the magic here is one of the reasons I stayed.

I have a tendency to stay home too much, to be solitary too much, and I love that. But I’ve discovered that being balanced is important. Going out with friends makes me appreciate them and my whole life! And when I do go back home, I love it even more.

I used to think days needed to be productive to count. Now I’m learning that paying attention is what really matters. I didn’t buy much furniture yet, but it was a wonderful day!