Dear My Gorgeous Pretties,

How are we doing this glorious day? I pray this finds you happy, healthy, and well. I kinda missed you this week. Did you feel my energy calling to you? I’m sure you did. As legend has it, they say that if you are thinking about someone, it’s because they are also thinking about you. Well my goodness me, you must be thinking about me A LOT! I don’t blame you. I am rather enchanting, aren’t I? But look in the mirror baby, cuz so. are. you. Do you know how extraordinary it is to find someone who matches your nerd? It’s almost out of this world.

Week 2 in Valladolid took me straight to the Museo de Ropa Etníca de México, MUREM. A quaint museum tucked away in the corner of a courtyard in town, situated between a coffee shop and a charming boutique hotel. MUREM, collects, preserves, interprets and presents traditional and contemporary clothing, which represents the diverse ethnic cultures of the Mexican Republic.

The garden entry is complete with a kitty on property.

I was greeted upon entrance by Denis Larsen, Valladolid resident of over 20 years and the former property owner during its time operating as a bed & breakfast before donating to the museum several years ago. He and his cat—whose name escapes me at the moment—are mainstays. There’s a portrait of them hanging in the welcome room. I’ll show ya in a sec.

Joel (seen behind the desk), gave me an exquisite welcome & introduction to the museum and the history of the clothes spanning the various regions.

Highlighting the different areas on the map and the role they play in the history of ethnic clothing, he discussed how the museum clothing is broken into 3 different categories; Native, Mestizo, and Contemporary.

He noted the distinctions: Native clothing is indigenous in origin with no Spanish influence. Mestizo (Mixed) will have a fusion of indigenous techniques and Spanish weavings, and Contemporary clothing is blend of traditional Mexican clothing and adaptations of new global fashion style.

If we zoom in a little closer, we can see how in the region of Geurrero—bottom left, orange—their clothing is more native.

Which you can also see in the mountains of Sonora—upper left—distinguishable by the animal masks and clothing more attuned to the natural elements.

Can you identify a contemporary fit? I’ll give you a hint: his boots were not made for walkin.’ Now how about the Mestizo dress highlighted on the welcome sign and the door of the museum? DM a pic of the fit selections to Bismillah & Bonappetit on IG by November 30 and we’ll have a drawing to select someone to win a fancifully fashionable article de ropa in that category, just in time for the holidaysss! Yayyy!

But compliments to Joel for his thorough presentation of the museum and history of the clothing we’ll see in the galleries. You can tell he has a passion for fashion and is equally as passionate about conveying that to the guests. Give him a visit! Give him a raise! And many many many thanks.

The walls of this great room were naturally filled with art and sculptures, and portraits of the donors, Denis Larsen & gato

*This is exactly how he looks! Artist nailed it.*

And Angeles López-Portillo de Stiteler

Tables neatly lined with brochures and works of art.

*The leather & wood chair in the upper right corner is equally a sight to behold...*

And then we’ll make our way to the first floor gallery just across the foyer.

With a focus on the indigenous Mayan attire, the collection here was a pleasant mix of all three categories of clothing, spanning the times and temperatures.

You can see how the influence of nature is so deeply rooted in the culture by the colors, designs, and materials used.

The info tag next to the item(s) denotes its origin and the category it falls under. You can also find it on the website if you'd like to get more info on each piece. Per usual I took a zillion pictures and then I wonder why my storage is always full. Can you tell by looking which items are native, mestizo, or contemporary? Also FUN FACT: Pat Boy is a native Mayan rapper who featured in the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. 🙅🏾‍♀️ We’ll see more of his clothing in the gift shop on the way out.

I particularly loved seeing this antique sewing machine used to make these intricate patterns and embroidery, highlighting the advancement of technology from hand-stitching/sewing to machine.

Just look at the detail on this good stuff.

What do you think? Native, Mestiza, or Contemporary?

Y eso?

*Cups & bowls made from coconut shells. How environmentally friendly…*

But you tell me, which fit you rockin?

Making our way upstairs, we pass the bathroom on the left. Let’s pop in and powder our nose shall we?

A little commotion for the light, mirror, and sink all in sync.

Absolutely je’dore this pattern. Very on brand and in theme with the ropa.

Our first stop upstairs is the Larsen Gallery

A collection of 12 tapestries by women from the town of Xocen, a place very much rooted in Mayan identity and, like many others, evolving with the times and the future while finding ways to maintain a connection to their cultural roots.

The details on these pieces were also so intricate. It was insightful to see the differences and similarities between their work.

If you read the informational above (no judgies if not), you’ll recall the themes of daily life, history & ceremonies with an emphasis on traditional foods and healthy meals.

I loved the imagery of this water mission. And again, look at the level of detail on this mini dresses and the ability to distinguish between the handle of the gray bucket and the bucket itself.

I definitely recommend seeing this.

Not just a piece of art, but a means of historical & cultural preservation.

Leaving this and heading to our last and final gallery, we’re met with a basket of textiles in the hall.

I dunno about you but especially with clothing, I like to be able to feel the material. Being able to identify quality products is an art form in itself, no?

A little preview of what we’ll see inside the gallery is on display in the hall.

You can start to see the introduction to bolder materials like sequins and a playful evolution of style with the pattern choices and further blend of the old and the new. I love the bowtie on the children’s outfit.

More art.

*La Promesa*. Are you familiar with the red-string theory?

And a quick full balcony scan to take in the scope.

And I also love how the kids’ outfits are made with equal attention to detail.

Let’s sally forth, shall we?

What are some differences you can highlight from the first gallery to this last one?

Some menswear so the fellas don’t think I forget about them. I’m just a girl, ok? Who loves a clean white suit…

If these garments could talk, what do you think they’d say?

Masks are such a rich part of most indigenous attire, particularly around ceremonies and things of that nature. And apparently boxing gloves too, cuz Mama said knock you oooouutttttttt.

And I don’t know what it is about this dress that has me utterly obsessed.

Perhaps it’s the pink. Maybe it’s the ruffles. Maybe it’s the contrast of busy pattern at the top to a simple smooth bottom. A pop of green never hurts, either. But it gives me utterly dainty damsel in the Wild West vibes. Imagine me wearing this, swinging on the porch swing with the ice from my sweet tea sweating out the sides of the glass from the heat, as I sway back and forth, fan in one hand, handkerchief in the other, as I lightly dab the sweat from the back of my neck on such a sweltering summer’s day. Oy vey…

The dress on the museum entry is also a stand out in this room.

Exemplifying the uniqueness of Mexico’s culture, the China Poblana costume, Mexico’s national symbol, was popularized in the 18th century by Catarina de San Juan, an Indian noblewoman who was kidnapped by Portuguese pirates. This style was popular throughout Mexico until the mid 19th century. I would wear this to a party today though, what say you? Every gal needs a dress for the occasion.

A few more faves before we leave the room.

You might look and see a hat, but nope that’s a blonde wig made from agave fibers. This is clearly a ceremonial ensemble.

And I loved this dress too. It literally sang to me.

Guess the song.

The hand embroidery here is off the charts. The keen eye for detail is undeniable. The craftsmanship is exquisite. Some sources claim this garb originated in mid 1500’s Chiapas under Spanish influence while others attribute it to a traveling theater troupe from Mexico City in the late 1930’s. Whatever its origin, it certainly stole the show.

We end our museum visit like the many others, back where we started, at the gift shop before we head on to our next venture.

Naturally they had similar items from the museum collections for sale.

Good style never really goes out of style does it?

*Ball caps honoring the indigenous roots*

Patches, mugs, herbs, jewelry, and café

*A good mug and a good cuppuhhh cawfee go hand in hand don’t they?*

A little more Pat Boy and other collections.

Hand knit dolls, cd’s, & fans.

And my favorite, the Mexican Paper Doll book

We go back from whence we came, in peace and loving kindness, and a great thanks to all for a wonderful visit.

*If you’re in town and interested in taking an in-city trip, I 10 outta 10 *High Key* recommend it.*

This week’s Delectable Dining of the Week Award goes to another place that quickly became a repeat excursion. Located just outside town center, and about a 5 minute walk around the corner from the Museo de Ropa, is Hunab’ Ku’

An unassuming location on a relatively quiet street, Hunab’ Ku’ is a family run operation serving traditional Yucateca comida. As soon as I entered I felt a deep tranquility, almost as if a table had been prepared before me.

To be fair I went 2 days in a row. I’m of the mind that when you find something good, you enjoy it. Por que no?

My first visit I had the tortas special: two sandwiches of choice from pollo, pork, beef or cheese. Guess which one I got?

*A simple veggie medley complete with una agua sabor in the flavor of my go to: jamaica. Also added some salsa picante for good measure. As we learned last week, it has become a Mexico cuisine staple.*

The bread was super flaky, and likely buttery, but as we also learned, dairy doesn’t affect me outside of the states so I heretofore declare I am only a United States vegan, because trust, cuando yo me voy a Italy, estoy comiendo todo lo queso! Y a mi no me importaaaaaaaaaa.

*I also love that they give you a chicken to squeeze when you’re ready to order or need something during your dining experience. My fan just wanted to make an appearance because they match.*

Multiple subsequent visits had me dining on either panuchos or salbutes veganos. The main difference being a soft or crispy shell. Both delicious.

Also complete with agua sabor, naturalmente.

I really loved this place. It was the perfect piece of quiet after buzzing around the town, and the family was always so warm and welcoming. I know my reputation precedes me, but what I really appreciate about the dining experience is simply people just enjoying what they do. You can tell that my meal, though simple—and they do have an extensive menu with authentic cuisine!—was made with love. I appreciate that because, why not love what you do?

If you are in Valladolid and in need of authentic Yucateca cuisine, look no further than Hunab’ Ku.’ They will always have a table prepared for you.

And with that, My Gorgeous Pretties, I must bid you adieu. I hope you enjoyed this week’s excursion or two. Life in Mexico has been a necessary reset, but we’ve still got plenty more to eat. We haven’t even gotten started yet!

Whoever you are, wherever you may be, you could be anywhere in the world, but here you are with me. And I love that for you. And I love that for me. I hope you have a fantastic rest of your week, and I’ll see you on the next when we reconvene. Stay blessed out there, yea? And of course, God speed.

Love Always (& besitos!),

Savoring the stillness of this moment

A Dress For the OCCASION

A Cuppuhhh Day