Funny isn't it, more folks in the United States celebrate Cinco de Mayo than our compadres south of our border where the Mexicans have more reason to celebrate. But that's what makes the mix of cultures so interesting and so much fun.
Today's Mexican holiday celebrates the victory of 4,000 Mexican soldiers over 8,000 French forces on this day in 1862. The common misconception is that today's celebration is Independence Day. That day actually is the 16th of September. But Cinco de Mayo represents the last time an army from another continent invaded the Americas. Sounds like a darn good reason to celebrate for all of us Americans.
That pesky, but over-hyped, flu bug has tried to put a damper on the celebrations these past couple of weeks, but I'm not buying it. I'm back home in Nowhere this week, and the local saloons are decorated with Mexican and American flags and offering drink specials today. I'm gonna slip on down to the Blue Agave Saloon mid-afternoon to tip a few to our friends south of the border for kicking the French back to where they came from. Let it be known that Mexican victory kept Napoleon III from supplying the American Confederate soldiers and prolonging our Civil War.
Muchas gracias, mi amigos. And thanks for that little invention called the margarita.
Live is sweet and life is good.
A TOWN CALLED NOWHERE, ARIZONA
In The Beginning
You see, I and five brothers were raised on an Iowa farm 50 years ago by two incredible parents. But then, I up and moved to Arizona to become a photographer. This profession has been exceptionally good to me. Depending on the workload and the season, I reside in a number of spots: Nowhere, Tempe or Flagstaff, Arizona or Goldfield, Iowa or Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. As a part-time resident of the tiny town called Nowhere, I have a unique perspective on the folks who live and work in a place which time has passed by. And, I'd like to share this fascinating place with you. When I'm somewhere other than Nowhere, I'm likely on assignment either for a corporate client or Arizona Highways magazine. All along, you'll come to know Nowhere, Arizona and its common people with uncommon problems and personal achievements. Early dispatches offer some background into the town itself while newer dispatches will reveal the character of the townsfolk and my photo travels.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Salud, Mi Amigos
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