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MEXICO

Exploring Xilitla
by Ron Mader

MEXICO FORUM

MEXICO -- One does not usually associate jungle with concrete.

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Located in the Huasteca region of San Luis Potosi, Xilitla was constructed by Scotland native Edward James, who invested more than 25 years and $5 million in developing the estate.

Using concrete to fashion out-of-the-ordinary sculptures, he built his home in the middle of a forest. Only opened to the public in the mid-'90s, the site remains an out-of-the-way attraction ideal for lovers of art, nature and the absurd.

The buildings have creative names: 'The House with Three Storeys that Might be Five' and 'The Temple of the Ducks' and 'The House Destined to be a Cinema.'

Staircases soar nowhere. The entire project is a work under construction and never completed.

SURREALISM

Edward James made friends with noted artists of the time -- Pablo Picasso, Luis Buñuel, Max Ernst, Salvador Dali and René Magritte. Even after James' death, his estate remains a work-in-progress.


VISITING?

LOCATION -- Xilitla is located south of Ciudad Valles in the state of San Luis Potosi.

Travel!

TRANSPORATION -- There is bus service to Ciudad Victoria.

ACCOMODATION -- The estate rents rooms to travelers. In town there are several small hotels, including El Castillo.

EXCURSIONS -- Other attractions in the region include the Sótano de Golondrinas.


TIP -- The Huasteca is known for excellent cuisine. One example is the watermelon-sized tamale called a zacahuil, stuffed with pork and chicken, cascabel chile and served in papatla leaves (similar to banana leaves)


AUTHOR

Ron Mader is the Latin America correspondent for Transitions Abroad and host of the award-winning Planeta.com website.


REFERENCES

b Xilitla: One man's fantasy - Michael Kernan/Smithsonian
b Junglegossip

FLICKR

b Las Posas - Billie Mercer
ONLINE FLICKR

WIKI

b Xilitla
ONLINE WIKI



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