Tag Archives: gringo guides

Mexican History

6 Dec

The perfect Christmas gift for him!

Soldados de la Legión Extranjera Belga.

A Gringo Guide to Mexican History – A 354 page, complete History of Mexico with historic pictures. An easy read to learn the incredible history of the Republic from the Conquest until Today. The places, events, and the characters that played out their roles in one of the bloodiest histories ever recorded. Interspersed throughout are accounts of events taking place in the U.S. and the rest of the world simultaniously to give one a sense of the time. GG-103 – $24.95 plus $19.95 International S&H. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

 

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Mexican Food

4 Dec

The perfect Christmas present for her!

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“A Gringo Guide to a Mexican Kitchen” – Download on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

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San Miguel de Allende

25 Nov

Thinking About Retirement? Think San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico! ” 

"A Gringo Guide to Living in San Miguel" Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

“A Gringo Guide to Living in San Miguel” Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

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A Gringo Guide to the Mexican Revolution

6 Nov

 

to the Mexican Revolution - A 56 page, coffee table style book with the complete, bloody history of the Mexican Revolution 1910-1921, with lots of great historic pictures. GG-105 - $16.95 Plus $6.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

to the Mexican Revolution – A 56 page, coffee table style book with the complete, bloody history of the Mexican Revolution 1910-1921, with lots of great historic pictures. GG-105 – $16.95 Plus $6.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

A Gringo Guide to the Mexican Revolution – A 56 page, coffee table style book with the complete, bloody history of the Mexican Revolution 1910-1921, with lots of great historic pictures. GG-105 – $16.95 Plus $6.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

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A Gringo Guide to a Mexican Kitchen

4 Oct

 

Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

Excerpts from my, “Gringo Guide to a Mexican kitchen:
Copyright William J. conaway, 2006

Finding Your Way Around a Mexican Kitchen
There’s a lot of difference between a Mexican kitchen and your own. There’s no dish washer, no garbage disposal, no trash compacter, no microwave oven, no food processor, no bread maker, the stove’s gas, and everything in it has a different name.
In the back of this book you will find glossaries of foods, spices, cooking utensils, cooking terms, and the rest of the book contains some great Mexican recipes. Remember you’re in a far off land, full of mysteries. We can help you solve some of those secrets, and make life a little more interesting.

One vegetable/seasoning mentioned in many of the recipes on the following pages is epazote, wormseed or Mexican tea. It is a weed that grows even in the southern United States. Get some, plant it, it will regenerate itself.

We don’t suggest you eat like a Mexican at first. Stick to simple food until your stomach becomes accustomed to the altitude, climate, and the totally different atmosphere you find yourself in.

You may have been led to believe that you don’t like hot. spicy food, but the fact is that only a very few really delicious dishes are known outside of the country, and almost no Mexican food contains the burning hot peppers you see described in cartoons in the States.
DESAYUNOS – BREAKFASTS
These recipes would take the place of the more Mexican Almuerzo or brunch. We list only the lighter meals that Americans would prefer.

To start the day put on a fresh pot of beans (presoaked in water overnight) to cook in a clay olla.

Put tomatoes or tomatillos on to parboil (depending on the sauces needed for the day).

Prepare the necessary chilies, garlic, and onions to add to the sauces. And use the beans left over from the day before to make Frijoles Refritos.

Frijoles Refritos
(Refried Beans)

Ingredients:
2 cups precooked beans, any kind
2 tbsp. lard or oil
1 small onion, chopped

Preparation:
Heat oil or lard in a heavy skillet. Add onion and fry until tender. Stir in beans and mash, adding broth as needed. Fry until beans reach desired consistency. Serve sprinkled with grated cheese.

This would also be the time to make the day’s supply of tortillas and salsas:
Salsa de California

4 chilaca chilies (AKA California)
1 lge. tomato, peeled and seeded
6 sprigs of parsley, chopped
1 sm. onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
1-2 serrano chilies, chopped
1 pinch sugar
salt to taste

Simmer the chilies in boiling water for five minutes. Drain and remove stems and seeds. In a blender combine the chilies with all the other ingredients and puree.

Add the mixture to a fry pan with 2 tblspn. of oil and simmer for a few minutes. Makes about 1½ cups.

All of my books are available in the San Miguel de Allende Library Gift Shop, the Casa de Papel Card Shop, Garrison & Garrison bookstore, La Deriva bookstore, and for downloads Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com. Follow the author on Twitter @williamjconaway, and Facebook/williamjconaway. Join and comment with him online at: http://www.williamjconaway.com

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A Gringo Guide to a Mexican kitchen

2 Oct
Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

A Gringo Guide to a Mexican Kitchen – A full 200 pages of time honored, traditional Mexican Recipes, with food and food preparation glossaries. Hundreds of Full-Color pictures, and it’s spiral bound for the cook’s convenience. The book Includes Party Snacks, Gala Banquets, and Mexican Adult Beverages too. GG-102 – $24.95 plus $18.95 International S&H. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

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Catalog – Papelandia Publishing

27 Sep

Mexican History large

Papelandia Publishing Catalog

Gringo Guides
A Gringo Guide to Living in San Miguel de Allende – A complete 150 page, perfect bound book a guide, and advice for living and enjoying San Miguel de Allende as a resident or a visitor. A fun filled, Cartoon illustrated day-to-day guide with stories chronicalling the authors «Early Years» in San Miguel. Even long-term residents are guaranteed to find information they never knew before, supplied by a 50+ year Bilingual/Bicultural American resident of San Miguel. GG-101 – $20.00 plus $12.95 International S&H. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to Mexican History – A 354 page, complete History of Mexico with historic pictures. An easy read to learn the incredible history of the Republic from the Conquest until Today. The places, events, and the characters that played out their roles in one of the bloodiest histories ever recorded. Interspersed throughout are accounts of events taking place in the U.S. and the rest of the world simultaniously to give one a sense of the time. GG-103 – $24.95 plus $19.95 International S&H. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to the Mexican Revolution – A 56 page, coffee table style book with the complete, bloody history of the Mexican Revolution 1910-1921, with lots of great historic pictures. GG-105 – $16.95 Plus $6.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to the Cristero Rebellion – A twenty-eight page book with the complete forgotten history of the Rebellion against the Calles Administration 1926-1930 in which the Pope closed the Mexican churches, and the government waged modern warfare against their own people over religious differences. hundreds of thousands of people died and a half million people migrated to the U.S. GG-106 $14.50 Plus $6.95 Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to Witchcraft – A 30 page booklet about the practice of witchcraft in Mexico now and in the past. Implements, herbs, and spells used in Mexican witchcraft told by a 50 year resident. GG-108 $7.95 Plus $2.95 International S&P. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount. (Includes the following book in the same download)

…to Pulque, Mescal, and Tequila – A 30 Page booklet about these spirits from production to imbibing. The History surrounding the discovery and modern production. GG-109 $7.95 Plus $2.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount. (Includes the previous book in the same download)

…to a Bullfight, a Mexican Rodeo, and a Cock Fight – A twenty eight page book that serves as your personal guide to these Mexican sports events. Describing the tradition, the culture, and the mechanics of the events to promote understanding of them. GG-107 $14.50 Plus $6.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to a Mexican Kitchen – A full 200 pages of time honored, traditional Mexican Recipes, with food and food preparation glossaries. Hundreds of Full-Color pictures, and it’s spiral bound for the cook’s convenience. The book Includes Party Snacks, Gala Banquets, and Mexican Adult Beverages too. GG-102 – $24.95 plus $18.95 International S&H. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to: Salsas y Chilies – A 28 page booklet with everything you should know about chilies, and naming the most popular Mexican variaties. Including how to prepare them. Seventeen delicious recipes for Salsa with full-color pictures. GG-102-A – $7.95 plus $2.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to: Mexican Beverages – A 28 page booklet to Non-alcoholic, and alcoholic beverages alike. Recipes from teas; coffee; hot chocolate; punches; egg nog; cold thirst quenching, cooling drinks and fruit ades to 27 different, popular, alcoholic ones. GG-102-B – $7.95 Plus $2.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to Soups and Salads – A 28 page booklet wth 10 delicious recipes for popular Mexican soups and 11 scrumptious Mexican recipes for salads including full-color pictures. GG-102-C – $7.95 Plus $2.95 Internat. Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to Mexican Desserts – A 24 page booklet with 20 fabulous recipes for some of the most popular and delicious recipes of Mexican desserts. GG-102-D – $7.95 Plus $2.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…to Throwing a Mexican Fiesta – A 24 page booklet with 5 delicious Mexican recipes for appetizers, botanas; 11 great recipes for Mexican dips and spreads; and 8 wonderful, time-saving recipes for Mexican microwaves treats. GG-102-E $7.95 Plus $2.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

Walking Tours
Walking Mexico’s Colonial Heartland – A full 123 pages of History – Legends – Step-by-Step Walking Tours of the world famous Spanish Colonial cities of: San Miguel de Allende; Guanajuato; Querétaro; and the history of Mineral de Pozos, the Ghost Town. These are 450 + year old cities protected and preserved in the Spanish Colonial style of the XVII and XVIII centuries. They are living, breathing cities, full of life and culture, but mysteriously silent about their history and legends. With this book you will appreciate fully your visit to them. WT-101 – $10.00 plus $12.95 International S&H. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com.

Walking Tours of San Miguel de Allende – A 30 page book of the History, and Step-by-Step instructions for touring this 460 year old Spanish Colonial city, a National Monument. The booklet has a four-color, slick cover suitable for saving as a souvenier, and includes lots full-color pictures. WT-102 – $16.50 Plus $6.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

San Miguel’s History – A twenty-four page booklet of the history of San Miguel de Allende from the settlement through the War for Independence with historic pictures. WT-101-A – $7.95 Plus $2.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com; or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…of Guanajuato – A 30 page book of the History, Legends, and Step-by-Step instructions for touring this 460+ year old Spanish Colonial city. The legends are authentic, and have been handed down generation after generation.The booklet has lots of historic and full color pictures, and is suitable for saving as a souvenier. WT-103 – $16.50 Plus $6.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…of Santiago de Querétaro – A 30 page book of the History, and Step-by-Step instructions for touring this 460+ year old Spanish Colonial city. The booklet has lots of historic and full color pictures, and is suitable for saving as a souvenier. WT-104 – $14.50 Plus $6.95 Int. Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…of Morelia: The City of Music – A 30 page book of the History, and Step-by-Step instructions for touring this 460+ year old Spanish Colonial city. The booklet has lots of historic and full color pictures, and is suitable for saving as a souvenier. WT-105 – $14.50 Plus $6.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…of Puebla de Los Angeles – A 30 page book of the History, Legends, and Step-by-Step instructions for touring this 460+ year old Spanish Colonial city. The legends are authentic, and have been handed down generation after generation.The booklet has lots of historic and full color pictures, and is suitable for saving as a souvenier. WT-106 $14.50 Plus $6.95 Int. Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…of Taxco de Alarcon – A 30 page book of the History, Legends, and Step-by-Step instructions for touring this 460+ year old Spanish Colonial city. The legends are authentic, and have been handed down generation after generation.The booklet has lots of historic and full color pictures, and is suitable for saving as a souvenier. WT-107 – $14.50 Plus $6.95 Intnational Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…of San Luis Potosí – A 30 page book of the History, and Step-by-Step instructions for touring this 460+ year old Spanish Colonial city. The booklet has lots of full color pictures, and is suitable for saving as a souvenier. WT-108 – $14.50 Plus $6.95 Intnational Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…of Zacatecas – A 30 page book of the History, Legends, and Step-by-Step instructions for touring this 460+ year old Spanish Colonial city. The legends are authentic, and have been handed down generation after generation.The booklet has lots of historic and full color pictures, and is suitable for saving as a souvenier. WT-109 – $14.50 Plus $6.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

Driving Adventures:
Day Trips From San Miguel – A 56 page coffee table style guidebook to easy one-day trips with historic and full-color pictures. Visit Acambaro, Guanajuato’s oldest city; Dolores Hidalgo, the Fountain of the Independence movement, La Luz, Guanajuato’s Other Ghost Town; Cerro de San Pedro, San Luis Potosí’s Ghost Town, and Jaral de Berrio, the ruins of an historic Hacienda. DA – 102 – $16.95 Plus $7.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…Hidalgo, and the Ancient city of Teotihuacan – A 56 page coffe table style guidebook with the history of the State, and instructions for driving around the state of Hidalgo with stops in: Huichapan, Alfajayucan, Zimápan, Ixmiquilpan, Tula de Allende, Teotihuacán, Pachuca, Mineral del Chico, Real del Monte, Atotonilco El Grande, Metztitlan, Molongo de Escamilla, Tlahuitepa, Huazalingo, and Huejutla de Reyes. with lots of full-color pictures. DA – 104 – $16.95 Plus $7.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…Mexico’s Colonial Ghost Towns – A 56 page coffee table style guidebook of the history and legends of: Mineral de Pozos, Gto.; Mineral La Luz, Gto.; Real de Catorce, San Luis Potosí; Cerro de San Pedro, San Luis Potosí. This book contains lots of historic and full-color pictures of these XVI, XVII, and XVIII century Silver and Gold mining cities. DA – 101 – $16.95 Plus $7.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…Michoacán, Touring the Tarascan Empire – A 56 page coffe table style guidebook with the history, and instructions for driving the state of Michoacán with stops in: Ihuatzio, Tzintzuntzan, Santa Clara del Cobre, Pátzcuaro, Janitzio, Zrahuén, Santiago Tingambato, Uruapan, Paricutín, and Paracho with lots of historic and full-color pictures. DA – 103 – $16.95 Plus $7.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…in Mexico’s Huasteca – A 56 page coffee table guide book with a complete driving tour of the Adventure and Ecotourism Paradise that is the Huasteca area of Mexico. Includes areas in the Mexican states of: Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Querétaro, Hidalgo, Puebla, and Veracruz. Includes information on White water Rafting, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Rock Climbing, Swimming, Spelunking, Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, and Camping. With lots of historic and full-color pictures. DA – 105 – $16.95 Plus $7.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

Adventure and Ecotourism
…in the Copper Canyon – A 38 page coffee table style guide book with the history, accomodations, and tours of the entire Copper Canyon System located in the State of Chihuahua. Lots of full-color pictures and Driving Adventures down into the depths of the Urique and Batopilas Canyons. AE – 105 – $16.50 Plus $7.95 International Shipping & Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…with Mexico’s Glittering Monarchs – A 38 page coffee table style guide book with the Complete story on the migrating Monarch butterflies. Where they are, how to get to them, and how they were found. A Driving Adventure loaded with full-color, full-page pictures. AE – 106 – $16.50 Plus $7.95 Int. S&H. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…in San Miguel de Allende – A 36 page coffee table style guide book with the Complete possibilities for Adventure and Ecotourism sites to visit while you’re in San Miguel de Allende with lots of full-color pictures. Includes Horseback riding, ATV Rentals, Hot Air Baloon rides, Mountain bike tours, hiking tours, touring the Botanical Gardens , and the Cañada de La Virgen pyramid. AE – 107 $16.50 Plus $7.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

…in Edward James’ Surrealistic Garden, Las Pozas, Xilitla – A 28 page coffee table style guidebook of the Surrealist Sculture garden of Edward James with lots of full-color pictures and a map of the complete site. AE – 101 $16.50 Plus $7.95 International Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

All of these books are available in the San Miguel de Allende Library Gift Shop, the Casa de Papel Card Shop, Garrison & Garrison bookstore, La Deriva bookstore, and for downloads Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount. Follow the author on Twitter @williamjconaway, and wwwfacebook/williamjconaway. Join and comment with him online at: http://www.williamjconaway.com

 

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A Gringo Guide to the Cristero Rebellion

23 Sep
"A Gringo Guide to the Cristero Rebellion" Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

“A Gringo Guide to the Cristero Rebellion” Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

A Gringo Guide to the Cristero Rebellion – A twenty-eight page book with the complete forgotten history of the Rebellion against the Calles Administration 1926-1930 in which the Pope closed the Mexican churches, and the government waged modern warfare against their own people over religious differences. hundreds of thousands of people died and a half million people migrated to the U.S. GG-106 $14.50 Plus $6.95 Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

 

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A Gringo Guide to the Cristero Rebellioan

20 Sep
"A Gringo Guide to the Cristero Rebellion" Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

“A Gringo Guide to the Cristero Rebellion” Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

A Gringo Guide to the Cristero Rebellion – A twenty-eight page book with the complete forgotten history of the Rebellion against the Calles Administration 1926-1930 in which the Pope closed the Mexican churches, and the government waged modern warfare against their own people over religious differences. hundreds of thousands of people died and a half million people migrated to the U.S. GG-106 $14.50 Plus $6.95 Shipping and Handling. Order by email: wjconaway@yahoo.com, or download from Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; or Google Play for a considerable discount.

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A Gringo Guide to Mexican History

14 Sep
"A Gringo Guide to Mexican History" Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

“A Gringo Guide to Mexican History” Download Your copy on Amazon.com; Barnes and Noble.com; Kobo.com; and on Google Play. Search William J. Conaway.

An excerpt from my, “A Gringo Guide to Mexican History”.

The Religious Conquest of Mexico
In 1529, Don Juan de Zumárraga, first Bishop and Archbishop of México, wrtoe in a report to the King:

We are very busy with our continuous and great work in the conversion of the infidels of whom…over a million people have been baptized, five hundred temples of idols have been razed to the ground and over 20,000 images of devils that they adored have been broken to pieces and burned…And…the infidels of this city of México, who in former times had the custom of sacrificing each year over 20,000 human hearts to their idols, now make their offerings to God instead of to the devils…. Many of these children, and others who are older, know how to read, write, sing, and sound the proper pitches for singing…. They watch with extreme care to see where their parents hide their idols, and then they steal them and faithfully bring them to our friars. For doing this, some have been cruelly slain by their own parents, but they live crowned in glory with Christ…. Each one of our monasteries has next to it a house in which children are taught and where there is a school, a dormitory, a dining hall and a chapel for devotion…. Blessed be the Lord for everything….

(You read it, in five short years they had baptized over a million people. The friars had destroyed 500 temples of idols, and 20,000 images of idols!)
Also among the missionaries first chores was to study the native languages and dialects and to compile vocabulary lists and other linguistic guides, and finally, dictionaries to aid them in teaching the natives the elements of faith, preparing them for baptism. And they baptized hundreds of thousands of the Indians they encountered during their lifetimes. They taught the people how to live better, helped them learn trades, and improved their artistic abilities.

These friars walked about barefoot with only their heavy woolen habits to cover them. They slept on the ground and begged for food in the Indian markets, sometimes even eating tortillas with whatever fruits and berries they could gather. The robes they brought with them from Spain were the only clothes they possessed and were soon worn out. (Clothing was a big problem for everyone in those days.) A legend persists to this day:

Don Martín, an Indian Cacique, Chieftan, of the village of Guacachula, seeing the disgraceful condition of his friars robes, sent several skilled artisans out to work for a newly arrived Spaniard who was weaving cloth on his imported looms and selling all he could produce. These spies were able to learn the trade in a short time and carefully took measurements of all the parts of the looms they worked on. Returning to the village they built their own looms and were soon producing sackcloth for the friars as well as for themselves.

The obvious difference between the humble friars and the conquistadores who built themselves fine homes and gorged themselves with all the best, was all too obvious to the poor Indians.

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