Wee Forest Folk
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 Wee Forest Folk FS 3 Mouse Come Calling $116.49 (34 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 52m |
 Wee Forest Folk Ltd 2009 Retired Nutcracker Series 5 Pieces Never Displayed $459.99 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 15m Buy It Now for only: $459.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk MISS NOEL Dark Green Dress 1987 M 146 Retired Annette Peterson $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 53m |
 WEE FOREST FOLK Quilting Bea M 125 retired Yellow Chair Blue Dress Mouse 1995 $18.00 Time Remaining: 29d 5h 45m Buy It Now for only: $18.00 |
 WEE FOREST FOLK CHOIR MOUSE M 147 RETIRED 1990 $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 3h 54m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 253 Retired Burrr 2000 2001 Never Displayed $82.99 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 55m Buy It Now for only: $82.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk The Nutcracker M 174 Retired Donna Peterson 1991 $25.49 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 3h 59m |
 EXPO 98 SPECIAL Wee Forest Folk Tooth Fairy $75.00 Time Remaining: 6d 22h 54m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Mouse Parade Series MP 4 Firemouse Retired Limited Edition $59.60 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 1m |
 Wee Forest Folk Mouseys Bunny Slippers M 218 Retired William Peterson 1996 $29.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 4m |
 Wee Forest Folk Ltd Stitch in Time 70s E Green Shirt Version Never Displayed $124.99 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 35m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 122b Shepherd Standing Mouse Figurine 1985 Annette Peterson $24.99 Time Remaining: 4h 9m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 457 CUTE CHICK $66.00 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 9m Buy It Now for only: $66.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Annette Petersen M 70 Me and Raggedy Ann Most Beloved Mouse $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 14m |
 Wee Forest Folk Ltd Stitch in Time 70s A Orange Shirt Version Never Displayed $124.99 Time Remaining: 29d 11h 41m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk William Petersen M 99 Birthday Girl Retired 1983 $34.40 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 19m |
 Wee Forest Folk FTF Special Farewell to Fall SOLD OUT Never Displayed $469.99 Time Remaining: 24d 8h 48m Buy It Now for only: $469.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk Annette Petersen M 83 Happy Birthday Retired 1982 $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 24m |
 Wee Forest FolkMouse Parade Series MP 1 Drum Leader Retired Limited Edition $50.00 Time Remaining: 4h 27m Buy It Now for only: $65.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Spring Gardener Mole Hole Special w Multi Colored Flowers $72.99 Time Remaining: 20d 8h 50m Buy It Now for only: $72.99 |
 WEE FOREST FOLK CHIEF GERONIMOUSE M 107a RETIRED 1983 1995 $49.99 Time Remaining: 4h 29m |
 Wee Forest Folk Rare Tidy Mouse Retired 1985 Never Displayed w Orig Price Tag $449.99 Time Remaining: 24d 5h 11m Buy It Now for only: $449.99 |
 WEE FOREST FOLK RUNNING DOE AND LITTLE DEAR M 107B RETIRED 1997 $49.99 Time Remaining: 4h 34m |
 Wee Forest Folk Rare Helping Hand Ltd02 1985 Never Displayed $549.99 Time Remaining: 27d 13h 50m Buy It Now for only: $549.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk FUN FLOAT M 138 from 1986 William Peterson Retired $29.99 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 39m |
 WEE FOREST FOLK MOUSEY TRICYCLE M 101 FIGURINE 1983 Annette Peterson Retired $35.50 (4 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 44m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 293 Catfish Cove Expo 2004 Special $124.99 Time Remaining: 25d 23h 39m Buy It Now for only: $124.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk Bob Cratchit Tiny Tim CC 2 1987 Retired Annette Peterson $36.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 48m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 353a The Bookworm Limited $149.99 Time Remaining: 25d 22h 28m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 WEE FOREST FOLK EBENEZER SCROOGE CC 1 A CHRISTMAS CAROL ANNETTE PETERSON $99.00 Time Remaining: 4h 49m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 283 Farm Boy Store Special w Yellow Watermelon $159.99 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 16m Buy It Now for only: $159.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk SEA SOUNDS Green Trunks M 179 1991 Annette Peterson Retired $24.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 49m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 247 Puppet Play w Yellow Dress $117.99 Time Remaining: 25d 22h 6m Buy It Now for only: $117.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk Ghost of Christmas Past CC 6 1987 Retired Annette Peterson $26.99 (11 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 54m |
 Wee Forest Folk BEDDY BYE MOUSEY M 69 Annette Petterson 1982 Retired $24.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 55m |
 Wee Forest Folk Special Color Whimsey Hollow Surfs Up Glitter Board Flag Shorts $799.99 Time Remaining: 2d 12h 57m Buy It Now for only: $799.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk BABY SITTER M 66 Annette Peterson 1982 BLUE RETIRED $56.50 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 57m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 439 Fancy Footwear $149.99 Time Remaining: 25d 22h 13m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk Mom and Squeaky Clean M 60 Annette Petterson 1981 Retired $46.49 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 58m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 338 SUNFLOWER DRESS UP $62.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $62.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Mouse Flower Babies FB 5 Retired $35.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 9h 3m |
 Wee Forest Folk Retired Mouse Talk 1985 1993 $79.99 Time Remaining: 20d 8h 22m Buy It Now for only: $79.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk Roly Poly MP 260 Red Retired Limited Edition $30.00 Time Remaining: 9h 26m Buy It Now for only: $40.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk 1991 Tea for Three M 177 $118.00 Time Remaining: 1d 2h 7m Buy It Now for only: $130.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 265 Retired Hollys Hotline Noahs Store Special $119.99 Time Remaining: 27d 13h 29m Buy It Now for only: $119.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 135 Waltzing Matilda $95.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 37m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 159 Retired Forty Winks Maroon Chair $69.99 Time Remaining: 25d 22h 19m Buy It Now for only: $69.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk FLIRTY FREDDY FROG Mint $69.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 3m |
 Wee Forest Folk Special Charity Halloween Freaky Flight Pedal Plane SOLD OUT $399.99 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $399.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk MS 15 Joe DiMousio Store Special $67.00 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 31m |
 Wee Forest Folk Busy Bunny B 14 $58.00 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 31m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 338b Little Miss Pink Petals New Never Displayed $49.99 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 13m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk Retired Babysitter Rare Ivory Chair Version Never Displayed $69.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 10h 25m |
 Wee Forest Folk M 317 Me My Nightcap Original Green Stocking $62.99 Time Remaining: 26d 10h 26m Buy It Now for only: $62.99 |
 WEE FOREST FOLK MIHUMMEL GOEBEL WINTER DELIGHT DISPLAY SHELF $25.00 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 35m Buy It Now for only: $35.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 459 JAPANESE GARDEN $194.00 Time Remaining: 10d 6h 58m Buy It Now for only: $194.00 |
 WEE FOREST FOLK MIHUMMELGOEBEL SUMMER MAGIC DISPLAY SHELF $25.00 Time Remaining: 2d 10h 38m Buy It Now for only: $75.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 351 Helpful Elf $122.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $122.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Baby Sitter M 066 Pink Chair Mint Ret $199.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 13m Buy It Now for only: $249.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Mouseys Doll House M 102 LOWER START BID PRICE Mint Retire $365.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $549.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 398 CANDY CORN TRAIL $148.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $148.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk 1982 Mouseys Teddy M 075 Lower Start Bid Mint Retired 1985 $265.95 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $449.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 117 CHRIS MOUSE PAGEANT $84.00 Time Remaining: 9d 22h 57m Buy It Now for only: $84.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Red Mouseys Tricycle M101 Retire Mint $94.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
 WEE FOREST FOLK SPECIAL COLOR SANTAS WORKSHOP $899.95 Time Remaining: 3d 15h 5m Buy It Now for only: $899.95 |
 Wee Forest Folk 1981 Mom and Squeaky Clean mice M 060 Mint Retired 2004 $149.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 17m Buy It Now for only: $210.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk TM 1 BON APPETIT Cherry $79.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $79.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Mom and Ginger Baker M 115 Mint $175.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 18m Buy It Now for only: $210.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Spring Gardner Mouse in Blue Dress M 111 1984 Mint Retired $175.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 18m Buy It Now for only: $210.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 146 Miss Noel blue coat $56.00 Time Remaining: 27d 14h 40m Buy It Now for only: $56.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Blue Quilting Bea 1985 Mint Retired $199.00 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 18m Buy It Now for only: $249.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk TM 1 Bon Appetit Apple Apron $79.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $79.00 |
 Wee Forest Folk Holiday Christmas Three Wise Men on one base Rare M 121 Mint $399.99 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 19m Buy It Now for only: $549.99 |
 Wee Forest Folk M 144 PAGEANT STABLE $98.00 Time Remaining: 29d 13h 15m Buy It Now for only: $98.00 |
 Amazing Collectors Haven Vegetable Stand Wee Forest Folk Display $49.99 Time Remaining: 3d 10h 56m |
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Veracruz, A Place Blessed By Nature
Have you ever wanted to visit a place truly blessed by nature? Well, you need not look any further, for Patawalk (http://www.patawalk.com) can show you this place, endowed with a paradise-like rainforest as its backyard and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico as its front yard, lies just in the southeastern part of Mexico and it is named: Veracruz.
Veracruz was established by the well-known Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes in 1519. Cortes "baptized" the city as Villa Rica de Vera Cruz (Rich Villa of the True Cross) because of the area's wealth of gold and silver and because he happened to land on Good Friday. Due to its location, Veracruz became a key component of Spain's business in importing and exporting goods. Unfortunately, due to the riches of the city (mainly gold) pirates were attracted to this port. As a result, the city built a fort in order to protect itself from the callousness of the pirates. During the 16th century African slaves were brought to Veracruz to work on the sugarcane plantations as well as to help in the shipping docks. In the 17th century a municipal palace, a monastery, and a hospital were built, and as a result the population began to increase. Veracruz has also been the playground of two other invasions, one by France and the other one by the United States. Despite these invasions, Veracruz remains one of Mexico's most important ports.
It is interesting to note that Veracruz is a lesser known tourist destination, which personally makes it even more attractive. Why it is not a better known destination is almost a complete mystery, for it has more than its share of attractions as any other popular tourist destination. For instance, one particular place to visit here is the Plaza de las Armas (Plaza of Arms) or better known as El Zocalo. This is like the city square. It is surrounded by trees and it is always a busy place; people playing dominos, others selling goods like cigars and snacks, people dancing or playing live music is an everyday event in this place. So, if you want to mingle with the locals and get a true taste of Veracruz's culture then you must visit this area.
What set Veracruz's culture apart from the rest of the Mexican Republic are the strong Caribbean and African influences. What better way to witness this rich cultural mix than by trying some of the culinary specialties. One particular tasty dish is Huachinango a la Veracruzana (Red Snapper Veracruz Style). This dish consists of cooking a red snapper fish with a variety of local fruits and vegetables including chilli peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and cappers. Caldo de Mariscos (Seafood Stew or Soup) which is a stew of various seafood including fish, shrimp, and octopus; oh, and rumor has it that it can cure a hangover! Pollo Encacahuatado is another traditional dish; this culinary delicacy has strong African influences and it is basically chicken cooked in a special peanut sauce. Another interesting dish to our tastes buds is Carne de Chango (Monkey Meat), but don't fear it is not actual monkey meat; in reality this dish consists of smoked pork. One particular place to indulge in these heavenly delicacies is "Las Barricas" (The Barrels) which also features a live band to accompany your meal. "La Mera Madre" is another restaurant that offers not only the typical dishes but a very international menu. "Mariscos Ochoa" is a well-established restaurant that has been around for over 30 years and also features live music.
Veracruz's drink of choice is coffee and as so, the city is filled with an array of coffee houses. The most famous coffee house is "Café de la Parroquia" where people from around the world and a multitude of celebrities have visited. This coffee house invented the "café lechero" which has become a staple of Veracruz. This drink consists of having a glass (notice that it is not served in a cup) of coffee and the waiter pours (from a distance) boiling milk. Oh, and if you want a refill all you have to do is tap your spoon against you glass and the waiter will come immediately.
Why not visit a piece of history and that which propelled the increase of population: go to the Municipal Palace. Although it was built in 1608 it still stands today as strong and powerful as when it was first built. This governmental building was built in a baroque architectural style and most astounding is a tall tower that stands at one corner of the building. The tower provides an excellent view of the port, as it was built to keep watch of the port. Speaking of history why not visit the cathedral, Virgen de la Asunsion (Our Lady of Assumptiion) which was built in 1731 and is conveniently located next to the Municipal Palace. The overall architectural design of this building is breathtaking.
Another incredible site to visit is the Fort San Juan de Ulua, which was the fort built to keep pirates out. This fort is actually located on an island, which is now connected to land, and is home to La Gallega coral reef, now a natural reserve. This fort became a military prison in the 19th century, which reminds me of the Alcatraz Prison. As a prison, it became the home of some notorious figures such as Benito Juarez (a former Mexican president), Fray Servando Teresa de Mier (a Mexican priest who promoted the independence of Mexico), and Jesus Arriaga, aka "Chucho el Roto" who can very well be compared to Robyn Hood, for he stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
Veracruz is not just historical buildings, and as a matter fact it is home to some very modern buildings of which the Pemex Tower is the most renown. Although it was built in 1950 it can still be considered a modern building. Interestingly, and unlike most buildings, it is in the shape of a rectangular prism. The tower is open to the public for them to enjoy the smaller version of maritime ports and a gallery of artifacts and photos of early Veracruz. What's the best part? Well not only is it open year round, but it is free!
Even more modern is the Veracruz Aquarium, which was built in 1992. In fact, this aquarium is not only the largest in Latin America but also the most important. The aquarium features 13 exhibitions with species from the continents of Africa and Asia as well as South America. Perhaps the most popular attraction is that of the sharks; this is an exhibit that contains more than 20 species of sharks that swim around you as you walk through a very safe and reinforced tunnel.
Like most port cities, Veracruz boasts of a beautiful malecon or beach strip. This beach extends along the Gulf of Mexico, in other words it covers various miles of scenery. Whether you take a stroll during the day or night, you'll see it full of life as it is filled with vendors selling souvenirs, people jogging, and others just enjoying the cool breeze. Being that it is a port city, Veracruz has some amazing beaches. Right next to the aquarium is Playa de Hornos, where it is completely safe to swim and local vendors offer banana rides; but if you wish to relax then sit under an umbrella and order a refreshing fruity drink. Villa del Mar is a very popular beach, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Play Marti is even better for sandy sports for it is well-equipped with nets to engage in some friendly competition in a game of volleyball or soccer.
Veracruz is like a sleepless city, particularly at night where people can be seen living the life until the wee hours of the morning. People gather in coffee houses to chat with friends, other dress up and dance in the city's various nightclubs. Cocoo's and Beers is one particular place to visit at night; here you can enjoy a yard of beer while chatting with friends and listening to the diversity of music in the background ranging from norternas (music from the north of Mexico), to rock and pop. If you're looking to do some dancing then you'll definitely have a blast in "La Bartola" which features a circular bar area in the dance floor, not to mention that it is very stylish. "Los 7 Pecados" (The 7 Sins) is a particularly interesting video bar and when you're here don't forget to hang out on the terrace and take in the beautiful nightly view of the seawall area.
If you're looking to do a little shopping then you should most definitely visit downtown where Mercado Hidalgo, Mercado Orizaba, and Plaza Acuario are located and where you'll find everything from souvenirs to household items. This last one, Plaza Acuario, also features a wax museum. "Las Americas Shopping Mall" is a very modern shopping mall featuring everything from well-known department stores to a food court.
Ever heard of the song, "La Bamba"? Well, this song made famous by Ritchie Valens is actually a folk song of Veracruz. The original "La Bamba" is the epitome of Veracruz's typical music, which has musical influences (like the food) from Africa and the Caribbean.
Now, that you're ready to visit the beautiful port of Veracruz I should tell you that if you're really looking for adventure then you must visit during the carnival, which takes place in late March and early April or around Easter. The Veracruz Carnaval is one of the city's most important cultural events; it is a nine-day-long party which has been celebrated since 1866. The carnival begins with the "Quema del Mal Humor" or "Burning of Bad Humor (Mood)" as well as the coronation of the Carnival Queen and the King of Happiness. There is a total of 6 parades consisting of various floats, musical presentations and dancers. The carnival comes to an end with the "Burial of Juan Carnaval," which consists of a dramatic parody.
But why not get a preview of this truly endowed port, go to Patawalk (http://www.patawalk.com) and get a virtual tour!
About the Author
I'm an English instructor. I love my career because it allows me to work with students of all ages (from children in kindergarten to mature adults in college) and walks of life. I have a B.A. in English from San Diego State University and have recently obtained my M.A., also in English, from National University. During my free time I travel and write short articles for the Patawalk Virtual Tours website (www.patawalk.com). This site takes visitors into fully mapped virtual tours in 360 formats of amazing places such as Cancun, Mexico. It's like being there!