At school I always wanted to study textiles, I was a bright, creative active pupil I spent many hours drawing, designing and making clothes using my favourite Laura Ashley fabrics. I loved the outdoor life and was encouraged to study Landscape Design. It was a very creative course and I learnt how to design. I continue to learn more. The world of work as a landscape Architect seemed to be all about drainage and finance.

I joined the Embroiderers Guild and enrolled on a City and Guilds Embroidery course.

I began teaching and gained a PGCE. Looking back, it was hard, but I had found a career that I loved. I taught at Huddersfield Technical College for many years until all funding for City and Guilds classes were withdrawn and in 2006 I was made redundant.

I started running classes from my studio at home and realized that I needed to make quilts for exhibition (not just teaching samples) and started entering my work in exhibitions and competitions. To my surprise, I won a few prizes and my work was accepted into juried exhibitions.

In 2007 I joined the Contemporary Quilt Group and started to make Journal Quilts. I have been making one a month since then and currently have at least 120.

I receive invitations to exhibit my quilts all over the world and have exhibited and taught in France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Czech Republic, Canada and South Africa.

It’s an exciting life!

Before we head to Mexico, keep an eye out for a plain blouse, shirt or jacket to transform during the tour. A wander through your local second hand shop might uncover the perfect piece, or it could be the perfect excuse to buy something new.

Linen is wonderful to stitch into, while denim is much easier to embroider than you might imagine. Gillian recently created a beautifully embellished denim jacket that proves the point.

Bring your garment along and let the flowers of the Yucatán guide your design. You will head home wearing something that is uniquely yours, with a story stitched into every petal.

Arrival at Cancun International Airport, Cancun, Mexico.

Airport pickup any time night or day. 

There is no programme on Arrivals Day - our guests come from all over the world.

Hotel check-in time is in line with hotel policy, typically 2.00 pm

After breakfast we are heading out to our base for the next few days - historic Valladolid. 

Dating back to 1545, Valladolid was moved to its current location, built atop a Maya town called Zací by the Spanish Conquerors.

First stop will be the Zací Cenote and lunch [ have your swimmers ready if you want to float in the cenote - life jackets are   provided]

The word "cenote" comes from the Mayan word dz'onot, which means "cavern with water". The term originated in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, where the ancient Maya used cenotes for water and sometimes for sacrificial offerings. These places are incredibly beautiful and a delight to experience.

After lunch we will visit Casa de los Venados – this amazing private collection of folk art is so good, we visit the first day, so you have the chance to come back later again if you wish to soak up more of it.

The Historic Towns of the Yucatan are fabulous for walking: flat, quite small and on a grid system. We will walk in town rather than busing because it is much easier to get around.

Let's share a meal together tonight and celebrate having this adventure together.

B,L D

Today we visit the Museo de Ropa Étnica de México, where we'll gain a fascinating insight into the textile traditions of the Yucatán and the work being done to preserve Maya cultural heritage.

One of the highlights is learning about the huipil, the beautifully embroidered blouse or dress that remains an important part of Maya identity. Traditionally woven on a backstrap loom and richly embroidered by hand, the huipil continues to evolve. While the methods of production have changed over time, the distinctive floral designs and cultural significance remain.

This afternoon we'll join Gillian Travis and the women of the Valladolid Embroidery Group for a hands-on fabric painting workshop.

This afternoon we'll join Gillian Travis and the women of the Valladolid Embroidery Group for a fabric painting workshop.

Taking inspiration from the floral motifs on the huipiles in the museum and the dresses worn throughout Valladolid, Gillian will show you how to transfer these beautiful designs onto fabric. She'll have all the paints and materials ready to go.

The women from the embroidery group will be working alongside us, so there will be plenty of opportunities to see what everyone is creating and borrow an idea or two.

We'll also enjoy a home-cooked lunch at the museum, prepared by Laura, who always puts on a delicious spread for us.

B,L

Fun and adventures today – off early to explore the beautiful Rio Lagartos Biosphere. 

It is peaceful, lots of opportunity to spot local wildlife –various birds, crocodiles, maybe a raccoon and flamingos.

Bring your swimmers to take a Mayan mud bath and check out the salt drying ponds.

Fish is on the menu for lunch if you like it.

In the afternoon we will visit Ek Balam Mayan Archaeological Site, bring your walking shoes you can scale the monument for a better look at the Mayan Carvings.

B,L

Woman from the Valladolid Embroidery Guild will lead a workshop in Xmanikben Embroidery. 

Archaeological evidence of at the Chichen Itza Monument indicate that these stitches were in use on Mayan garments before the advent of the Spanish.

It is a type of counted thread embroidery, stitching it we are recreating stitches that have been used by Mayan women for many, many centuries.

Lunch with our hosts and a free afternoon.

B,L

It is recognized that the Huipil [Mayan embroidered blouse or dress] is an integral part of Mayan Culture. It was once a handloom fabric with intricate woven or embroidered motifs… times have changed- the look of the design remains the same but methods of producing the blouse have changed.

There are still some women working in hand embroidery, others have perfected drawing flower motifs with machine. 

We are visiting a family well known for their fine machine embroidery skills today.

The men of the family are treating us to a festive lunch Cochinita Pibil – BBQ Pork cooked in an earth oven, a real treat.  [there will be an alternative provided for vegetarians]

We will check out the Iglesia de la Santísima Cruz Tun – this church has an important place in the Mayan Heart and helped bring about hope during the Caste Wars in the mid 1800’s when the Mayan Indians fought for their survival against Hispanic domination of the Yucatan.

When we arrive back in town, let's take some time with Gillian as she extends the floral workshop techniques to encompass architectural images and motifs. 

B, L

We move on from lovely Valladolid today and weave through a number of small villages as we head to Merida.

Some are busting with embroidery and textiles others are golden and beautiful to wander around. Three very special villages to be experienced.

This evening in Merida there will be music and dancing in the town square- we can soak up local culture with our dinner.

Bring your dancing shoes!

B,L,D

The Museo del Mundo Maya is a wonderful place to learn more about Mayan history and culture, it is on our agenda this morning before we make our way across to the coast, white sand beaches and sunshine.

In your kit you will find a large block-printed motif [ we excitedly printed these for you during our Indian Textile Adventure😊] 

We thought stitching into them, inspired by some of the hand stitch we have seen would be the perfect reason to sit at a beachside cafe with a cooling drink, the Caribbean Sea in front of you and a leisurely afternoon.

B,L,D

Tulum is renown for the Tulum Archaeological Site on the headland above its white beaches lapped by the Caribbean Sea.

We will start the day with a visit the site then head down beachside.

You could work on your embroidery, textile journal or perhaps sign up for a scuba diving adventure, the choice is yours

Dinner is at a local favourite restaurant tonight- delicious and great margaritas.

B,D

Time for an early morning dip before we work with Gillian on the final presentation of your Mexican project.

The we will head up to Cancun, and a Farewell Dinner.

B,D

Departures from Cancun International Airport, Cancun, Mexico.

Airport drop any time night or day. 

Hotel check-out time is in line with hotel policy.

B

Gillian will supply a kit with all you need for the Travel Journal Project

Please bring -

• An embroidery hoop
• Favourite needle
• Scissors

In the kit

• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Marking pen
• Thread  - a lovely collection of beautiful Aurofil Threads - delicious!

If you like the idea of adorning a top 

Please bring

A linen blouse. Any colour ( I like navy blue but white would be more traditional ) New or secondhand - linen is easiest to stitch into but cotton 

or a denim jacket is also fine.

Etiquette

• Rely on your host – in some places photography is an absolute NO!

• In other areas, be mindful of people’s privacy – scenery is generally fine

• Taking photos of people – perhaps start with a selfie; say hello, ask, show them, then take a portrait – works a charm

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

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Workshops

Stitch

• Needles and basics supplied, though your own needles can be easier on your hands

• Our hosts love seeing sewing kits and anything you’ve made – embroideries especially

Art / Journal / Sketch

• Your tutor will provide a suggested travelling kit before departure

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Food

• Food is central to culture – we are here to try it

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• Cooking is from scratch using fresh ingredients, so it’s easier to track what you’re eating

• Vegetarian – possible in more touristed areas; more challenging during home visits

• Vegan – similar considerations

• Onion/garlic-free – difficult to manage

• Wheat-free – manageable in Mexico where corn tortillas are available

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Health

• Drink only filtered or bottled water – never tap, even for brushing teeth

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads available, tampons harder to find

• Bring insect repellent

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs are widely available

• Cash – useful backup, exchange rates vary (ask hotel front desk)

• Credit cards – not always accepted

• Additional fees may apply where cards are used

• KNOW YOUR CARD PIN

Currency

• Mexican Peso

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – and it supports the local economy

• Bargaining is common in markets – prices are negotiable

• NGOs and social enterprises usually have fixed prices

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• Large suitcases are harder to manage and store on the bus

• Buying luggage on the road is not easy

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

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Weather

• Varies by region

• Yucatán – humid and warm

• Oaxaca – warm days, cooler mornings and evenings; a cardigan and socks appreciated

• Chiapas – can be cool; bring a jacket, and a light rain layer

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Power

• 110V

• US-style adaptor plugs

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work best

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient – there’s always the opportunity to pick up something along the way

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – stability matters

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Laundry

• Any 2-night stop is a good opportunity

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Fitness

• Frequent stops, getting on/off the minibus

• Walking required – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps and uneven ground

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A few coins for elderly or disabled people is a kind gesture

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Tipping

• If you enjoy a guide’s commentary, a performance, or take someone’s photo, a tip is appreciated

• Set something aside for your translator and driver

• Rough guide: the equivalent of a coffee per day, per person

• A group collection at the end works well

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Environment

• Step lightly – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag