Glass blowing is a meticulous process that requires precision, patience, and a deep understanding of the medium. At its core, the art of glass blowing involves heating raw materials, typically silica sand, soda ash, and limestone, to high temperatures until they melt and can be shaped. However, what sets Mexican glass blowing apart is the incorporation of recycled glass into the mix, reducing waste and environmental impact while adding character and depth to each piece.
I am surrounded by five young Nicaraguans assembling nine new bicycles for rent. Between the constant slew of Nica slang (“¡si hombre!”) and the clanging of wrenches, there is being born in this village a new micro-enterprise: Bici-Futuro.