Shop til You Drop - Oaxaca City

Just kidding, but the city is definitely my favorite for artesanias...the rich colors and designs are very unique. I bought several pieces of the black pottery they are know for, 3 Huipiles ( a very comfortable tunic type blouse), a purse, a richly embroidered blouse, Oaxaca cheese and chocolate ... you get the idea.

This area has much more than shopping to offer though. I met my fellow Fulbright colleague Nancy King and we toured relentlessly for 3 days. This included a trip to Monte Alban the 1500 year old Zapotecan ruins right outside the city, also popping in and out of several 15th century churches beautifully decorated for the Easter week that it was, seeing the beautiful Santo Domingo church ( a real jaw dropper) complete with a very historical convent next door, visiting El Tule-a 2,000 year old tree, and ate some unusual food dishes known to this area, such as chapulinas (crickets cooked in oil and onions).

Visiting the churches during this time is a real treat given the Catholic heritage that prevails in Mexico. The scents of Easter lilies on all the alters was wonderful. It was a very festive time indeed. There was non-stop celebration with music, balloons, lots of tourists and just a feeling of joy in the air.

In the convent there were many exhibits of value including a list of the 15 Indian groups out of the 56 known in Mexico that exist in the state of Oaxaca. Pluralism is overwhelming with women walking around wearing their native clothing regularly. One tribe that was mentioned in the museum and lives in a small town named Santiago Zochilo outside Oaxaca City , still practices something called El Tequio. "El Tequio es unidad que se une el pueblo". Translation is they work together to feed the entire village, growing crops, cooking and everything else. Beautiful concept.

I definitely suggest a trip to Oaxaca City! If I were going to redecorate my house this would be my 1st choice for purchases......