This blog has been created in order to share my passions, interests, and experiences in living the expatriate life predominately in the Latin world of Mexico, Central America, and South America . Having lived and traveled in many Latin countries during the last thirteen years I felt it was time to reach out to those who have similar interests or curiosity relating to the places we have lived.
OAXACA TRAVEL: MORE THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN OAXACACITY
Oaxaca is an eclectic mixture of cultures, sights, and moods. It’s colorful, bustling, pulsing with life from early morning until late at night. It is also reserved, formal, and a touch mysterious with some of its most interesting aspects behind high stone walls and weathered doors. With just a little Spanish, you might be on first name terms with a friendly Oaxacan within a very short period of time. However, you could also live here for years and never quite touch the heart of this city. A visitor can get a taste of Oaxaca in a day, see most of the major attractions in a week or two, and yet return year after year and still be fascinated. Oaxaca is a city of many contrasts. Many of the great colonial buildings have been beautifully restored and yet others are crumbling or covered with graffiti. It’s a pleasure to stroll the Alcala, the zocalo, and other pedestrian zones, but a few steps away you may be pushing through crowds of busy Oaxaquenos and dodging speeding buses, cars, and taxis on the often poorly maintained or risky sidewalks. Oaxaca is a safe and welcoming place for visitors despite its political and social complexity. It’s patrolled day and night by police officers of various kinds, mostly on foot, and there are almost always plenty of people around. We have heard many visitors comment that they feel safer in Oaxaca than in the cities of their home country. We certainly do and it is just one of the many things that make Oaxaca so appealing!
The following are things to do and see in Oaxaca City that Iwould recommend to any of our friends visiting Oaxaca which are in addition of the recommendations contained in myBlog Post titled ‘OAXACA CITYFAVORITES” dated April 1, 2009.
The Ethnobotanical Gardens (behind the San Domingo Church and Museum of Oaxacan Cultures) with entrance at corner of Reforma and Constitucion. You must sign up IN ADVANCE for tours in English. Stop by or phone to check on scheduled tours.
Teatro Macedonia Alcala (corner of Independencia and Cinco de Mayo). It’s the perfect setting for Oaxaca’s best music, dance and theater. Refer to the following link for scheduled events: www.oaxacacalendar.com
BenitoJuarezMuseum (Garcia Vigil 609) which is the restored home and now a museum of Mexico’s only indigenous president. Closed Mondays. NOTE: across the street are two of my favorite street food stands/stalls. Yum!
Benito Juarez Mercado (on Colon, between Miguel Cabrera and 20th de Noviembre. It’s only one block from the southwest corner of the zocalo and easy to find).
YOU WILL BE AMAZED AND CHARMED BY ITS OFFERINGS AND THE COLORFUL VENUE!A MUST!!THIS IS MY FAVORITE MERCADO (see my photograph album on this post) SO GO THERE!
Take a Cooking Class to learn about and how to make Oaxacan cuisine: Contact the following:
Take Spanish Classes. Oaxaca has a dozen or more language schools plus many private tutors. Most schools offer a choice of small group classes or private instructions. Flexible schedules, cultural activities and excursions, and home stays with Oaxacan families are offered. Check out the following recommendations:
OAXACA LENDING LIBRARY (Pino Suarez 5l9 just south of El Llano Park). This is the main hub of the English Speaking community in Oaxaca although very popular also with the local Spanish-speaking community. Stop in for a bagel and coffee and to meet the “locals.” A great source of free and friendly advice! Also a large selection of used books for sale and a good on-line newsletter. Check it out!! I am a volunteer “Greeter” on Mondays. Hope to see you soon! http://www.oaxlib.org
OAXACA CALENDAR: Great WEB SITE for on-going events, special events, and special venues! Very well done by a resident expatriate and special member of the Oaxaca Lending Library. Check it out !! http://www.oaxacacalendar.com
OAXACA TIMES NEWSLETTER: Contains Classified Ads for rental properties. Not always current, but gives you a general idea of what's offered. http://www.oaxacatimes.com
INSIDE MEXICO, The English Speaker’s Guide to Living in Mexico: This monthly magazine has wonderful write-ups, interviews, and important things to know for expats living in Mexico and for those interested in learning more about living in Mexico. The magazine is two years old and doing a great job. Check it out on-line at the following link: http://www.insidemex.com
Please keep checking MOTHER LAURA’S as I will be posting additional blogs in the near future for the following subjects: A Calendar of Special Annual Events in Oaxaca and Best Times to Visit; Visiting the Surrounding Pueblos and their Market Days; and Time to Go to the Beach in Oaxaca!
Please contact me if you have any special interests or questions regarding Oaxaca. I would like to hear from you. Gracias! “Mother” Laura
