GET READY. THIS IS A REALLY LONG BLOG...but with LOTS OF PICTURES:)
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| A map for all of you visual learners out there |
Two weekends ago I spent 5 whole days filled with wonders and joys and also utter exhaustion in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Let's say it together WHA-HA-KA, Mexico.
There see, not as hard as it seems.
Anyhoo, this excursion was the perfect blend of the Sierra Gorda trip mixed with the Mexico City trip, because we had the best of both worlds, with the nature and the metropolis. Oaxaca is a state to the south-east of Queretaro, near the coast. (see map to the right). As one of Mexico's poorest states, Oaxaca is populated with a diversity of many indigenous groups and with a total of over 15 native languages spoken; because of this, the state is rich with history, artisans and colorful traditions. I was fortunate enough to do a 20 minute presentation on Oaxaca in my Spanish conversation class, so upon finally reaching Oaxaca, I was stoked to see places I had researched, and to live the culture I had studied. The only bummer was that to get to Oaxaca we had to leave very early Thursday morning (the 31st, yes on Halloween!) for a 9 hour bus ride before arriving to our first destination. Of course I was foolish enough to stay up until 2 the night before leaving, so by the time our first night rolled around after little sleep and a day full of traveling, I was drunk on sleeplessness. Regardless of the fact, there was nothing stopping me from enjoying every minute I could, and for that, Oaxaca ended up being incredible.
Now, because I have so many pictures, I am going to give you more of a picture journal, to let these pictures tell you what our trip was like. Bear with me, this is a LONG one.
Thursday: Driving, Driving, Driving and more Driving. We got to Oaxaca in time for a yummy pizza dinner, got our first look at the beauty of the city and night, and got a solid night of sleep.
Friday: Monte Alban- My favorite ruins yet! These Zapotecan ruins are situated on this incredible hill, providing all who visit this breathtaking 360 degree view of the valley of Oaxaca. I got to climb some of the pyramids, find a secret bathroom, mimic prehispanic statues, and wish my house had such a great view. Plus, my favorite moment was spent with Laura, when we took 5 minutes of "solo" time to reflect upon the ruins and their significance. Inevitably, it turned into a praying and worship sesh as we sang to Chris Tomlin's "God of This City" and prayed over the City of Oaxaca that lay at our feet. Mira las fotos! Look at the pics!
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| Had some quality time getting to know Shebs on a deeper level this trip. Love her! |
Just another typical day in Mexico, climbing pyramids for fun :)
Of course, it wouldn't be a traditional trip to ruins without a museum. We spent 30 or so checking out the museum of Monte Alban and outside saw a beautiful ofrenda set up for Dia de Los Muertos (Don't worry, I'll explain it soon.)
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| Meet my new best friends. |
Then, we headed over to Tule, to go see the
world's widest and stoutest tree. To this day, I still prefer the Redwoods and Sequoias of California (reppin' the home state) but I never complain for seeing some incredible creation of Jesus. Speaking of which, someone told me this tree was alive during Jesus' years...fun fact of the day.
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| Yup, there she is, a pretty big tree. |
For comida, we went to our first buffet for the weekend, and I ate CRICKETS! Don't worry, they were cooked, and didn't taste too bad either. At the location of our restaurant we went to a Mezcal factory, where they produce hard liquor which is very popular down here in Oaxaca. Almost on every other corner of the rural communities you find a Fabrica de Mezcal. While it was neat, it wasn't really my scene, so I just chilled on bench with Kara and Brad, my fellow not- interested- in-alocohol companions, and as a result the following pictures to the left happened. Aka, Shebly told us to "pretend
you are (fill inthe blank)" and we did. Too good not to share.
And then when I'm actually normal, you get awesome photos like this with these stunning ladies.
To end our day, or at least the afternoon, we all headed over to un taller de tepetes y tejados (weavings) and got a demo on how in fact people hand make quality items like rugs, shirts, bags, scarves, mats, etc. I was amazed at the time and the effort people put into this type of work, and it makes me think twice about buying cheap China products when I could support hard laborers like the indigenous who need to survive off of selling their work. Regardless, I bought some beautiful shirts from the guy down below, and am so glad to not only have helped him, but to have such a special keepsake to wear:)
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| All natural products, made with love |
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| Yeah, the colors are insane, and it takes a few months to finish some of these rugs! |
Saturday: MY FAVORITE DAY, hands down. We got to go to this place I've been looking forward to for weeks: Hierve el Agua. Now in Spanish, it literally translates into The Water Boils, but its more of a natural calcium carbonate springs, which has in effect created petrified waterfalls and pools in which you can go to and climb, see, and swim in. The best part was that to get there, we had to drive 45 minutes in the back of a pick-up truck, standing together in the open-air. While it may not have been the safest thing, I sure loved being able to feel the breeze, smell the nature around me, and watch the world fly by. When we finally reached the Hierve el Agua, I was stoked to finally get to swim, take in some rays with Kara and bask in the beauty and creativity of our Heavenly Papá.
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| Can you say Best-Infinity-Pool Ever? |
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| My new favorite picture, with my new bestest friends. |
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| Pictures still do not do it justice, but honestly, such a spectacular view. Here is one of the "Petrified waterfalls." |
And amazingly, this here, down below, is the sole producer of these incredible pools and falls. I still can't wrap my head around how God has the ability to make such fascinating creations!
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| The source of it all. |
Following our supercalifragilisticexpealidocious morning, we went to more ruins, the ruins of Mitla (nada in comparison to Monte Alban) and to a super yummy buffet (yes please!) and topped off the evening with a visit to another taller, this one of barro negro (black clay).
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| Lisa, Blair, Benja, Elizabeth, Shebs |
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| Cold Emily with only Benja's towel to stay warm |
Watching this man create a pot in front of our very eyes was humbling in a way, because it take so much creativity, skill, patience and practice to take a block of nothingness and turn it into something so smooth and well designed. I absolutely loved the results as well, and may have purchased some special gifts for those of you at home;)
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| After a long day running around in the sun, water, wind and rain...this happens. Two happy, frazzled girls. |
WELL...the night continued as we went out for famous Mayordomo Oaxaca chocolate after the shop. There is this special Oaxaquen drink called Chocomio which is like a milkshake but with the best chocolate you will ever taste. For only 10 pesos you can get one of these great bebidas and I had my fair share of these delicacies during this weekend.
Sunday: JESUS' DAY! What better to start of your Sunday morning than waking up at 5:50, running up a butt-load of stairs to see, a sunrise over the capital city of Oaxaca?! Another of my favorite memories of this trip was spending my morning with Laura, Shelby, Benja and Brad soaking in the splendor of the sun coming up over the hills and sprinkling light upon the city. The cotton-candied clouds made it all the better, as the sun bounced reflections about, painting streaks of pinks, yellows and oranges. I could go on and write an essay just about the beauty, but instead I'll share some pics.
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| Such crazy colors, overlooking the hills of Oaxaca |
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| Las Chicas |
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| So. Worth. It |
Still, the day continued, and although nothing topped that morning spent watching the sunrise, I still thoroughly enjoyed my Sunday because we had a very relaxed, and much needed peaceful day. The morning was spent in the Pantheon, a cemetery we visited to learn more about Day of the Dead. Now, when you first hear that word, many of you back at home probably think of sugared skulls, ofrendas, and lots of flowers. Others may think the holiday is related to demons and spirits and want nothing to do with it. Well, I had my own misconceptions of holiday, but after interviewing 2 different families about why they celebrate it, and what it means to them, I had a changed perspective on what Death signifies to Mexicans. Mexicans embrace death in the same way they do life. They celebrate it, because they believe it is an entrance into a time of rest and peace for their loved ones; they don't fear it, or hide from it like many Americans do. Day of the Dead, Nov. 2nd, celebrates the lives of the lost and deceased and it is a time for family members to remember who they lost and share time rejoicing that they have moved on to another stage of life. Now, as a Christian, there are many aspects of Day of the Dead in which I don't agree with. However, there is a culture beauty to the holiday, and I was grateful to have had the chance to learn about the day and its importance to Mexican heritage.
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| Fidel and his wife- two amazing people |
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| UC DAVIS SHOUTOUT! |
After the pantheon, we had the afternoon FREE, yes FREE without any plans, to do whatever we wanted. I spent time with my buds exploring the city and Templo de Santo Domingo, shopping, eating, at another awesome buffet (this time I tried DUCK..wohoo, gettin' cultured!) and got some down time to watch Parenthood with Kara:)
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| Templo de Santo Domingo |
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| Downtown Plaza of Oaxaca |
Monday: We ended our trip heading on the bus VERY early once again, but this time to yet another Mexican state, Puebla, to do some quick sightseeing. We went to another pottery shop, walked around in the pouring rain, and ate some yummy tacos. Puebla is also a very magically historical city, but sadly, with only about 4 hours in the state, I only got a small snapshot of what it's truly like. Hopefully, someday, I can return and spend more time there!
Well, Congratulations, you made it to the end of my blog.. increible. Sorry for taking up all your time. Hopefully, if anything, the pictures were worth it:) See you in 29 days! adios. Em
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| Specialty of Kara, for which I have no words. |
