Oaxaca City

Oh hi! After Puebla we made the six hour bus journey to Oaxaca City. Travelling by day through mountainous, arrid terrain with lots of spectacular views of cactus trees and even forests. Miles of untouched land and a few scattered farming settlements, it was our first big overland journey.

The word Oaxaca (wah-hah-kah) is derived from Huax-yacac-meaning in the nose of the squash. In the 15th century it was still an Aztec settlement, but by 1529 the Spanish had interfered and laid out a new town around the existing Zocalo (main plaza).

Today the Zocalo is where it all happens, and is the place to see the world pass by. Stretching out in all directions from the central Zocalo are a network of beautiful colonial streets. We were staying at the deluxe Paulina hostel just around the corner, so we spent quite a bit of time chilling in the Zocalo. Here is the sleepy Zocalo first thing in the morning. Check out the super sunshine. A holiday climate everyday!


Fountains, lots of seating, the shoe shine guys, cafe life and impromptu live music... perfect for chillaxing.


LMAO!! These guys provided us with so many laughs. A father and son Marimba duo, who carried the Marimba around the Zocalo, cafe to cafe-(Son carried the heavy end, that was about as useful as he got). Son played the bass and Dad tried to count him in with what looked like a pep talk. Son was always looking in the opposite direction, bored, grumpy, uncommunicative. He made playing the Marimba in the sunshine look like the most depressing thing he could possibly be doing. His face was always set in a sulky pout. He never came around to collect any money...good move Dad. It was hysterical! Especially trying to capture it! Dad however, was involved and enjoyed playing it. He really moved his body to what he was playing. God, cheer up Son!


On the other end of the spectrum, someone who was always industrious, working hard and paid attention to detail. The Zocalo sweeper man. He had a brilliant, very energetic and rigorous technique of sweeping the leaves in the Zocalo from the middle to the sides, he gave each walkway two massive sweeps with the huge broom, regardless of who else was doing what. Respect.


Oh hi-again! Our favourite lady selling nut and honey snacks. She always seemed to find Wij...haha. She had the most warm and engaging smile, but not captured here in any way-bollocks. I would have brought anything from her, she was lovely. We took the home-made nut bars camping, ideal.


One of the lovely colonial streets. This man carring a piece of pottery and a home made rucksack.


Oaxaca is known for its chilled atmosphere, fine museums and rich indiginous crafts. Tourism is an important industry, with little else on offer here, Oaxaca is one of Mexico's poorest states. The Catholic church on the other hand, very wealthy...a continuing theme.

Here is the Inglesia de Santo Domingo, built between 1570-1608, it is part of the citys Dominican monastry. It has massively thick walls to protect it in this earthquake prone environment.


Inside... 3D relief is everywhere!!


The ceilings were stunning, 3D relief continued here too...we took many photos!


The garden outside, with flowering Agaves.


Beautiful silver leaves, perfect for this climate.


A shady spot under this tree, I loved the seed pods


And here I am again, finding myself in a meat market. How did that happen?! I am quite chuffed with this piccy, it does seem to capture the hot, pungent atmosphere and the vastness of the market. What do you think Callum?


Walking around on our way to find a cafe, amazing skies, colours and mountains.


Super lush architecture.


Dry roasted spiced grasshoppers, or chapulines are a local delicacy in Oaxaca. Lots of women selling these. Aparently a very good source of protein...I am sure that you would have tried them- Richard long!!x


Oh hi! In the Massive Mercardo in Oaxaca (I cant stay away!) Wij chose a choix pastry swan with fresh cream (not exactly out of character is it?). Check the girl who served us!!! LMAO a totally 'not bovvered' expression... priceless!


The view of the garden at the lovely Paulina Hostel... hummingbirds were seen here.


El Retardo? An ice cream killer whale bike...stop me and buy one.


The main post office had some beautiful giant portraits from the 70's.


And there we go, a quick look at Oaxaca, a place that was so chilled we kept delaying our departure. We have agreed to definitely come back here in the future. Hint hint Dan and Lauren!