Oaxaca Family Adventure: A Little Of This and A Little Of That

We stayed in town today going here, there, and everywhere. Beginning at the Mercardo de Artesanias, we shopped for textiles. There are an overwhelming amount of choices of beautifully made clothes and housewares both woven and embroidered. We purchased an embroidered wall hanging from a man whose booth is pictured below. These embroidered pieces require so much work; he showed us the piece he was working on when we arrived. Of course, I want everything in sight! Next we picked up fresh produce at the Mercado 20 de Noviembre. This is one of my favorite places in Oaxaca, and we've just dipped our toe in its reservoirs. It has so much to offer: fresh fruits and vegetables, mole pastes, spices, chocolate, prepared food, textiles, baskets, and on and on. While Pat took our groceries home to Villa Maria, the kids and I rested in their favorite of places, the zocalo, for sketching and playing with our most recent member of the family, Uni the Unicorn. Just give Penelope inflatable objects and a fountain and she is one happy camper. All Abe and I need are paper and pencils and something to sketch. I guess that leaves Pat content with a map and a guide book.

After the Zocalo, we visited the Oaxacan Painters Museum which is housed in a 17th century building. Among the collection is work by the most famous weaver from Teotitlan, Arnulfo Mendoza. After lunch we shopped some more at several locations which are either collectives or co-ops and therefore tend to have a higher quality of craftsmanship and aim to bolster the artisans. I can't say enough about the variety of the goods: woven rugs, embroidered blouses, ceramics, tin, wooden statues, and so much more. The blouses vary in style depending on what communities they come from, and the symbolism in the work tells of that culture's origin story. It is so inspiring and colorful, and I'm daunted by how so much work can cost so little. I always feel conflicted about haggling, but realize it is part of the custom. Mostly, I find it so difficult to choose, but I think after our first real day of shopping for souvenirs, we are off to a good start.

Finally, we took a quick walk through the Ex-convento de Santa Catalina which was built in the 16th century and is now a 4 star hotel. My mouth was agape at the partial frescos still visible on the walls. The kids were drooling at the pool.