Camp Aztec

 One thing (among many) that is great about having four open weeks in a new place is having enough time to just "be" in it.  A simple errand of having to book a guided hike in the cloud forest, took us up the hill into a quaint neighborhood much quieter than the hive-like city center which buzzes incessantly.   We hiked up a little further to a series of steps which lead to the stadium where every July festive, indigenous dances are held in a big celebration drawing dancers and tourists from all over Oaxaca.  We've been able to see this white stadium in the hills from all around the valley.  It's been a sort of north star for us, but we had yet been able to be near it.  Also near the stadium's location was where the Aztecs came from Mexico City area to keep an eye on the Zapotecs.  It's where their fort was stationed.

 So we climbed the steps; Abe raced ahead as usual.  It was truly delightful to find the houses and magnificent trees that border the stairs and be among them for a little while.  After seeing the stadium and imagining it packed with spectators, we descended a little stopping for some agua de jamaica.  At the top of the stairs a clever food stand was making squash blossom and mushroom quesadillas.  On our way down Penelope and I caught site of a giant 5" caterpillar.  We think it will be a hawk moth some day.   The kids played all afternoon and evening with Miles, the neighbor downstairs.  Pat and I talked about what it would be like to live along those stairs while we cooked all the vegetables in the house leaving our cellar bare.  Time to return to the mercado!

stadium in the near distance

view towards the valley 

language school along the steps

stadium

view of valley from stadium.  Santo Domingo church and friary are to the bottom left of photo

statue carved from dead tree.  stump still in ground

stinker 

atop a fancy hotel near city center

outside MARO,  an artesania collective