In San Agustin Etla, the village in which I am living, they perform an amazing, seemingly never-ending dance - actually it last two days, I think, because I left and they were still going strong. The costumes are incredibly heavy, covered with mirrors or bells. Just walking up and down the mountain roads tired me out and I only had camera equipment, so if these dancers looked wiped out, they probably are. They had been dancing for 14 hours when I found them - and eating and drinking mezcal, too. I had gone out twice the night before to find them but I did not understand that they just keep moving from house to house and the roads here are dark. I had been disappointed not to have found them, but at six in the morning th next day, I just followed the sound and here's what I found. The dancers are amazing and so is the band. Not only are they good musicians, but their stamina is unbelievable. Party on!
The here and now... and what and why
Complacency is a trap. At least that’s what I was thinking when I up and left the comfort of a Yankee prep school gig, where I taught music, amongst other things, for 28 years. There was also that life long career as a composer, musician and artist.
First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.
Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.
First, it was a year in St. Thomas, USVI, working as a reporter and shooting photography and then, a year in San Agustin Etla, Oaxaca, Mexico.
Time passed.
More time passed and a year back in the Athens of America followed by a hasty return to Oaxaca where it is all happening.
A couple of years in San Sebastian Etla and now, just down the road in San Pablo Etla. Life is good.
Click on an image to see it larger.
For additional photography please visit my flickr page.
You can find my music on Jango (World & latin - Worldbeat) and at iTunes and most online stores.
¡Soy consciente de todas las tradiciones del Internet!
If you are coming to Oaxaca, please contact me for tours or advice.
Santo Domingo
The hereafter re me
- Christopher Stowens
- Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
- Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler
1 comment:
Woah...And I thought studying for 10hrs in a row was dedication!
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