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.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo
The view from Corazon del Pueblo

The hereafter re me

My photo
Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Musician, photographer, videographer, reporter, ex-officio teacher, now attempting to be a world traveler

Sunday, January 29, 2017

El Colado - The Pouring of the Roof

In a certain way this is a political post.  These are the people I live with and love.  For the most part, they are all warm and friendly and my god, look at how hard they work.  Integrity in the work, stamina, and an amazing work ethic.
This is a very traditional way of putting a roof.  It even has a name: colado.  Lots of time the cement is hand mixed, but because this is such a huge project, they have a mixer.  Still, imagine carrying a bucket up hand made ramps and ladders, for hour after hour.  And for the entire time, they keep a banter going filled with laughter and energy.  They were joking with me about the Wall and Tr**p.  They could build it in a couple of days... to keep him out. 

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is so sad what is happening in America right now. AND Why? Why? Why? Why Mexico! As you say: the Mexican People are so hard working, they have integrity, stamina, and amazing work ethics! They are amazing!!!!! I have witnessed this on all my trips to Mexico and with working with them in America.
I ask all those Americans: who is going to roof your house in 100 degree weather, who is going to do your yard work, who is going to clean your big ass swimming pool, who is going to clean your big ass house, who is going to pick your veggies and fruits? Americans are not gong to do this work! STARVE! MOST Americans would rather be on food stamps and disabilities! Where is our food going to come from? The list can go on and on amounting into the trillions of dollars!
Sorry for my rant!
I just wish I was living in Oaxaca right now! Not in the US

Christopher Stowens said...

Rant on!! Don't hold back. Tell us what you really think ;-)
And yes, it is better to be in Oaxaca right now. However, watching from the outside is really scary and depressing.