Oaxaca-The Year After
The here and now... and what and why
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
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Eye of the (Political) Beholder
I'm sure it's just me..
Thursday, August 8, 2024
Flor de Piña - Trinidad de Viguera - 2024
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
The village guelaguetzas - Trinidad de Viguera
And still there are the dancers we see in every single guelaguetza, the same, but different.
And of course, Flor de Piña by a folklorico group from nearby Pueblo Nuevo. It was a special day! I'll post some of the dances shortly.
Thursday, July 25, 2024
The village guelaguetzas - Reyes Etla
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Thursday, June 20, 2024
A cunning plan for the garden...
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Hometown boy makes good....
Our Clinton Central School (NY) classmate, from the mighty class of 1968, as the head of The Boston Foundation, has been so important to the growth and revitalization of Boston and in developing a blueprint for action that was adopted by over 700 public/private foundations across the nation. Ms. Merchant was the CEO of the Cincinnati foundation and spoke to how Paul had been the initiator and driving force in advancing policies that engaged various governmental and private sectors to make all of our lives better. The moderator, Robert Lewis, Jr., is also a mover and shaker, known as a catalyst for collaboration between diverse business, civic and public sectors and a tireless advocate for urban youth.Paul worked closely with many of Boston's mayors during his thirty years of service and many people wanted him to follow in their footsteps, but he chose a different path and his achievements are legendary. Really, he was a key figure in making Boston the city it is today.... and Boston is really a remarkable city on so many levels.
I, true to form, had to rise to say that our class knew he would be a game-changer, as we were all there when he was the very first person to ever dunk a basketball at our small school. It was the 60's and it was still illegal to dunk during a game, so he did it warmups. We all went crazy, one of my sweetest school memories. And all the CEO, presidents, heavy hitters and power brokers loved hearing the story. He went on to lead such a remarkable and productive life, a positive and driving force in making so many people's lives better. Much love and respect... and so proud of what a boy from a small town in Upstate NY has achieved.
Sunday, March 24, 2024
Palm Sunday - Domingo de Ramos 4/2/2023
First time I've missed this in years, but car problems meant a no go this year.
Power to the people...
Friday, March 22, 2024
Knives out...
"Get your knives sharpened on the spot." One of the special services to be found on the streets of Oaxaca. For some reason, and maybe it's the brutal heat, but this shot makes me think of Sisyphus... just keep pushing and pushing. And, as always, the street art tells many stories. No knives here, but bottles. And where else could a simple picture of corn, maiz, which was developed in the Mitla region 10,00 years ago, elicit so much pride and respect. This saxophonist appears regularly in different guises. Wonderful stencil work.
The juxtaposition of these three images across from Santo Domingo is good food for thought. Tourists love taking photos with the figures from Tehuantepec, but the locals are not quite so enamored with them. You can see how they're are feeling by the scowls on their faces.
And of course, someone is always watching.
Thursday, March 21, 2024
What a world...
In Newton, it's a different world. There's abundant water, but the city estimated water bills for years due to faulty meters and people are getting huge bills. Mine was $600 and I was only there a few weeks. Others have been in the thousands. I heard of one for $56k... maybe they have a pool.
My blogger buddy, Shannon and I, joke that we are now living in a dystopian world like those that we've read about in our audio books. Well, here we are.
Hottest ever... war, famine, corruption. We are in for some hard times. This may look like a happy scene but... it's warm enough in Antarctica for butterflies?
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Closer to home..
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Siesta - Jes' Chillin'
Time passes slowly up here in the mountains
We sit beside bridges and walk beside fountains
Catch the wild fishes that float through the stream
Time passes slowly when you're lost in a dream.
When I first came here, all the tourists walked around with guidebooks and paper maps, looking lost. So I would stop and try to help and there would be some human interaction. Well, those days are gone. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a cell. I have one, I mean three, too. But I still can't text with my thumbs nearly as fast as I see the kids do. Kids meaning anyone under sixty. And Oaxaca is changing. Lots more people, cars and notoriety. I know it is happening in many places around the world and I also know I am part of that change. I'm one of the old gringos that has brought change just by being here. Although living like a monk, I try not to rile the waters too much.
So, I'll return to the dream with the words of Korean Master SungChol, “I’m just a mountain recluse who really doesn’t know a thing. I spend my days looking at the eternally infinite blue sky and staring at the dancing white clouds. So don’t be fooled by anything I say.”
Friday, November 10, 2023
Oaxaca:Boston Streets and markets
Just some shots from walking around the two cities. And it's always fun going to different markets.
Monday, November 6, 2023
Autumn Leaves...
Friday, October 27, 2023
The Ladies Who Lunch....
There is nothing better than having a personal relationship with the people who take such good care of me. And I do see them most every week. Also, knowing that I am getting some of the best Oaxaca has to offer ain't bad, either. I'm spoiled and I'm bringing it all north.In order of appearancethe ladies provide: fruit and chocolate, tortillas, pollo and mole, quesillo, chocolate and mole, and the best sandwich rolls.