mas gracias...

I went back into the city for the feria de tamale y tejate, which was totally worth it and will post about it shortly.  But I wanted to take a few more shots of the zocalo with the maestro's planton or sit-in and its accompanying madness.  You know, I dunno if this is typical Oaxaca or atypical of Oaxaca.  The zocalo can be such a serene place with the huge trees, cool breezes, concerts and people gently mingling.  At other times... well, you see.  This is the Almeda, the plaza in front of the cathedral... to the left.

 to the right.... those are little mini restaurants..... I mean,  they are substantial and they are there. Srsly, wtf?

The main entrance to the zocalo.  You can just see the teacher's tents in the background.  Normally, one can walk through, but they have blocked the entire area making the vendors areas even more congested, almost impassable at times.  You can infer what you want about the politicians and state officials who allow this to take place.

I prefer the serenity, but understand where this all comes from and it is very Oaxacan.  I just have to be extra careful so as not to get decapitated by the low lying ropes.

This is the northwest corner of the zocalo.  You can see how tough it must be for the cafes behind the vendors.  Normally, these are packed with tourists, but as you see almost empty now.

Not Oaxaca at its finest, but Oaxaca nonetheless.  Life can be quite visceral here.