After the rains...

Everything is so lush and green.  Actually, it is after and before the rains.  Shortly after talking this shot, it poured.  Sometimes, well, really, often, I can barely believe I live in such a beautiful place.

Red skies were an omen

This glorious sunset was yesterday.  Looks like a pyramid to the sun.  Today, after a sunny morning, the rains moved in and right now, it is completely socked-in.  I know there are mountains out there, but they are totally hidden by heavy clouds and rain, glorious rain.  This has been a very dry "rainy" season thus far and this will really help.  According to the weather maps, the rain is widespread and there are certain areas that really need it.  We drove the Ruta Mezcal yesterday, from Mitla to Ocotlan, and parts looked like they had received none thus far.  It looked like the "dry" season just never ended.  Every drop is a blessing!

A must see in Santa Ana Zegache

The best laid plans and all that... we were way too early for the food feria in Santa Ana Zegache, but the church and its courtyard never looked better. 

The detailed painting of every part of the facade is simply wonderful.

And because it is near some of Oaxaca's most famous woodcarving and alebrijes villages, the painting always reminds me of the wonderful painting styles of those artesanos.

So, no food for the body, but a feast for the eyes.  It's an easy drive.  The road in is paved... with a few potholes and topes.  Well worth the visit.

Just one of those days...

The vista looking towards Santa Ana del Valle.

"Baby, you can drive my car...."

Driving in Oaxaca can be a real trip and, on a daily basis, I see things that make me think, daily meditations.... like this.  My thoughts while following the ubiquitous Porta-potty... "Brakes don't fail me now" or "This is a perfect metaphor for so many things" or "This traffic stinks." or well, you get the idea. And check this out.  I'm not sure what this piece of machinery is, but I think I need one.

It looks like it is some sort of a large capacity grinder, but I can't figure the upper part which looks like a roaster.

The full bags look like they might have cacao or coffee inside.  Maybe chiles?

Well, what is it?  "Anyone? Anyone?... Bueller?

All I said was....

"I'm looking for a little pot...."

¡Viva San Marcos!

One Special Place - Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec

Santa Maria Tlahuitoltepec is a special place for numerous reasons.  Located in the Sierra Norte part of the state, the village is famous for its remarkable fashion sense and embroidery and......

Their trajes with their classic embroidery are easily recognizable.  The work is all hand done using sewing machines and always color coordinated.  Also, they have a different style of wearing the rebozo on the head.

One of the other aspects for which the village, is renown, and my favorite, is its musicians.  I've heard that almost 90% of the inhabitants plays a musical instrument and it certainly shows in the level of musicianship.  Every youth musical ensemble I've heard has been exemplary.  They can really play!

And what could be better than Oaxacan haute couture and really talented kids performing before hundreds of thousands of people?  Note the notes on the sleeves.

It was pretty special as they  performed in the second and final guelaguetza desfile or parade.

I love that each musician's instrument was embroidered on their uniform's back.

What a look!  I want one!

So cool! And I wasn't the only one taking it all in.

Viva Santa Maria Tlahuitoltpec!