Not his day....

The Rules of the Road are different in Oaxaca and a bit crazy at times.  One supposed rule is "You are never the last one through the red light."  So one has to always be very aware.  And like most rules, they can be ignored... until you get nailed.  Licenses? Insurance?

This was one of the regular police sweeps of motos or motorcycles to see if everything is in order.  They do the same for cars and trucks, too.  And if things aren't in order?  Instant impoundment.

Bummer!

Bueller? Bueller? Anyone?

I have no idea what this gorgeous starburst of a flower is. I don't remember ever seeing bloom, at least not like this.  Anyone know what it is?

Baby, you can drive my car...

This is as close as I can come to getting a shot of this wonderful mural celebrating Emiliano Zapata, one of the leading figures of the Mexican Revolution in 1910 without a car in it.  There are always cars or trucks parked in front of it.  At least, it's a nice car.

Zapata is an iconic figure and his visage can be found everywhere.
Update... back to normal.  See what I mean?

A tree grows in....

We are approaching the end of the dry season.  There have been a few nice rains and some not so nice hail, but more importantly... it's mango season.  This huge tree overlooks the Alcala, the pedestrian walkway and must be at least 12-15 meters tall.

Mangos!  They are plentiful and so tasty.  I stop at my local fruit stall and get some every day.  Sometimes, perfectly ripe and other times, almost ripe, with a nice crisp crunch.  The overly ripe become smoothies, but for now...

Look at all those mangos!
Update: I didn't realize that almost all the huge tree behind the wall were mangoes, too.  What a bountiful harvest.

Walk a mile in these?...

Not only can they walk, they can dance. 

Traditional monos dancing in front of the cathedral.  Look how tall those stilts are.

Always popular, another wonderful tradition found in Oaxaca. 

¡Viva!

This Mexican Life....

Traveling carnivals with lots of rides and booths are a part of life here with all the Saint's Day celebrations and fiestas.  It always looks like a hard life to me, the carny life.

The rides, food stalls and games fill the streets.  They are there for a few days and then off to the next.  The rides always look kinda shaky, but I think I could handle this one.... as if I could fit in one of those cups.

Waiting for Godot - Cocijo style

It is hot and very dry.  The heat seem endless and it is wearing people down. We are all waiting for Cocijo, the Zapotec god of rain, thunder, and lightning to make an appearance and he is due any day now.....ojala.... I hope.  This mural says it all... "Villages with Water.  Villages with Life."

"Remember that the valley of Ocotlan has cienegas (permanently saturated ground under the soil)  and wetlands.  The water is free."  The small print mentions that water should not be sold as merchandise and should be conserved".

Sign of the times...

This shot was hard to get as it is on the Pan-American highway at the northern side of El Fortin where the traffic is always crazy.  It's an intersection where five roads intersect.  The Truth must be exposed!

Mezcal is taking off globally and Oaxaca is filled with field after field of different varieties of agave.  Move over tequila.  Mezcal is taking over.