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Norma writes for Selvedge Magazine Issue #109 -- Rise Up, November 2022
Norma Writes for Selvedge Latin Issue #89
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What is a Study Tour: Our programs are designed as learning experiences, and as such we talk with weavers about how and why they create, what is meaningful to them in their designs, the ancient history of patterning and design, use of color, tradition and innovation, values and cultural continuity, and the social context within which they work. First and foremost, we are educators. Norma worked in top US universities for over 35 years and Eric founded the education department at Oaxaca’s textile museum. Our interest is in creating connection and artisan economic development.
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Why We Left, Expat Anthology: Norma’s Personal Essay
Norma Contributes Two Chapters!
- Norma Schafer and Oaxaca Cultural Navigator LLC has offered programs in Mexico since 2006. We have over 30 years of university program development experience. See my resume.
Study Toursd are personally curated and introduce you to Mexico's greatest artisans. They are off-the-beaten path, internationally recognized. We give you access to where people live and work. Yes, it is safe and secure to travel. Groups are limited in size for the most personal experience.
Programs can be scheduled to meet your travel plans. Send us your available dates.
Designers, retailers, wholesalers, universities and other organizations come to us to develop weaving relationships, customized itineraries, study abroad programs, meetings and conferences. It's our pleasure to make arrangements.
Select Clients *Selvedge Magazine-London, UK *Esprit Travel and Tours *Penland School of Crafts *North Carolina State University *WARP Weave a Real Peace *Methodist University *MINNA-Goods *Smockingbird Kids
Tell us how we can put a program together for you! Send an email norma.schafer@icloud.com
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- WEAVE Podcast: Oaxaca Coast Textiles & Tour
- NY Times, Weavers Embrace Natural Dye Alternatives
- NY Times, Open Thread–Style News
- NY Times, 36-Hours: Oaxaca, Mexico
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- Mexican Indigenous Textiles Project
- Museo Textil de Oaxaca
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- Taller Teñido a Mano Natural Dyes
Oaxaca Temple of Beauty: Estetica de Alex or Where to Get Your Nails Done
Oaxaca city is filled with beauty salons where haircuts, coloring, manicures and pedicures are available at a half to a third of the cost in the United States. Some are bargains, where a manicure costs 100 pesos or about $7.50 USD. I’ve paid as little as 300 pesos ($23 USD) for the mani-pedi combo. And, for years, I’ve shopped around and tried out one salon or another. As with most things, you get what you pay for.
Some of my gringa acquaintances complain that it takes too long to get the combo mani-pedi. And, yes, one must invest at least one-and-a-half to two-hours for this treatment. Self-care is important here and local women patronize their favorite spots over and over. (There are relatively few ex-pats in Oaxaca, especially in the off-season, April to October.) Feet are especially important since we are constantly pounding the pavement in sandals with exposed toes.
Yesterday, I decided to opt for the 470 peso (about $36 USD) mani-pedi combo at Estetica de Alex, Av. Morelos No. 905, Centro Historico, Oaxaca, between Reforma and Cinco de Mayo, Tel. 516-6734. So far, this place falls into the most expensive category. I walked in at 4:45 p.m. and didn’t leave until 7:45 p.m. That’s a long time in the chair! But, this was definitely the best manicure and pedicure I’ve had since being in Oaxaca since 2005.
Maybe this depends more on the women who provide the service than the salon itself. Claudia, who did my pedicure, was especially careful and particular. She left no detail untouched! I can’t tell you how many times she scraped my heels and tended to my toes. At the same time, in tandem, Sandy took care of my fingers and hands. I reminded myself it’s important to stop and breathe. Being in a hurry is definitely NOT part of Mexican culture.
The tools are sterilized, the floor is clean and this shop has the largest selection of OPI nail polish perhaps in all of North America. I’ve never seen such colors as there are here. They told me that OPI costs 200 pesos a bottle, which is about double the price in the U.S. Aye, carumba!
What made this place to special?
P.S. This is not an advertisement 🙂 It’s a recommendation! I welcome other recommendations and encourage yours in the comment section.
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Posted in Cultural Commentary, Health Care, Travel & Tourism
Tagged manicure, Mexico, Oaxaca, OPI nail polish, pedicure