Eleven women gathered together in early March 2011 to participate in our first Oaxaca Women’s Writing and Yoga Retreat: Lifting Your Creative Voice. All were from the United States except for two, an Australian transplant living in Mexico City and a local Zapotec woman from the village of Teotitlan del Valle. Nine of us traveled to Oaxaca by air, some making connections through Mexico City, all negotiating the distance in time and space independently, solo, alone. Our ages ranged from 28 to 60-something. Several had never been to Mexico before.
During our week together we talked about what it was like for a woman to travel to Mexico on her own, and I included the following question on the program evaluation form. I want to share participant responses with you.
What would you say to people who are concerned about safety and hesitant to travel to Oaxaca?
I would say you are often as safe as you think you are and that bad media, amongst other things are only trying to feed your fears. That safety is not a concern in Oaxaca, just to be wise, as you would anywhere and trust your gut, come well-informed and open your arms and heart to the beauty of the incredible place.
Not a problem. We felt perfectly safe in Teotitlan del Valle.
There are some simple precautions to take regarding food, but I have always felt safe here and that the people are very helpful.
I would say – “you are missing an awesome (in the real, not slang sense of the word) experience.”
It’s a wonderful place. I did not feel threatened in any way.
It was safe and people were kind, patient, friendly.
I felt more safe here than in many U.S. cities. I saw/heard no violence, no drunkenness, no homelessness.
Oaxaca Shopping Mania: Take Advantage of My Weakness
Gold + Silver Leaf Mirror by Talleres Zegache, $125 + shipping
I’ve just published a number of new items for sale on the Gallery–Shop Here page of this web site (see home page, click on button under banner). I don’t usually shop for and buy Oaxaca art and craft because I need it. I do it to support the artists and artisans. The creativity that is expressed through these art forms is extraordinary and often I find myself digging into my pocket or going to the ATM in order to sustain the art, their creators and their families. You might say, ‘Norma, this is just an excuse.’ Nevertheless, here I confess my weakness. However, in order to curtail the acquisition in-flow, I am offering a few wonderful pieces for sale that I found during my recent Oaxaca comings and goings.
The piece above is just one fine example. It is from Santa Ana Zegache, the small Ocotlan area village where famed Oaxaca artist Rudolfo Morales restored and painted an extraordinary church and supported artistic expression through the foundation he established before he died. Talleres Zegache is a workshop of village craftspeople who restore and reproduce colonial mirrors. Click on the photo where I have provided a more complete description. This particular mirror (above) uses gold and silver leaf, and cochineal red paint. It is extraordinary!
If you are visiting Oaxaca, please stop by Talleres Zegache. They are well hidden, not easy to find, tucked way in the back (I suspect because the rent is cheaper), at Plaza Lucero, 5 de Mayo #412. I don’t know much much longer they will be there because business hasn’t been brisk (tourism is down all over Oaxaca because of the drug war scares). A pity, since the area is safe, family-friendly and gorgeous.
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Posted in Cultural Commentary, Oaxaca Mexico art and culture, Travel & Tourism
Tagged Mexico, Oaxaca, postaweek2011, Rudolfo Morales, Santa Ana Zegache, Talleres Zegache, Travel and Tourism, Travel Guides