This post was inspired by a couple of recent close encounters of the reptilian kind.
When my gal pals were visiting at the end of March, naturally we went to Mitla and wandered through the archeological site. In addition to the intricate fretwork, remains of wall paintings, massive columns, and tombs, one of the, very much alive, residents of this “place of the dead,” caught our eye.
She was extremely busy digging a hole in the rocks (to lay eggs?) and allowed us get within less than a meter from her. One of her relatives was, no doubt an inspiration for one of my favorite alebrije by Bertha Cruz of the woodcarving village of San Antonio Arrazola.
And then, a couple of nights ago, one of my resident, but very shy, geckos made a rare appearance on one of the beams that spans my brick ceiling.
While my geckos greet me in the morning and night with their welcoming chirps, they seldom come out into the open when I’m around. However, there it was, high above my head and frozen in place as I approached. It remained while I went to get my camera and then stayed for the requisite photo shoot. Thank you my chirping friend!
I wonder if, during its nocturnal wanderings through my apartment, my little gecko came across its talavera likeness hanging on the wall?
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
I have a gecko living in my dish cupboard…. we see his little tail sticking out from behind the plates.
I have one in the kitchen, too, though maybe it’s the same one.
I want to tell you how much I enjoy your blog. I was in Oaxaca for 3 short weeks last March and your posts remind me of how much of the city and surrounding area I still need to explore on my next visit. Thank you.
Thanks Michelle! Are you related to Alan?
Do you try to identify — from a distance, of course — what kind of reptile she is?
I think the gecko is a Common House Gecko and the lizard is some sort of Whiptail. However, that’s only based on a very superficial web search. I would love to hear from someone who is familiar with lizard ID.