Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are in the rear view mirror, December is upon us — only twenty-three more shopping days until Christmas — and the shopping frenzy in el norte continues. Thanks, but no thanks, I say. I prefer this…
Weaver from the Katyi Ya’a Taller Colectivo de Algodón Native (Collective workshop using native cottons)
On the Friday after Thanksgiving, I took leisurely stroll down to the 2-day expo-venta (exposition and sale), sponsored by the Museo Textil de Oaxaca and held in the tranquility of the Centro Cultural San Pablo patio. After much oohing and ahhing and talking with many of the artisans, I headed up 5 de mayo to one of my favorite pocket courtyards and the shops tucked in along its garden path…
5 de mayo #408 – home to tapetes (rugs) at the Fe y Lola gallery and Seasons of My Heart retail store, among other small shops.
I won’t reveal where or if I bought anything — I wouldn’t want to spoil any Christmas surprises! What I will say is… I prefer strolling to rushing; personally meeting and paying the artisans for their work to handing over a credit card at an impersonal department store; and, perhaps most of all, experiencing the pride radiated by an item’s creator when I admire their work.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
Ojala, Shannon, that El Norte could slow down. Thanks for this wise recommendation for the Shopping Stroll. And, me, too — a favorite Oaxaca courtyard filled with amazing boutiques.
Welcome back Norma! May Oaxaca’s warmth and beauty work her magic and provide you a tonic. Abrazos, amiga 🙂
Hi, Shannon. I concurr! By-the-way, where did you get your tiles for your bathroom project? Thanking you in advance for your help.
Barbara, Ooops! I’ve been meaning to email you re the tiles. I salvaged them from the bodega here at the compound — that’s why the mishmash. However, Materiales Venecia has azulejos. The only one of the stores left in Oaxaca is on the road to Tule — left side, just after you take the turn-off. Btw, that’s also where I bought the sink. Have fun!
I like the icicles hanging from the roof! Just the reason I’m returning to Oaxaca.