Recently, as previously mentioned, a friend came to visit for a week. It was B’s first time in Oaxaca and we packed a lot of sightseeing and delicious dining into just six days. B is an architect and, among other things, is an archeology buff, so those interests helped shape our itinerary (as in, not a shopping expedition). Naturally, the six days sailed by, but the sailing was so smooth and flowed so well that it occurred to me a blog post chronicling our adventures might be helpful to future visitors and hosts.
B arrived on a Monday night, so Day 1 began the next morning, when we rendezvoused on my terrace so he could begin to get his bearings as I pointed out landmarks. Our first stop was to gaze at the gold and gilt interior and up at the impressive family tree that decorates much of the ceiling of Santo Domingo de Guzmán.
Santo Domingo de Guzmán and its former monastery.
After being thoroughly wowed, we went next door to the former monastery, now the Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca. Arranged in historical epochs, the 20+ rooms are an historical treasure trove that include treasures excavated from Tomb 7 at Monte Albán. Also on the extensive grounds is the glorious Jardín Etnobotánico, an impressive ethnobotanic garden of plants native to the state of Oaxaca. While we had no time to take a tour of the garden (the only way to visit), the views from the museum are spectacular.
Looking down on the Jardín Etnobotánico from the Museo de las Cultures de Oaxaca
Leaving the museum, we strolled down Oaxaca’s walking street, Macedonio Alcalá (aka, Andador Turistico), across the zocaló, past the Palacio de Gobierno, to the Mercado Benito Juárez. Besides the fact that I was almost out of coffee beans and needed to stop by El Grano de Oro to replenish my supply, in my humble opinion, the mercado is a “must see” for any visitor. Feeling a bit parched and ready for a break, we pulled up stools at Casilda Aguas Regionales and had to choose from their dazzling selection of fresh aguas. Refreshed, we resumed exploring the aisles of fruits and vegetables, fish and meats, clothing and jewelry, fresh flowers and souvenirs, mezcal and quesillo, and more.
Aguas lined up on the counter of Casilda Aguas Regionales
Hungry, tired, and on sensory overload, we walked back up the Alcalá to the tranquility, innovative architectural design, and savory flavors of Los Danzantes — the complementary mezcalito was an added bonus! Our late afternoon comida was a leisurely affair, as we reviewed the day and made plans for the next. B worried that we might be lingering too long, but I assured him, unlike the USA, restaurants in Mexico don’t rush diners.
Retractable ceiling and modern take on adobe walls at Oaxaca’s Los Danzantes restaurant
It was a lovely and delicious way to end the day. Stay tuned for Day 2, as we headed out of the city….
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