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going/been to oaxaca?

updated sat 4 aug 01

 

Paul Bailey / Janet Moe on thu 2 aug 01


I have signed up to go to Eric Mindling's San Marcos Workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico
http://www.manos-de-oaxaca.com/ . I would love to hear from anyone who has been
either to the workshop or travelled around Oaxaca or to Puerto Escondido on the
coast. Is anyone else planning on going this December? TIA!

Janet, waiting,waiting for some good hot summer weather, in B.C.

PEFarm@AOL.COM on fri 3 aug 01


Hi!
Was in Oaxaca with Eric in the village of San Marcos last Jan/Feb. Had a
wonderful time. Eric has lived in Oaxaca for many years and has many close
friendships with people there, including the potters at San Marcos. That
makes a difference. You will get to experience places and people that the
ordinary tourist does not typically get to see. I loved being with potters
who have been making pots as they have been for hundreds of years. They are
very gracious. And glad I got a chance to experience some of the old ways
before they disappear. In addition to San Marcos, there is lots to see in
the valley and Oaxaca City. There are lots of wonderful markets. Telacalula
(sp?) comes to mind. Yagul is a beautiful archaelogical site. I sure wish I
had known Spanish so that I could have conversed more easily and deeply.
Lots of people I met were going to the coast. I didn't have time. One
traveler I met was going to Shambhala at Zipolite on the coast. San
Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas is a popular place to visit. I spent a
weekend hiking with friends up in the mountains near Benito Juarez. Such a
different landscape up high. So, there is lots to see and do. I had a blast.
Enjoy, Pam Farmer

Paula Sibracck Marian on fri 3 aug 01


Janet, I spent some time with Eric Mindling at a pre-NCECA trip to Oaxaca two
years ago. He is warm, witty and well informed. You will have a wonderful
time. I wrote a story about the trip on CriticalCeramics.org. Look it up for
more info and pictures. I wish I were going back. Paula Sibrack Marian, in
the woods of Sherman, CT

Karen Ami on fri 3 aug 01


Puerto Escondido was one of my favorite spots. It is a lot more
commercialized but still completely charming. It has one of the most
beautiful beaches and is a very popular spot among the surfer dudes. Try
having the freshly caught red snapper cooked with red onions garlic and
potatoes. It is is exquisite. You can get it right on the beach.

Outside of Oaxaca there is a village called Teotiuacan de Valle. It is a
village of weavers. Picasso used to got there to have some of his drawings
and paintings translated into tapestry. It is a very small village, maybe 30
families. They will invite you into their homes to view their work. Of
course, it is a great place to buy rugs, and inexpensive too. I have had one
of my Oaxacan rugs for nearly 20 years and its still ticking.

Have a great time
Totally envious in Wisconsin
Karen Ami