Our tour also took us to another historic site - Mitla. Mitla means place of the dead. This is where the older notables from the Zapotec and then Mixtec cultures came to live until they died. There are remnants of the reds and golds that were prominent colors and they were bright! It continued to be inhabited after the Spanish conquest, unlike Monte Alban, and so many of the artifacts were stolen throughout the years as the tombs were filled with many treasures and much gold. We ended the day at a Mezcal factory where we found out how it was made and got to taste samples. Mezcal is different from tequila in that it is only distilled twice. We were told this drink is good for you! So, drink up!
Oaxaca is full of colonial architecture. Many buildings are made of green stone which is hand carved by Oaxacan crafts people. Stores, commercial buildings, houses, and churches are found on each block which makes walking a major attraction. There are also lots of pedestrian walkways. The Camino Real Hotel is housed in the former Santa Catalina Convent which was started in 1567. After Mexican Reform Laws in 1862 closed it down, it was used for municipal offices, a jail, and two different schools. It has been beautifully restored.
Santo Domingo de Guzman was opened for worship in 1608. It is said to be one of the best examples of the Baroque style in Mexico. The altar piece was made using gold leaf in 1959 by Oaxacan artisans, as it was previously destroyed by the conquistadores. It is attached to a monastary which is now the Santo Domingo Cultural Center which houses artifacts from Monte Alban and recounts the history of the area from then until today.
This is at one of the 5 or 7 Bays of Huatulco depending upon which map you view. It is about 2 miles from the Marina. We walked up one day and found this hotel - it was the only way to get to the beach. And there we saw FOG for the first time since Mag Bay last November. The cooler feel of the air was a welcome change, but did not make us hunger for more. Today is March 6 and we are leaving tomorrow to cross the Tehuantepec Bay. We have been waiting for a fair weather window as we will be out for up to 4 nights before we get to El Salvador. The Harbor Master says that the upcoming window is the best he has seen in years. Nine boats are planning to leave during this window. Effie will be our boat buddy so we will be in contact daily and more as needed during the crossing.
Our tour also took us to another historic site - Mitla. Mitla means place of the dead. This is where the older notables from the Zapotec and then Mixtec cultures came to live until they died. There are remnants of the reds and golds that were prominent colors and they were bright! It continued to be inhabited after the Spanish conquest, unlike Monte Alban, and so many of the artifacts were stolen throughout the years as the tombs were filled with many treasures and much gold. We ended the day at a Mezcal factory where we found out how it was made and got to taste samples. Mezcal is different from tequila in that it is only distilled twice. We were told this drink is good for you! So, drink up!
Oaxaca is full of colonial architecture. Many buildings are made of green stone which is hand carved by Oaxacan crafts people. Stores, commercial buildings, houses, and churches are found on each block which makes walking a major attraction. There are also lots of pedestrian walkways. The Camino Real Hotel is housed in the former Santa Catalina Convent which was started in 1567. After Mexican Reform Laws in 1862 closed it down, it was used for municipal offices, a jail, and two different schools. It has been beautifully restored.
Santo Domingo de Guzman was opened for worship in 1608. It is said to be one of the best examples of the Baroque style in Mexico. The altar piece was made using gold leaf in 1959 by Oaxacan artisans, as it was previously destroyed by the conquistadores. It is attached to a monastary which is now the Santo Domingo Cultural Center which houses artifacts from Monte Alban and recounts the history of the area from then until today.
This is at one of the 5 or 7 Bays of Huatulco depending upon which map you view. It is about 2 miles from the Marina. We walked up one day and found this hotel - it was the only way to get to the beach. And there we saw FOG for the first time since Mag Bay last November. The cooler feel of the air was a welcome change, but did not make us hunger for more. Today is March 6 and we are leaving tomorrow to cross the Tehuantepec Bay. We have been waiting for a fair weather window as we will be out for up to 4 nights before we get to El Salvador. The Harbor Master says that the upcoming window is the best he has seen in years. Nine boats are planning to leave during this window. Effie will be our boat buddy so we will be in contact daily and more as needed during the crossing.
3 comments:
Smooth sailing, indeed! I'll look forward to my next vicarious trip! Bummer about your camera but it's kind of nice Ken is taking pictures. I see more of you! Wondered why you had your hat off....oh, fog! :-) Looking pretty tan! Enjoy!
Looks wonderful...I am so happy you are having such an interesting time....and fun! Keep up the great postings. We love them.
Geez - I'd love to be lounging at that pool/beach right now!
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