Oaxaca is a very vibrant community. Parks,recreation, music, arts, lectures.

We are loving the hikes. A group of 16 gets on a minibus- heads into the country to a trail head. Hikes 6 miles, hires a driver& guide and then has lunch at a very local cafe.

Foliage amazing. Trails great. Cafes fabulous.

Last night on our way to the organ concert at Cathedral de Soledad we paused for refreshment. Greg found a recommended rooftop bar. Interesting it is at a hostel. The margs fabulous as is the view. Our bartender is from Des Moines and works while staying here.

Later we attended the organ concert at Soledad. Standing room only. Fabulous music enjoyed by whole community and oh my – a beautiful church.

Another favorite.

Vibrant. Wood carving. Black pottery. Textiles. Painting. Prints. It is all here snd done so well.

We have visited San Pablo, Textile Museum & Contemporary Art Museum.

We visited the Museo de Los Pintores Oaxaca. Loved it. Wanted to share some favorites.

This is our second trip to Oaxaca. There is just something compelling about this community. I think we found the essence last time when we stayed in the neighborhood around the park Los Llanos. In particular we stay at Las Mariposas – a hotel. Unlike any other. We have met multiple guests who have returned for the last 20-30 years. It is special. Guests treat others like family. We are included in outings, given great recommendations for dining, hikes, galleries and more. We all share breakfast every morning and this fosters the community. There is lovely community space including Greg’s fav hammock.

Oaxaca Lending Library sponsors guided hikes. So fun. 6 miles. Shared the trail with donkeys, bikers, & other hikers.

…you got to go! 😄

Yes, we visited museums & sampled amazing music and Lucha Libre!

I cannot even watch a commercial for WWE or boxing, so why go to Lucha Libre? Because I am in Oaxaca & was told it was light hearted family fun.

And they are right!

Families everywhere. Kids are having g a blast in the ring before performances. I see the performers enter carrying their roller bags . Not an entourage in sight! We laughed so hard. Oh yeah – entrance fee about $4.50. So fun!

Los Llanos is the park one block from our lodging. It is a community gathering place everyday all day. Exercising & informal classes in morning. Bands practicing mid day. Children & families playing & enjoying food carts all day. We particularly love children motoring in cars & on dinosaurs!

We are staying 1 block from a beautiful park. It is a great place to start the day & I have joined a tai chi group. Fun.great exercise. Such a welcoming group. We meet at 8:00 every day. And they had a Chinese New Year celebration with performances.

Oaxaca is known for their moles and I think their food is top notch. Even the small casual cafes have amazing food.

I was fortunate to attend a class which started with a trip to market & then prepared moles, chili rellenos, salsas, tamales and sopas. Met interesting peeps from England, Denmark, & Germany- so gun & so tasty!