January in Oaxaca

A nativity scene outside Santo Domingo church. Fans of Flat Stanley can imagine our surprise that Flat Baby Jesus showed up in our neighborhood!

Sorry that I haven't posted a new entry in so long, it has not been for lack of material but rather for lack of time.  So very much has filled the month of January down here.  We moved from our apartment into the large house that we have enjoyed for the last few years, it is lovely and feels very decadent. It was so nice to see the housekeeper, Magda, again as she continues to act as our unofficial Spanish teacher in addition to her many other tasks.

The table at our Spanish language school with hot chocolate and Rosca, the traditional cake for Three Kings Day.  Whoever gets the slice with the tiny baby in it must buy tamales for everyone on Candelaria, February 2.  Alan will be going to the market early for tamales that day! 

Much to our  delight Oaxaca celebrated Three Kings Day by filling the zocalo with many versions of Los Tres Reyes. These guys had kids posing on the large stuffed animals and were friendly as we took their photo.

Not this King!  For those of you who need translating, an empathic "NO!" is signaled by wagging the forefinger.

I did manage to get to Spanish class for eight days in the beginning of the month which was a real treat for me. Then our friends Freida and Peter, and their sons Phil and Ned got here, and Alan and I chose to enjoy them full time rather than go to classes. Of course it was a great plan since we got to do so many fun things with them as we attempted to fit the best of Oaxaca into five short days!

Phil, Peter, Ned, Freida and Alan at Tacos Alvaro

Phil and Ned clowning around on the roof of the monastery in Cuilapan on the way to the market in Zaachila

Can you spot three gringos at the market?

"Wow, I forgot that 'jovenes' are eating machines!" said Alan often during the time he spent with the Bixbys. (Joven is Spanish for young man)

Freida caught on the cell phone!

So many sights to take in at the market:  fruit, vegetables, handmade pottery that can be used right on the stove,
live chickens, turkeys, rabbits, wheelbarrows filled with baby chicks, clothing, homemade foods, candy and other treats, all for sale at very low prices.

Freida found a great handmade pot for cooking

The people are the best part of Oaxaca and especially at the markets

Looking for an embroidered apron, firewood, limes, tangerines, sweet potatoes, ground corn meal, chickens, tortillas, kitchen towels, matches, tamales? They are all right here!

Ned really enjoyed all aspects of eating at La Capilla

The family tree: the Bixbys in front of the giant tree at Santa Maria del Tulle.  This water Cyprus is more than 2000 years old and is much bigger than it looks in this photo.

There was a whole lot of sqealling going on here as the pigs were loaded back on the truck at the livestock market.  As soon as the men got each one into the truck bed, the pig was perfectly calm again.

 

We heard a live band playing and found them practicing inside this huge building at the market.  I couldn't resist dancing and this man came over and joined me.  He told us that the entire buliding was being prepared for the evening festivities in honor of the town's patron saint.  The woman behind Phil is fixing the altar.



Well, so much for today's post, I will send another within a few days, this only takes us through January 14! 
Stay tuned for the festival of El Senor de Esquipulas and Madeline, Pattie and Bill's visit to Oaxaca.
Hope all is well with all of you. 

!Que le vaya bien!