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COLONIAL SPLENDOR
Join us for an outstanding walking tour of the botanical gardens on the
grounds of the Templo de Santo Domingo cathedral and museum. The
cathedral boasts one of the most
elaborately decorated chapels in Mexico--a Baroque masterpiece
in gold leaf and plaster.
Explore the village churches of Tlacochahuaya and Teotitlan del Valle,
deep and vivid in their emotion. Spanish Architecture surrounds the
lively Zocalo (town square) and art galleries and museums are in
abundance in the UNESCO
(United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) celebrated city of Oaxaca.
FOLK ARTISTS
For those interested in folk art, we will visit the homes of Mexico’s
internationally renowned artisans featuring wood carvers of La Union;
award-winning black pottery ceramists, The Pedro Family, in San Bartolo Coyotepec;
the famous potteries of Santa Maria Atzompa; the Aguilar sisters in
Ocotlán
de Morelos; exceptional rug
weavers of Teotitlan
del Valle, and more.
Oaxacan folk art draws its strength from ancient Indian culture, myths
and legends. It is suffused with a folk surrealism and is a whimsical &
enchanting art form that has captivated collectors & enthusiasts
worldwide.
As poet Alberto Blanco has written, the artists of Oaxaca
"all tend to depict one theme: the appearance in our history of another
time and place. A space within another space. A time within another
time."
PRECOLUMBIAN TREASURES
We will have unique interpretative tours of protected Zapotec ruins
Monte Albán and Mitla.
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Monte Albán |
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Mitla
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MUSIC
There are constant cultural celebrations filled with music and dance
that will keep your soul stirred. Enjoy nightly concerts and paseos
in Oaxaca’s famous Zócalo, over local mescal and Mexico’s richest chocolate or
coffee.
| Optional Activities:
COOKING SCHOOLS
Learn Oaxaca’s famous molé from fine teaching chefs: Optional classes are
available at the
cooking school La Casa de los Sabores or La Casa de Mis Recuerdos.
TEMAZCAL: The Indigenous
Herbal Steam Bath
Enjoy an unforgetable indigeous experience in this ancient
ritual Temazcal. A unique holistic therapy for
cleansing, detoxifying and purifying your body, mind and
spirit.
The Temazcal (traditional Mexican sweat bath) is part of a
movement to return to the healing practices preserved in
indigenous medicine. The practice of inducing sweat has long
been known to have health benefits and the Temazcal,
because of its special methods, is perhaps the most
effective curative technique to bring about healthful
sweating. |
COST
$1,925* Includes lodging, hearty breakfasts, fees to all sites, transport
to and from the airport and local ground transport. An initial deposit is of $500
(check or money order preferred) is required; the remainder is due
by
November 15, 2008. Please make checks or money orders out to Marcia Lucas
or La Sirena Tours.
Tour costs include bed and hot breakfasts. Other food costs are borne by
individuals. Typical "comidas" normally cost less than $10-15 per person
(alcoholic drinks are extra, and in line with US restaurant costs).
| *Price is per person based on
double occupancy. Ground transportation provided to events will be listed on the
details of itinerary. Listed activities may be changed due to unforeseen
events. Transportation to and from Oaxaca is not included. Tips are not
included. Personal items including: alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry,
telephone calls, and gratuities for guides are not included. Our small tours
allow for personal attention and hands-on participation. Cooking class fees are
not included. |
ABOUT YOUR HOSTS
Marcia Lucas has been owner of El Interior of Austin for over 25 years
and her husband Charlie Tesar is an international development specialist who has
worked extensively in Latin America. They spend about two months in Oaxaca every
year and have come to love its people and culture. This tour—the first led by
Marcia and Charlie—offers an opportunity to experience and appreciate the
diversity of Oaxaca. Come enjoy winter in the tropics, listen to great music,
savor Oaxacan cuisine, and meet our friends.
Please contact Amy Morrow at El Interior 512-474-8680 or
amy@elinterior.com for
more details and reservations.
Itinerary
January 23-31, 2009
“Oaxaca: Reconnect to Mother Earth”
led by Marcia Lucas and Charlie Tesar
We will start each morning with a delicious, hearty breakfast. The main
meal of the day in Oaxaca (comida) is normally served between 2:30-3:00
PM, so travelers should think about bringing snack foods such as dried
fruit and nuts if requiring special diets.
Day 1| Friday, January 23
Day 2 | Saturday, January 24
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AM: Tour Oaxaca’s
beautiful and unique ethno-botanical gardens with a docent
(knowledgeable guide)
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PM: Tour the Santo
Domingo museum to learn of Oaxaca’s pre-Columbian and colonial
history. Music on the Zocalo.
Day 3 | Sunday January 25
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AM: Guided tour of
Mitla, an ancient Zapotec ceremonial site famous for its
pre-Columbian Mesoamerican buildings. (The local village festival of
San Pablo de Mitla coincides with our visit and will afford tour
members a lovely glimpse of local Oaxacan fiestas). Stopovers at
mescal distilleries and tasting rooms on the return to Oaxaca city.
Late comida above the hills of Oaxaca in San Felipe del Agua.
Day 4 | Monday, January 26
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AM: Guided tour of La Union de Tejalampan, Etla. We will visit this
somewhat remote village of famed wood carvers with demonstrations by
master folk artists.
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The afternoon is free for exploring Oaxaca City and markets and
enjoying paseos and music on the Zocalo (town square)
Day 5 | Tuesday January 27
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AM: Guided tour of the
ruins and museum of Monte Albán, a UNESCO Heritage site that
testifies to the sophistication and cultural organization of
pre-Columbian Zapotec society. Monte Albán was the ancient capital
of the Zapotecs and one of the first cities in Mesoamerica. During
its zenith, it was also one of the most populated cities of the
Americas. It was founded approximately 500 years BC and flourished
until 750 AD.
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Stopover on return at
Santa Maria Atzompa, a former zone of the Monte Alban complex and
now a famous pottery-making village.
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PM: Music on the
Zocalo (town square)
Day 6 | Wednesday, January 25
Day 7 | Thursday January 29
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AM: Visit the ancient
village of Tlacochahuaya, Imposing in its solitude, the 16th century
Church of San Jeronimo (patron saint of Tlacochahuaya), erected over
a pre-Hispanic temple, seems to slumber in the remote past with its
pre-Hispanic relics. Unique 16th century frescoes painted by the
indigenous population, splendid retablos flanked by sculptures and
an altarpiece honoring the image of San Jeronimo make an immediate
and lasting impression.
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Visit the rug-weaving
center of Teotitlan del Valle.
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Stopover at mescal
distillery and tasting room.
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PM: Music on the
Zocalo
Day 8 | Friday January 30
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AM: Guided tour to
Ocotlán to visit the weekly Indian market and the Aguilar
sisters—Concepcion, Guillermina, Irene and Josefina.
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PM: Farewell cocktails
and music on the Zocalo (town square)
Day 9 | Saturday January 31
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Please Note:
Those interested in cooking classes should let us know as soon as
possible so we can work on the arrangements.
We will arrange to visit the homes and workshops of master artisans
who will provide demonstrations of their work.
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