I arrived in Oaxaca on October 30th, just in time to see the city in full swing cray-cray for Día de Muertos. It was lovely to see the whole city in action, but also a little annoying to hear so much English and see so many tourists flooding the streets, with cameras, dressed in a way that would probably look really stupid on me, because I am Mexican-American, and look, Mexican.

I will try to make an update here every week -- at the very least with photos I've taken because they can cover some of what I've experienced so far.

Some highlights of last week:

• Being a part of a Día de Muertos parade, with a face painted full-calavera style. Special thanks to my new housemates who invited me and their friend who painted my face!
• Visiting Zaachila, a village about 30 minutes from Oaxaca Centro, where they have a whole street filled with Día de Muertos murals and tapetes de arena y flores -- basically floor designs of sand and flowers. They were marvelous. So was the michelada. 
• Tasting may different types of mezcal at both locations of Cuish. 
• Exploring all the printshops and stores and cafés.
• Attending a book presentation during the book fair. 
• Eating. Everything. Especially the quesadillas at Carranza y García Vigil, which I've been having nearly every other day. 
• Spending time with my friend, who's one of three super ladies who run XYZ Cooperative, multiple times and getting her tips for this amazing place.  
• Altar exhibit at the library. They had large didactics that explained how each region celebrates Día de Muertos. 

More photos here and here and follow me on IG for daily updates.

A great week, and now, I must do some work. Because I am actually working here. 

hasta luego,

S