Amate Books, Oaxaca

Musing from the February 2011 Chiripa buying trip to Mexico.

Still rather impatiently awaiting the truck from Mexico. Most future posts will relate to products once we have them, but, for now I'll reminisce a little more about the February trip.

A regular stop in Oaxaca is Amate Books. It's an English language bookstore that can entertain for long periods of time. I browse the selves and tables to see what is new and what is popular. I frantically jot down titles and authors and publishers hoping to be able to find these for Chiripa once I return home. I especially like scanning the children's books. Outside the shop is a bench. These photos were taken while resting after a long day of shopping.

The border around the door is composed entirely of dried marigolds (the flower of the Day of the Dead). To the right of the door stands a larger-than-life skeleton Catrina made of straw-wrapped wire. We have seen this style of art in the state of Michoacan and wonder if the piece is from that area. To the left of the door is a fine piece of sculpture (enlarged in the second photo). It is of the style found in the nearby village of Atzompa although we never find anything so fine.

As I look up I see a large tin chandelier with what was probably originally candle holders. It pays to rest in Mexico. Besides people watching there are always interesting details to engage the imagination.

Moonlit Night in Oaxaca

Musings from the Feb 2011 Chiripa buying trip to Mexico.

We are patiently awaiting the shipment from the February buying trip. It seems so long ago. One night near the end of the trip we climbed the stairs of our hotel to the rooftop patio. There are no lights, but the moon was up (full the night before) and we were greeted with this stunning view of Santo Domingo and the lighted street leading to it.

As we gazed from the edge of the patio out at the beautiful city on a balmy February night we looked down and were greeted with snapshots of everyday life. Clothes on a line, bottled drinking water, walkways; life. 

There were no people outside in these inner courtyards. It was late. But the visuals leave a sense of mystery; a longing to return.  -kl


UPDATE: the truck has cleared customs and is on its way!

Huichol Blunder

Musings from the Feb 2011 Chiripa buying trip to Mexico.

We like to stop at the downtown street market when in Tlaquepaque (Jalisco, Mexico). The Huichol people (from the state of Nyarit) set up tables to sell their intricate bead work and continue beading while tolerating the casual shoppers.

I was particularly drawn to a young woman rapidly creating the subtly shaded peyote flowers of a bracelet. She continued working while I selected a collection of earrings, bracelets, barrettes and beaded ornaments (that I'll save for holiday shoppers). When I was finished I asked her if I could take her picture. She agreed and her young son eagerly joined for this photo.

I thanked her and was about to leave when she asked for money. I was surprised, but opened my coin purse to give her a token amount for allowing me to photograph her. But, no, she didn't want money for the photo, she wanted money for the goods I thought I had purchased. Oops! I was so intrigued with capturing the beading process that I forgot to pay for the jewelry and ornaments. We all had a good laugh and I went on my way just a little embarrassed! -KL