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  • Antiquing In and Around Oaxaca  By : Alvin Starkman
    Oaxaca is rich in history dating back 10,000 years. More recently it has come under diverse European influences. Today it is home to at least 16 distinct indigenous cultures. It is therefore no surprise that in the antique stores in the city one can encounter both artifacts from pre-history and a diversity of collectibles dating from the Conquest. While the treasure hunter must beware of running afoul of laws relating to archaeological pieces, not so regarding the more traditional antiques.
  • BBQ Goat in Oaxaca: The Pomp, Ceremony and Tradition  By : Alvin Starkman
    The centuries old Oaxacan tradition of preparing BBQ goat in an in-ground oven is filled with pomp and ceremony beginning with the market purchase of appropriate candidates, through the labors of the chivero (slaughters, prepares and bakes the beasts), to the serving of the fiesta meal. Those traveling to Mexico should do their best to find a way to participate in the ritual, failing which stop any a Sunday at a roadside eatery featuring "barbacoa," for a succulent culinary experience.
  • Stormy Weather: Rainy Season in Oaxaca, Mexico  By : Alvin Starkman
    Extreme weather patterns in the City of Oaxaca, in south central Mexico, from May until well past summer's end should not put a damper on travel plans. However, understanding and tolerating the inevitable minor inconveniences caused by heavy rains and storms will make your vacation all the more pleasant while at the same time add to the totality of your Oaxacan learning experience.
  • Baseball At Its Best: The Guerreros of Oaxaca, Mexico  By : Alvin Starkman
    Attending a baseball game in Oaxaca, quality-wise is akin to going to a Triple A game in the Majors. However, the cultural and entertainment experience is eye-opening, refreshing and a true learning experience. Where else but in Mexico can two fans park a block away from the ballpark, have ground level seats beside a dugout, watch cheerleaders, eat to your heart's content, and be entertained for about 3 hours, all for about $15?
  • Driving a Car in Oaxaca, Mexico  By : Alvin Starkman
    Drivng in a Third World country can at times be intimidating. Sometimes knowing the traffic laws doesn't much help. Here's a practical approach to attempting to navigate the streets of Oaxaca, not necessarily in accordance with what the apparent laws say, but nevertheless informative and designed to keep you out of trouble and accident-free. Any suggestions that might seem humorous, are nevertheless based upon the Oaxacan world and worldview, the way it actually is.
  • Death of An Infant in Oaxaca, Mexico  By : Alvin Starkman
    Rituals surrounding death and dying in Catholic / indigenous Oaxaca, Mexico, are surprising similar to those practised by Conservative Jews in Canada, in each case serving similar important functions. A Mexican case study involving the death of an infant, and the writer's personal experience form the basis for the comparative analysis.
  • Motorcycling in Oaxaca, Mexico  By : Alvin Starkman
    Where else but in Mexico can a family of five, each helmetless, be seen riding on a motorcycle. The dangers inherent in cycling increase exponentially in Oaxaca, yet nevertheless it's as popular a past time as ever, in part out of economic necessity, and in part as a result of an attitude towards life and living, somewhat fatalistic, unknown to most Westerners. Specific advice is given for travelers intent upon cycling in Oaxaca, to reduce the risk of accident.
  • Cochineal in Oaxaca, Mexico-----The City's Best Kept Secret  By : Alvin Starkman
    Travelers with tour guides and drivers, and on tour buses, usually drive right by one of the city's major attractions without realizing that they're only 2 minutes away from a site that has been so important to the state and in fact the world in that even Prince Charles has thought a brief visit worthy of his busy schedule: the ranch, museum and research institute of the Grana Fina Cochinilla, the minute insect that for hundreds of years produced the strongest red dye known to humankind.
  • Hey Compadre - Compadrazdo in Oaxaca, Mexico  By : Alvin Starkman
    Frequent travelers to and residents of Mexico, Oaxaca in particular, eventually will be asked to be padrino, godparent, to someone, thereby becoming a compadre or comadre to family members. It's akin to coming of age in a foreign land. It's therefore imporant to learn the implications of being bestowed with such an honor, in terms of the social, economic and emotional responsibilities.
  • Oaxaca Sculptor Extraordinaire -- Adolfo Cruz  By : Alvin Starkman
    Adolfo Cruz has been a master sculptor, working in both cantera stone and bronze for over 30 years. Now retired from his fine arts teaching post at Benito Juarez University in Oaxaca, his home, workshop and gallery can be visited as part of a day long tour of a number of fascinating art studios within an hour's drive from downtown Oaxaca.
  • Mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico  By : Alvin Starkman
    Mezcal has been produced in Oaxaca since pre-Hispanic times. Even today travelers to the state capital have an opportunity to tour small mom and pop "factories" peppering the Valley of Oaxaca and nearby mountain communities, to learn the ancient production techniques while in the course of a day's tasting and understanding of the range of flavor nuances, degrees of smokiness and other qualities imparted through variances in production and aging. Step aside California and France wine tours!
  • A Proud family Tradition...Casa Santiago: Rug Weavers of Teotitlán del Valle, Oaxaca  By : Alvin Starkman
    Since the 1500s, the rug weavers of this town have been using natural dyes to handmake quality rugs with historic Zapotec designs. Porfirio Santiago is a present-day weaver, whose ancestors, and now children and grandchildren carry on the tradition. A vist to their home and workshop is only a short drive from Oaxaca, and well worth it.
  • Your Vacation in the Riviera Maya  By : Enrique Torres
    The Mayan Riviera in Mexico offers all kinds of activities for an extraordiary vacation. From shopping to adventure sports to relaxing on the beach, a getaway to the Riviera Maya is sure to please anybody's vactioning tastes.
  • Oaxaca, Money and Exchange: A Primer  By : Alvin Starkman
    Should you take travelers' checks, US cash, or simply rely on your credit cards and the ATM system when visiting Oaxaca? This article reviews this common traveler conundrum with facts and common sense advice.

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