Temple of San Felipe Neri

I was told that there is a religious tradition I believe for the Thursday on Palm week to walk to 7 churches. A tradition born in Rome, in which people walk and meditate-pray. This is a tradition hard to keep in newer cities, in which seven churches might be miles away, or small towns where there might not be enough. I unfortunately arrived on Friday that week, so I missed this tradition. It would have been a piece of cake, since there's at least around one church every 3 blocks. Easy to keep the old ways in places like these.

Also, a guide mentioned when we were visiting ruins, that the biggest and most beautiful buildings were those in which they honored their gods. He paused and said, "Well, it's no different from our days. The most beautiful and decorated buildings are still the churches." Talk about evolving as a society. Anyway, they are still in all honesty, truly majestic and beautiful.

And a little something extra. I kept seeing this decoration all around buildings and churches, and thought it was a curious thing for everyone to have a similar thing. I thought the provider sure knew how to do profit for religious weeks. It was until days later, that someone opened my eyes, and told me it was a beautifully cheap decoration: sauteed onions from a grill. Once they gained that yellow color, they peel off by layers and weave them together and just add the purple fabric. My mind was blown.

Plaza de la Danza, Church of la Soledad.

Both Plaza de la Danza, and Church of la Soledad are quite visible from the street. Hard to miss such a church and patio.

Just before going down to the church, there was the Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Arts) Benito Juarez.

 And to promote tourism, the spots with historical importance have had this post nearby. Since 2010, people are able to call or send a text to get historical details as to the place they are currently visiting. I didn't really use the service, but I believe it was only for Mexican cellphones.

The church of la Soledad just before going down the stairs.

And here one can see the Centro Historico(Historical Center), and the School of Arts together.
Pictures of the church aren't that great, since one cannot use flash inside most of the buildings.

Since the visit was on Palm week, there were always people at churches; but since Mexico is a very religious country, it would still not be strange to see people in church during the week.

An incomplete picture of the arch from the entrance. I guess I could not help thinking back to Lord of the Rings.

Ice cream in Oaxaca, Encanto y Beso Oaxaqueño

I have been quite busy moving, so I've had no time to make any posts. Now, it's all done and good. 

I'll begin by posting about ice cream in Oaxaca. I visited at a time when summer was barely beginning, and the sun's heat rays where sometimes unbearable at around midday. We were told that if we visited Plaza de la Danza, right before entering Church of la Soledad, we would be able to enjoy a variety of ice cream. With a weather reaching 40º Celsius(104 Fahrenheit), it was hard not to take a small walk. 

Walking down the plaza, you easily notice how popular it is; there are stands everywhere, each propped with tables, chairs and umbrellas. 

Sweet bread, coconut filled empanadas, sugar sprinkled cookies and cream filled scones were just the beginning of the variety that could be tasted at this small place. A little warning, there are bees everywhere, and most especially around stands similar to this one. I'm not one to complain, but I've seen others react really bad to the sight of just one nearby. They are just a common nuisance.

Before sitting down, we visited the church (I will make a post of that later), and at the exit, enjoyed a bit of fresh cut mango with lime and sprinkled chili.

This is how the stands look when you go down Plaza de la Danza, there are just so many to choose from. Not to worry though, most of them have a similar selection of ice cream.

A quick look at the menu from what one had to offer. They also allow you to have a taste if you are curious as to a certain flavor, just ask for a sample. They have either ice cream made from milk, or water; and I have to say, both are delicious.

I decided to taste Beso Oaxaqueño (Oaxacan Kiss), cream based mixed with carrots, pecans, and  apples. Encanto Oaxaqueño (Oaxacan charm) the orange one, is a mix of various fruits, I kind of forgot which; nonetheless it was exquisite. Along with Sweet, delicious and just satisfying in such a weather.
 The plates where fun, and useful to discard tasting spoons.

Hotel pictures

So these are pictures of the hotel I stayed in Oaxaca. Not a very cheap one, mind you, but it was perfect for tourists, clean, safe and close to everything. Excellent service. Hotel Casantica.

The colonial architectural details were astounding, aside from the occasional antique objects.

This was the sign for the womens restroom.

And for mens restroom, appropriate themes coordinating perfectly with the  hotel's environment.

Travelling to Oaxaca

Oaxaca, from Monte Albán

I recently went to Oaxaca, Oaxaca in Mexico. A truly enjoyable travel, one I wish to share.

I will continuously post photographs and videos along with some errant comments. 

I traveled along with my family, took some tours and mostly enjoyed the food and sights.