Is This the Isthmus? Tour – Mexico Part 14
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Oaxaca City, Mexico
One corner of the Zocalo in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
An explosion of colorful balloons in front of the Catedral de Nuestra Señora De La Asunción in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
A weathered wall in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
This morning, I was still recuperating from the all-night bus ride from Tuxtla Gutierrez to Oaxaca City two nights ago, so I took off the early part of the day to rest. Later in the afternoon, I went on a stroll a few blocks south to the Catedral de Nuestra Señora De La Asunción. Compared to the blinged out Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzman, this church features a somewhat subdued interior. Nevertheless, I did spy a huge baroque pipe organ from 1712 on the second floor, and two or three examples of early unintentional minimalism.
A veggie burger and hot chocolate at La Jicara in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
The Catedral de Nuestra Señora De La Asunción in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
The crucifix inside the Catedral de Nuestra Señora De La Asunción in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
“Consecrated on July 12, 1733 and dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Catedral Metropolitana de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Antequera, Oaxaca. The facade is made of green cantera stone, which is commonly found in Oaxaca’s buildings, and the interior was designed in a neo-classical style. The altar features a statue of Our Lady of the Assumption, which was made in Italy. Due to earthquakes in the 16th and 18th centuries, the cathedral had to be reconstructed several times, most recently in 1702-1733.”–Wikipedia
The Baroque pipe organ inside the Catedral de Nuestra Señora De La Asunción in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Unintentional minimalism inside the Catedral de Nuestra Señora De La Asunción in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
A collection of candles inside the Catedral de Nuestra Señora De La Asunción in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Just outside the church sits the local town square, the Zocalo. Bordered by fancy cafes, with a fountain and benches in the center, the place is prime real estate for people watching. Oddly enough, directly across from the aforementioned cafes, numerous vendors have been allowed to set up shop in the form of permanent stalls covered with ugly tarps. It really is quite unsightly. The place would look so much nicer without that eyesore. Numerous snack and souvenir sellers routinely make the rounds (even walking up inside restaurants to pester patrons who are trying to eat), as do street musicians playing guitars, accordions, marimbas and the like. Occasionally, musical and other cultural performances are staged, as well.
An angel on a doorway inside the Catedral de Nuestra Señora De La Asunción in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
The Konexion Musical record shop in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
On the way back to the Casa Angel, I chanced upon a record store called Konexion Musical. I stepped inside to check it out, but they didn’t have much that interested me. Even if they did, I’d be reluctant to buy anything, because I wouldn’t want to deal with carrying it around or shipping it home.
Words and photos ©2017 Arcane Candy.
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