This article highlights the Santo Domingo Cultural Center, one of the top institutions in Oaxaca City. In Oaxaca’s historic center, there is a museum dedicated to encapsulating the cultures of the huge state under one roof. Whoooaaaaaa. Tough task. The state is composed of 8 distinctive zones and has more than 2,000 years of history. […]
Guadalupe Fort: Location of the Battle of Puebla
The Battle of Puebla (mainly known as 5 de mayo) was fought on the Guadalupe Fort on the outskirts of Puebla City. Do you know what is celebrated at the “Cinco de Mayo” (May 5th)? Time to think… Brownie points if you answered the Battle of Puebla (hopefully, you didn’t answer “Mexico’s Independence Day”). That […]
Mercado Juarez: Flavors, Textures and Aromas
My visit to the Mercado Juarez (or Benito Juarez Market) started in a dangerous way. Squeezing through the diminutive alleys, lit by dim light bulbs and clogged with a multitude of shoppers, bear the risk of breaking something or being patted down TSA style. Moreover, the alleys were blocked with dry Jamaica flowers, clay jars, […]
San Bartolo Coyotepec: Where the Black Clay Shines
This article highlights the world-famous black clay from San Bartolo Coyotepec (Oaxaca’s Central Valleys). When we think about utensils or figures made with clay, shades of brown, terracotta, or sepia come to mind. Nevertheless, in the Oaxacan town of San Bartolo Coyotepec, potters create black, shiny pieces without the necessity of paint or lacquer. And […]
2013 Bucket List: What I Want to Do and See
Today, I am sharing my 2013 Bucket List! It is the time of the year when a lot of us make resolutions (even though we are in the middle of the month already). Last January, I made a bucket list for the year and was very happy with what I accomplished. I was able to […]
Monte Alban: The First Great City of Mesoamerica
This article focuses on Monte Alban, one of the greatest archeological sites in Mexico. When we think about great Mesoamerican civilizations, we usually think about the great monuments and scientific achievements of people like the Mayas or Aztecs. However, there is a city whose power lasted more than a thousand years. Its builders flatten the […]
In Love With Oaxaca: One my Favorite Places in Mexico
In this article, I detail why I fell in love with Oaxaca at first sight. Imagine a place where there is not just one but two huge main plazas full of people, balloon vendors, food carts, and performers. The town cathedral is the tall witness of all the activity taking place beneath its façade. One […]
El Tule: Location of the Widest Tree in the World
This article focuses on the widest tree in the world located in Santa Maria del Tule in Oaxaca. We all know about those massive living specimens inhabiting the state of California. Some prefer the chilly winds of the Sierra Nevada while others are happier experiencing the foggy mornings next to the Pacific Ocean. I am […]
So, What Happened with 2012’s Bucket List?
This is the progress I made towards my 2012 bucket list! Last January, I published a 2012 bucket list. Do you remember? My bucket list was somewhat different from what I have seen published on other websites. Yes, I included things I have wanted to do for a long time. However, the emphasis was on […]
Laguna Beach: Beauty from All Angles
California has more than 100 beach towns along its 840 miles of coast. That number, which can be overwhelming for both visitors and residents, has given me a cynical way to look at those aforementioned towns. I keep saying to myself, “How is one town different from the other?” or “Why should I make an […]
Happy New Year and Second Anniversary
2013 is already here. And for my blog that only means one thing: we are celebrating Tanama Tales second anniversary! If after a year of blogging, I felt a sense of surrealism, imagine how I feel about reaching this, two years, a milestone. One thing I know: I am still in love with my blog. […]
2012: A Year of Small and Big Adventures
This article summarizes my adventures in 2012. It is the time of the year when a lot of us (bloggers included) start to think about all the new memories the year brought. I must recognize I struggled a bit putting together a post recounting “my favorite destinations, countries or adventures (involving extreme sports or locales).” […]
Celebrations Observed During a Visit to Oaxaca
Here are some of the celebrations I observed during my time in Oaxaca (including weddings, funerals, and religious events). During my visit to Oaxaca, I had no idea I would have the opportunity to witness so many celebrations. It is like events we tend to celebrate with our families and close friends, in Oaxaca are […]
Arrazola (Oaxaca): Land of the Alebrijes
This article highlights Arrazola, a small town located in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. I know. There is little fun in using an unknown word like “alebrije” in the title of a post. Well, maybe the word intrigued you enough to check out the post. One way or another, the word has some magic behind […]
Cholula: The Oldest Living City in America
This article focuses on Cholula, a city located close to Puebla and considered the oldest living city in the Americas. There is a song called “Que Chula es Puebla” (or How beautiful is Puebla). If Puebla is beautiful, then Cholula is magnificent. Puebla’s western neighbor (it is located 7 miles from the center) is famous […]