The First Weekend

Hi Everyone! This is my first post since I've arrived in Oaxaca and I am so happy to finally be here! I've been planning this trip for months! Oaxaca is very temperate and beautiful.

We visited Monte Alban that morning. This is a protected Zapotec ruins archaeological site. The majority of the land has not been excavated. However, there have been substantial efforts made by the U.S. and Mexican governments to protect this region/site. Today we hiked at El Fortin, which has been somewhat damaged from the social unrest in Oaxaca.

I actually witnessed the Mega Marcha from the rooftop of the ProMexico office on Friday. There were approximately 30,000 - 50,000 marchers in the streets of Oaxaca protesting the governor. It's been really interesting to be down here at such an important time for the area. The community is on the verge of undergoing a number of very serious changes that will impact not only how they are governed but also their economic stability. It is very apparent that the striking has had a severe impact on the local economy. None of the restaurants, bars and clubs are open very late and we are typically the only group of individuals frequenting these areas, along with a small number of other tourists.

I'm meeting my host family in a half hour, which I'm very excited about. I will actually be starting my project with the Union de Museos Comunitarios at the end of the week. Cheers!