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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 13, 2011 21:02:30 GMT
You can see a bunch of toys for sale in the penultimate picture above, but I'll bet they didn't have anything this cool. Souvenir T-shirt? We've crossed the whole park from north to south. That's the church just ahead. A last couple of cute kids ~ Let's take a closer look at the church. There appear to be two perpendicular lines for entering. And this is the line for the bathrooms. Yow.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 13, 2011 22:11:05 GMT
We've fought our way out of the mob, retraced our steps, and are now back on Alcalá, the pedestrian street. This leads us in front of Sto. Domingo, with these agave, one coming into bloom & the other on the way out ~ I tried so hard to get a picture of the girl in the brown skirt as she ran furiously chasing pigeons. From the clothing, I'd say these people are from Chiapas. The skirts are wrap-around lengths of very heavy felted wool. Jewelry store window ~ and interior patio ~ Hmm. What's this advertising? Oh, yet another way to show holiday spirit ~ I have an appointment, but will be back later with more!
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 14, 2011 0:39:25 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 14, 2011 0:58:40 GMT
Whew -- lotsa walking! Time to head toward the car stop and home. A longing glance at the cake cart ~ Those of you who waited with me last year in that long line for Radishes, might remember this street. It's where we were made to turn & then return, shuffling slowly in hopes of seeing tuberous art. I have nowhere to put this, but I'd sure love to have it. Hi cutie! Snapping off a last Christmassy shot before leaving downtown ~ But wait .............!!!I spy something on the next street that calls to my very essence. Let's go look!
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 14, 2011 1:08:27 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 14, 2011 1:18:39 GMT
Okay: thinking caps on! Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to create a script or captions for this grouping: Yes, it's a lovely child, but I'm afraid they must have given us the wrong baby back at the stable ~ Now I'm really going home, stopping only to buy a tray of grapefruit to take with me. Please revisit this thread if you'd like to see the gala fireworks from later Sunday evening. (have to process pics) And do come back now and again during the holiday season. I'll add things as they happen.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 14, 2011 8:24:41 GMT
I want to stop right here & send out an s.o.s. I videoed the entire burning of the castillo -- 5 and a half minutes of glory, except that the video came out all blurry. I've tried it on different players, but no luck. Is there anything I can do to redeem it? Thanks.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 14, 2011 8:50:06 GMT
Somewhat later ............... the band is back & playing in front of the chapel again, calling people to a Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe. The band (or bands) was quite good & pretty innovative. Here's Melissa! A torito, armed with fireworks & ready to go: The castillo. Isn't it beautiful?! It's over 30 feet tall. An eager crowd waits ~ Now they'll be rewarded, as Melissa's mama takes the field, head bristling with fireworks: Instead of the gorgeous exploding art form that is a castillo, which I'd planned to show you all, I'm putting up the bad raw video I have & again asking if anyone knows a way to fix it.
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Post by bjd on Dec 14, 2011 9:07:23 GMT
Was the fruit seller putting some kind of spicy sauce on the grapefruit sections?
I imagine you live in a state of semi-permanent sensory overdose. Don't you find it boring in the States when you go back to visit family?
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Post by tod2 on Dec 14, 2011 14:00:37 GMT
Bixa that was truly wonderful! We don't celebrate Christmas anywhere near that in South Africa. Each city strings up a few measly street decorations which show signs of wear & tear and are quite pathetic. No street stuff but markets set up on open sports grounds for a few days- They have Carols By Candle Light services at participating churches a few weeks before and then the main Christmas service. Funny thing is all hotels & most restaurants serve Christmas day lunch in the English style with hot turkey, gammon and trimmings, followed by trifle and mince pies. In 30C+ it does not digest well. I will be offering cold cuts and salads!
When I look at all those little ornaments I can't help wondering if "Made in China" is labled on the bottom of each..?
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 14, 2011 17:49:09 GMT
Was the fruit seller putting some kind of spicy sauce on the grapefruit sections? Yes, she was, Bjd -- sort of a sore subject right now. She asked me if I wanted the sauce & chili powder & I said yes. Why?! I have all that stuff at home, plus I know that those plastic clamshells don't exactly seal shut. I was wearing all the red stuff by the time I got home.
I imagine you live in a state of semi-permanent sensory overdose. Don't you find it boring in the States when you go back to visit family? Frankly, yes. There are parts of the US that are rich in culture & interest, but by & large I find the places my family lives to be too standard US sanitized & "nice".
Interesting that you asked that today. Yesterday I was in a cab with a driver who'd lived in the US -- Manhattan -- for 14 years and found it infinitely superior to Mexico. I mildly asked, "But what about the climate?" That got him all agitated & extolling the virtues of central heat & air, ending by pounding the steering wheel & declaiming "I love New York!" Bixa that was truly wonderful! We don't celebrate Christmas anywhere near that in South Africa. Each city strings up a few measly street decorations which show signs of wear & tear and are quite pathetic. No street stuff but markets set up on open sports grounds for a few days- They have Carols By Candle Light services at participating churches a few weeks before and then the main Christmas service. Funny thing is all hotels & most restaurants serve Christmas day lunch in the English style with hot turkey, gammon and trimmings, followed by trifle and mince pies. In 30C+ it does not digest well. I will be offering cold cuts and salads! See, Tod, I find this fascinating precisely because it takes place in South Africa. Until you wrote that, I couldn't have even wagered a guess about how Christmas is celebrated there. It's same-old, same-old to you, but a great look at a foreign place for me & many others. I'd love to see all the anyporters showing us Christmas where they are!
When I look at all those little ornaments I can't help wondering if "Made in China" is labled on the bottom of each..? Well, the trinkets meant for the tree may very well be from China. But all those creche figurines are classic molds in plaster that have been made in Mexico for ages.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 14, 2011 18:11:01 GMT
Those firework contraptions are totally impressive every time you show them, but I can't help thinking that there must be a lot of fireworks-related accidents in Mexico.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 14, 2011 18:30:57 GMT
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Post by lola on Dec 15, 2011 1:55:46 GMT
This is wonderful, Bixa.
I love the one of the guy selling Santas, among many other.
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Post by lola on Dec 15, 2011 3:47:39 GMT
>>Okay: thinking caps on! Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to create a script or captions for this grouping<<
It is festival time, and the flower-carpeted streets are filled with joyful activity. But misfortune has struck the home of our heros, the handsome white-robed village septuplets. Their beloved donkey and horse are being repossesed because they've fallen behind on the payments. The bank called in their mortgage. Sixto, normally carefree, has thrown himself on the ground in a fit of depression. His brothers hold vigil by his side, each dealing with his own emotions yet all united in brotherly healing solidarity.
Enter stage left, their beloved cousin Devlin, already dressed for that night's costume ball: " I have the solution to all your troubles: I've just gotten a telegram saying that our great uncle who emigrated to Australia 50 years ago has passed away, leaving us his immense fortune. Cheer up, darling cousins, and let's have champagne all around."
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 15, 2011 5:22:17 GMT
;D Huzza!! Prepare yourself for the movie rights offers to come pouring in! Thanks so much for that, Lola, and for your other comments. It's so like you, with your kindness and compassion, to zero in on the man with the little Santas. Well, I guess I should wrap up the whole Guadalupe celebration by showing you the final day of it, which was the actual feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe (December 12). It started early that morning with the band playing las mañanitas in front of the chapel. This was a very up-tempo band, so it wasn't a bad way to start the day. Boy, have I heard a great deal of brass band music the last few days! Church bells, too. I don't know if it's the ancient sexton who rings the chapel bell, but it's someone who does it with gusto. I never made it outside with the camera in time to see the front of the picture, but never mind. After Mass, the procession left to make its rounds at 12:45. It's a very small group, especially considering the very well attended fireworks display of the night before. Hangovers?
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 15, 2011 5:29:53 GMT
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 15, 2011 5:51:45 GMT
And they're back! It's now quarter after one, so that was a quick circuit. It probably felt long enough in the hot sun, though. This was taken from my front gate: Hm. They seemed to have lost a few along the way. I don't see the tiny little old lady. The man in the green shirt at the end is not a straggler from the procession. I'm pretty sure he's hot-footing it to the store next door for a drink. Now it's almost 5:30 in the evening. People are arriving for the final Mass in honor of the Virgin. Meanwhile, the band sets up for the party. Look at the size of the speakers! This is directly in front of my house. It was a night of buzzing, rattling windows. The up side of the band being being so close was that the finale fireworks exploded right over my patio. There's more Christmas season, so if I capture anything good, I'll add it to this thread later.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2011 6:37:06 GMT
It's already stunning, but there are still 10 days to Christmas! ;D
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Post by tod2 on Dec 15, 2011 10:11:10 GMT
Bixa - I have been backwards and forwards several times over your intriguing photos and have a couple of questions and comments!
Reply #31 - " the girl in the brown skirt as she ran furiously chasing pigeons. From the clothing, I'd say these people are from Chiapas. "
I was fascinated by the skirts but more interested in that 'wand' the girl in red has in her hand. It almost looks African in its shape (But NOT of some kind of animal tail as would be the case) - then decorated with beads? Why would she be carrying it - except for chasing pigeons or a glorified fly swatter! ;D
Reply #37 - Here's Melissa! She is certainly cute with her impish grin! I can't help noticing how she is dressed ready for the North Pole - Does the temp. drop dramatically at night then?
Reply #46 - Who ever did the flower arrangements needs a medal - they are really beautiful! I notice the church looks as if it is still under construction. I spotted metal re-inforcing protruding from the outer walls, as if another lot of concrete fascade will eventually be added.
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Post by mickthecactus on Dec 15, 2011 14:52:27 GMT
Do you know, I think I could actually enjoy Christmas in Mexico (puts away bah humbug hat briefly).
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Post by mich64 on Dec 15, 2011 15:34:31 GMT
I agree with Mick, I could enjoy Navidad very nicely. I would love to have a little neighbor like Melissa! She must bring such joy to you some days, they do say the cutest things. My parents were over joyed when a new neighbor moved in a couple of years ago and there is an adorable little one named Emma that calls my dad Papa Bill and comes over and asks all kinds of questions, they love it!
My camera is now on charger, and as soon as I begin to feel like Christmas, I am going to take some pictures of our lovely city, as Kerouac hinted, it would be nice if some other posters would show there local activity. It is raining here today ( so unusual that is dampening my spirit ), Canadians NEED snow, they do not necessarily like it after the New Year, but for Christmas it is a necessity for the majority of us.
Thanks Bixa for all of these photos, they are really excellent! Cheers! Mich
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 15, 2011 18:03:49 GMT
It's already stunning, but there are still 10 days to Christmas! Thanks, Kerouac & point taken. I'm hoping to go see some of the Lady of Soledad celebration in Oaxaca on the 18th. She's the patroness of the city & I haven't enjoyed her feast day in years. She's the little statue dressed in black in #46. I was fascinated by the skirts but more interested in that 'wand' the girl in red has in her hand. Tod, it's impossible to tell from the photo, but from what I know of the kinds of things those vendors sell, I'm relatively certain that's a whole bunch of bracelets tied together. It's those woven tie-on bracelets young people wear. She's holding the opened ones with the strings hanging down. I can't help noticing how she is dressed ready for the North Pole - Does the temp. drop dramatically at night then? Yes, there's a huge temperature spread, especially at this time of year. Today, for instance, the high will be 82F/28C and the low 48F/9F. I've always been a wimp about cold, so I'm happy to be in a place where I'm not mocked for bundling up when the temperature plummets below 70F. Who ever did the flower arrangements needs a medal - they are really beautiful! I notice the church looks as if it is still under construction. Tod, I think you'd really enjoy this thread for the flowers. (& probably the other stuff, too): anyportinastorm.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=pictures&action=display&thread=1924&page=1Re: the church -- Ha! When I first moved here I said to a neighbor, "The church is brand new?" "Oh no", she replied, "it's been there for years." In my anglo culture way, I'd say slow down on the flowers & parties & pop for some nice plaster. Well, I wouldn't say it out loud. I think I could actually enjoy Christmas in Mexico (puts away bah humbug hat briefly). I know what you mean, Mick! For years I yearned for Christmas in Tibet, envisioning it as a place with no Christmas. But you know, it's so jolly here, not to mention that warm weather is a fine, fine thing. I am going to take some pictures of our lovely city, And after saying that, I answer Mich, who's dreaming of a white Christmas. ;D Mich, please -- it would be wonderful to see your city and with its halls decked, a special treat.
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Post by nycgirl on Dec 17, 2011 3:12:15 GMT
There are so many wonderful sights on this thread! I especially love the photos of the little ones in their finery. They are so adorable.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 18, 2011 18:53:07 GMT
Just wondering -- with so much freak weather around the world, has it ever frozen in Oaxaca?
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 18, 2011 21:04:49 GMT
Thanks so much, NYCGirl. Making this thread is fun & there will be more to it quite soon. Kerouac, according to this website, "...the highest and lowest temperatures recorded in the city of Oaxaca are 40.2º C (104.5º F) and 2ºC (35.6º F) - both one time events." I am getting ready to go walk the dog so she won't feel my absence when I trip off soon to check out what's going on with the festival of Oaxaca's patron, Our Lady of Solitude. After that I'm hoping to take in one of those laser shows on the front of the cathedral. Since I had to go downtown yesterday as well, I have a little backlog of pictures to show you all. Here are a few ~~ The big towers of equipment that will shine the light show onto the cathedral ~ That would be this-here cathedral ~ And this photo will be of interest to anyone who's ever attended an event in Oaxaca & looked down to see they're standing on a frayed electrical cable in a puddle of water. This is so upscale! The standard fabulousness of a 15th birthday celebration gown ~ The little girl saw me taking pictures & tugged on the birthday girl's gown. Then the galán whirled her around so they could pose. Doesn't this just get the blood ruching to your head? ;D Pigeons perching above their noble cousin ~ And I leave you with a typical shot from Oaxaca -- a standard line in front of a bank. There's much more to show from yesterday & I'm hoping to come back with some good stuff from today. ¡Hasta luego!
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Post by tod2 on Dec 19, 2011 8:06:23 GMT
I love the cute couple with her purple 'people-eater' ruched (blood to my head)dress ;D (available from McCalls patterns.... ) and mighty popular here! I think I like her beau's slicked back hair with a pulled forward quiff just as much! Very James Dean or even Elvis or Cliff Richard?
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Post by hwinpp on Dec 19, 2011 9:42:21 GMT
What are they lining up for? Why does nobody in your pictures wear a poncho or a sombrero? ;D ;D ;D
A day in the life of Bixa, wonderful!
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 19, 2011 18:47:35 GMT
Thanks, Tod -- I knew you'd get that!
HW, they're lining up because the banking system works with all the efficiency of cold molasses, meaning there are always customers backed up.
I believe I have some poncho/sombrero pictures from Sunday for you.
But first, we have to finish Saturday, December 17, which is what time it for purposes of this thread.
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Post by bixaorellana on Dec 19, 2011 18:49:04 GMT
Oh yeah ........ this also seems like a good place to intersperse a map of downtown Oaxaca for those who like that sort of thing. If you're not one of those people, just skip this next part. When I'm coming into town, I'm coming from over where the little distance indicator is on the map. I generally take a colectivo, which crosses the Periferico (ring road) & proceeds up 20 de Noviembre. I get out at the corner of 20 de Noviembre & Zaragoza and start walking north. When I refer to "the downtown market", I mean Mercado Juárez, clearly marked on the map. What is not marked is that it's really two market buildings, with another (the 20 de Noviembre market) directly south of the Juárez market. It occupies that block that says San Juan de Dios. The green square just north of those markets is the zócalo -- the city's main plaza. It's flanked on the south side by the Governmental Palace, which shows up in many of my pictures of the zócalo. It's those arches that have the huge protest posters on them. Immediately north of the zócalo is the cathedral, indicated by a red rectangle with a cross in it. That whole big space in front of it -- where the word "cathedral" is on the map -- is the Alameda, a big open plaza plus some parklike area. On the back side of the cathedral, you'll see a street marked Valdivieso. That street changes its name to Álcala a couple of blocks past the cathedral. This is the pedestrian street to which I refer so often. Going up Álcala, we'll come to the church of Santo Domingo & its plaza, clearly marked on the map. If you look at the little street named Gurrión on the south side of the church, that's the street where the wedding procession was dancing. The big green rectangle northeast of Sto. Domingo is Parque El Llano, with the church of Guadalupe on the north end of it. That's where we saw all the dressed up little boys & girls going earlier in this thread.
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