Mornings in Oaxaca: A Photo Diary and Travelgram with ATAXITO

When traveling, I often like to get up with the sun and explore Centro, just as the city is starting to rouse from its slumber. Most tourists are still in bed, while locals are starting to venture out on errands while the sun (and the day's) heat is still low. These early excursions are often when I capture some of my favorite photos of Oaxaca's visual detail, in the quietude and slow pace of a city not yet awake.

Setting out with a few pesos and my iPhone in my pocket, I have a very loose itinerary. It consists solely of letting my feet and curiosity guide me. No Google maps involved.

My favorite local coffee shop is brewing its first café, while the neighborhood children make their way to school in neatly pressed uniforms. Plaza de la Danza sits empty except for a solitary man sitting straw hat in hand, enjoying the shade before he heads out to his next destination. The local bus makes its lumbering climb up Calle de Manuel Sabino Crespo, kicking up dust and dropping a handful of commuters at the corner, who head down the hill towards work and daytime responsibilities.

Soon the day will shake off it's last yawn, and downtown Oaxaca will feel transformed. But for now, I luxuriate in the quiet good mornings shared on sidewalks (buen dìa, señora) with smiles amongst those of us in the know. It's going to be a good day indeed. It seems every day in Oaxaca shares this characteristic.

Here's a photo diary from one recent morning—a travelgram (and love letter) to mornings in Oaxaca, one of my favorite times of day.

Comments