With one day to explore Oaxaca before leaving to Huatulco, we head off on foot to see the Centro. The sun shines warmly on our faces as we begin our exploration. Oaxaca is a very walkable city and beautiful. The warm colors of Mexico – pinks, yellows, and blues – are everywhere. The bougainvillea bloom in brilliant reds and purples as it climbs up the ancient walls.

Shops are open for business. Everyone you pass greets you with a ‘Buenos dias.’ Smiles are as abundant as the blooms of the bougainvillea.

Within a matter of minutes, we arrive at the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman.

The Church of Santo Domingo de Guzman stands proudly above the palm-lined cobblestone streets. A beautiful agave garden greets you as you make your way towards the towering carved wooden doors. Under the palms next to the church, we spot several taxis. Luckily one is a large SUV. Needing a ride to the airport in the morning with room for all of our luggage, we quickly negotiate a price and time. Even better our driver lives next to the owner of our hotel and knows exactly where to find us. We arrange a time for pick up. With an ‘adios y buen dia’ our explorations continue.

Just a couple blocks away is the Plaza de la Constitucion, the center of Oaxaca…and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. The third of its name as large earthquakes destroyed the first two in the 16th and 18th centuries.

Around the plazas of Mexico there is always a church or cathedral. The church comes first and then the plaza builds up around it. For centuries the Church has been the center of life for many Mexican families.

No matter what day or time, I have never entered a church without seeing at least one person sitting in a pew worshipping or gazing at the beauty that surrounds them. I instantly feel a sense of peace upon entering. No matter the temperature outside, the air is always cool and quiet. Out of respect for the Mexican culture, make sure that you are wearing long pants. Exposed knees or shoulders are seen as a sign of disrespect.

We decide to mull around the plaza and take in as much of the architecture, museums, and shops that we can for one day. With so many restaurants to choose from, we choose the one with the most people and outside tables. We want to experience all the activity going on around us.

As we wait for our waiter, a little girl approaches and offers to sell us some hand-made jewelry. With a polite ‘no gracias’, she’s off to the next table. I watch as the couple sitting there engage her in conversation and invite her to sit with them. They order her an agua fresco – water with fresh fruit juice.

As they talk, I can tell that they are asking her about her life and then order her something to eat. Oh how I wish I knew the language already. I am so curious about their conversation. She is enjoying all the attention and smiles and chatters away about her day. Or so I imagine. Soon she finishes up and scampers off to continue her rounds around the plaza in hopes to sell the rest of her jewelry. 

We watch as across from us a woman with a gigantic mix of colorful balloons offers one to each child that passes by. With pleas to their parents, some of the lucky ones convince their parents to buy them one. They smile as the senora hands them the bouncing balloons. Their smiles are contagious as they continue on their way.

In the center of the plaza stands a beautiful gazebo or Art Nouveau kiosk. Trees surround it and the center serves as a stage for musicians and events. Families and tourist are walking around or sitting on the concrete benches that surround the trees throughout the plaza. We eat our meal and speak very little as we are lost in the scenery that surrounds us.

What a vibrant city!

Finishing our lunch, and with no particular direction in mind, we head down the cobble stone streets away from the plaza. In a couple of blocks, we come upon another square full of college students engaged in a group exercise session in the courtyard of yet another cathedral. Modern day life against the backdrop of history.

Leaving the students behind, we head up the hills that surround the city. We follow the cobblestone streets that wind back and forth among the brightly painted homes. We hit the top and look out to see the city stretching across the valley below just as the sun starts to set.

Time to head back down. Thankfully, we find a little market or abarrote that sells water so we take a little break and enjoy our accomplishments before heading back to the hotel.

Our flight leaves early and we need to be there two hours prior. Our driver will meet us at the hotel at the break of dawn to take us to the airport.

Everywhere we’ve been we’ve been fortunate to find people that guide us or help us in our travels. Whether it is finding the right taxi driver that has an SUV and speaks English to the bellman that knows that fabulous restaurant that you won’t find in any guide book…

Another of the wonderful things about Mexico…everyone is so kind and helpful.

Although we only had one day in Oaxaca, we already anticipate our return to this colorful city. Next stop…Bahias de Huatulco!