EXCERPTS
The following are excerpts posted in September 2006.
TRAVELER TALES
Two weeks ago one of our German students received an urgent message
insisting that she return home. She assessed the situation and
decided to stay. Personally, she said that she did not feel insecure
and wished to remain in Oaxaca for her entire two week stay. She
reported no problems and left without incident over the weekend.
MORE TALES
I have not experienced any anti-foreigner feeling and Oaxacans
continue to be as polite, helpful and kind as always. The protests
that take place and the roadblocks here -- now minimal --have
nothing to do with us. Our students second this and have found
the whole process interesting and enlightening - nobody has left
before their planned departure.
DAY OF THE DEAD
I think this will be one of the best Day
of the Dead celebrations in Oaxaca. The cemetery in Xoxo will
not be carpeted with tourist and in the city there will be many
humorous skeletons of our actual political leaders which might
illuminate evermore peaceful solutions to our present lives.
THE VALUE OF TRAVELERS
Oaxaca depends on travelers and Spanish language students contribute
to the economy and participate in the culture in ways that are
not fully appreciated.
ADVANTAGES
For tourists there are some definite advantages. You can get
great hotel rooms at discount. You can visit the archeological
sites practically by yourself as if you are the first explorer
discovering the ancient past.
The Spanish language schools have smaller classes than ever and
the conversation class about the day's events and politics stays
relevant past the bell. The pottery, woodcarving, and weaving
villages are loaded with wonderful folk art. Many master craftsmen
and women who are constantly sold out now have available abundant
work. Some tourist chose to ignore completely the political protest
that presently exists. They consider it a hassle. But others are
excited to witness the Mexican political history and find it a
bonus to be here.
COMPARING OAXACA TO OTHER PLACES
Last night I was talking with my friend and when we grumbled
about what we feel has been a distorted perspective on the violence
in Oaxaca she reminded me about what happened in New
Orleans last year. In the absence of police, looters went
on a rampage. What has happened in Oaxaca is insignificant. The
doors of La Mano Magica are open, just as ever, to the street
and I have no security guard standing in front.
MEDIA COVERAGE
Our staff is flabbergasted with the misleading information to
discourage visitors from coming to Oaxaca as it's an unreal description
to our normal life. There may be some streets closed off in the
city but that doesn't affect much in a normal visitors plan to
get around and enjoy themselves.
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