Oaxaca .. Picturesque nature varying from deserts to forests and mountains got me in a birthday mood from day one .. Hierve El Agua completely blew my mind and soul - 360° of breathtaking paysage - and I was almost ready to finish all my journeys altogether right there and then.. Birds' and animals' loud concerts ignited every morning with liberating bliss .. Beautiful and gentle people, humbly connected to their roots and Earth made it easy falling in love with them head over feet in each and every interaction .. Observing smily and suave Oaxacan village women brought insights on a true feminine power that surely inspired much of plentiful local art .. Incredible architecture - from Zapotec and Mixtec to colonial - made this region a real attraction for aesthetic hunters .. Amazing colorful markets full of everything including everything offer the best food in Mexico among other diverse products of this poorest but culturally richest state .. And although I couldn't make myself take an actual bite of the popular way-too-organic-for-me snack Chapulines (grasshoppers), even after bravely placing it in my mouth, I also couldn't get enough of the remaining culinary abundance that came my way ( that cheese and tamales gave me extra power to walk back to the market again and again when I thought I couldn't walk no more). On my very last day I've discovered Pulque which became my favorite drink right away - it slightly reminds of Kombucha and is sold on the markets straight from the barrels ...
Following the intuition and some kind advises of the locals, I got to learn about traditional cotton and silk cultivation and weaving - directly from the sweetest indigenous craftsmen, who have been keeping the art of making rebozos on a backstrap and foot looms in small communities for many years. The coordination and concentration needed to make a seemingly simple shawl reminded me of the skills required from the most masterful dancers. I was very happy and honored to learn from these people and to have 20 Sanctuary Kaftans made by their golden hands. By now, when I finally have time to reflect on it, I only have 3 of these kaftans left - I guess love attracts love .. Or may be it's the fact that they keep you cool in the desert or Mediterranean summer climate as well as they keep you warm anywhere from New York to Paris. There are many more unexplored timeless weaving technics that call me back and I know will make the draping of the dresses follow smoothly every move - after all, they have been made by dancers.
This land got deep into my veins and is there to stay. I am sending all my love to wonderful people of Oaxaca and hope their challenges will pass very soon.
