By Jane Bauer

“For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

Migration is the regular seasonal movement, often north and south, undertaken by many species of birds…. humans. It’s the time of year when friendly and familiar faces return to the warmer climate offered in Southern Mexico; trading snow-shovelling for snorkeling, winter stews for ceviches and hot toddies for cold beer. With more flights than ever before, it is sure to be a busy season with first-timers discovering the beauty the state of Oaxaca has to offer as well as regulars.

While many come down south to escape the cold temperatures up north, do not plan on just sitting on the beach with your Kindle. There are a variety of cultural experiences to be had while you are here; whether for a week, a month or if you are lucky enough for this to be your forever home.

This month our writers explored tourism; practical information about driving to Mexico, a helpful list of airlines and options for getting off the beaten track. Don’t miss the great music options on the coast this month; Amigos de la Musica kicks off the first concert of the season and there is the Mazunte Jazz Festival. For the 10th year this small village, which has recently been designated a Pueblo Magico, turns into a bustling mecca of live concerts, music workshops, yoga classes and community activities. For more information visit their website: http://www.mazuntejazz.com

If you are planning a longer stay in paradise, community involvement is a rewarding way to meet new people and learn more about Oaxacan culture. Events in the works for the upcoming season are a Christmas fair, a fun fair to raise money for Bacaanda, the Blues on the Beach concerts in support of Nuevo Amanecer and Rotary’s U2 library project.

If animals are your interest, Palmas Unidas has been setting up a booth at the Huatulco Organic Market for the puppies they rescue from the local dump; providing veterinary services and home placement.

A new event this season is the Encuentro de Cocineros at the park in Santa Cruz. The last Sunday of each month local cooks, chefs and restaurants donate food for a tasting. Tickets are sold to the public with all money going to a local charity. A delicious and fun way to get involved.

So think beyond the beach and you are sure to have a rewarding time this season.

See you next month,

Jane