Category Archives: July 2014
Editor’s Letter
“Everything you can imagine is real” Pablo Picasso
The Oaxacan coast is filled with wonder and magic. This fairytale-like quality took me by surprise when I first moved, in 1997, to the village of Mazunte. It was much quieter than it is now and I rented a cabaña on the beach for less than 100 USD a month- no electricity and the floor was sand, but the view was glorious. I spent my days swimming and my nights reading by candlelight. When reading by candlelight started to strain my eyes, I would walk across the field of the elementary school, where there was a bare bulb I could turn on and lie on one of the pews to read. Continue reading Editor’s Letter
Origin of the term ‘Gringo’
By Julie Etra
It does not come from soldiers signing ‘Green Grow the Rushes O’ during the Mexican-American War (1846-48), or from Panamanians urging our soldiers in green uniforms to go home during the canal uprisings, in 1903 when the US established the exclusive Canal Zone or in 1964 when the Panamanians demanded that their flag be flown in the Zone. The chronology does not work. Continue reading Origin of the term ‘Gringo’
Beyond the Beach: Hagia Sofia
By Brooke Gazer
The organic gardens of Hagia Sofia offer a remarkable contrast to Huatulco’s sun and sand environment. Located about ½ hr. from the airport and well into the mountains, the temperature can be considerably cooler and with the help of irrigation it is green year round. This sustainable agro-ecological development has some 30,000 plants and trees in addition to hosting a broad range of butterflies, birds and other wildlife. Continue reading Beyond the Beach: Hagia Sofia
En Route to The Beach: 24 Hours in the City of Oaxaca
By Alvin Starkman, M.A., J.D.
It’s one of the most frequently asked questions about Oaxaca, the UNESCO World Heritage Site: “I’m flying into Oaxaca City on the way to the beach (usually Puerto Escondido or Huatulco), and will be there for only a day, so what should I see?” The answer is straightforward enough, but the sand, sun and surf crowd doesn’t want to hear it: “You’re making a big mistake only spending 24 hours in Oaxaca, so change your itinerary.” But there’s a secondary, substantive reply for the unmoved: “Pack the most noteworthy sights into a single day.” Continue reading En Route to The Beach: 24 Hours in the City of Oaxaca
San Agustinillo: One Main Road and a Spectacular Beach
By Carole Reedy
Although the distances between pueblos are short when measured in kilometers or hours, a visitor traveling the Oaxacan Coast and touring villages from Puerto Escondido to Huatulco will feel diverse emotions and can anticipate a variety of unique experiences. Continue reading San Agustinillo: One Main Road and a Spectacular Beach
3 Must-Do Activities
By Leigh Morrow
I roll the taxi window down and let the warm, humid air blow across my face, the road straightens through the lush flat farmland growing mangoes and papayas and then winds upwards towards the coast. My first glimpse of the water is always a welcoming sign. Almost home again. Just 45 mins north from the Huatulco Airport, the small seaside communities of Ventanilla, Mazunte and San Agustinillo shine like diamonds along the Oaxacan coast. Three years ago we took the leap, having fallen head over heels in love with the area, and built a home in San Agustinillo. This quaint coastal village with it’s picture perfect bay and warm wide golden beaches is safe, warm and inviting. If you are searching for a tranquil vacation with just enough amenities to satisfy your cappuccino cravings or a cool handmade Italian Gelado midday, then San Agustinillo is waiting for you. Continue reading 3 Must-Do Activities
The Coastal Lagoons of Oaxaca by Day and Night
By Marcia Chaiken and Jan Chaiken
The coastal lagoons of Oaxaca are hidden treasures. Many people drive along the coast highway with no destinations in mind other than towns or beaches. But in fact some fascinating lagoons lie a relatively short distance off the main road. Continue reading The Coastal Lagoons of Oaxaca by Day and Night
The Knife Sharpener
By Steve Botorhoff
Knife sharpeners are a fixture in all Mexican cities and towns. You have probably heard their bells or whistles as they come through your neighborhood, and perhaps you have had them sharpen your knives. Their services are cheap and efficient, but they can rarely duplicate the sharpness of a knife when it was new. With a little knowledge and some inexpensive equipment you can improve the local sharpener’s work to like-new sharpness in your home. Continue reading The Knife Sharpener
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