A journey to Oaxaca is destined to become a visual overload.  Although it may suddenly catch you off-guard, you should still prepare accordingly.   This visual feast begins, literally, the moment you crest the hill of Cerro del Fortin, seeing for the first time the city center laid out down below.  Generally speaking, with expectations come disappointments.  Rest assured this rule does not apply to Oaxaca. 

Chances are great that you’ll purchase your first alebrije, those amazing creatures of Oaxaca, before you ever make it to your hotel room.  That’s a bad move.  You’ve just fallen under the spell of those wild eyes of color.  You’re now rushing to the hotel room, checking in and dumping your travel bags on the bed, racing back out the door to where your Oaxacan journey officially begins.  

Before you know it, you’ll have spent hours searching for pieces of wood, carved mostly from the copal tree, that have been transformed into magic:  personal visions of color expressed by the wood carvers of Oaxaca.  Throw in a margarita or three, crisp evening air - the city sits at over 5,000’ elevation - and the laid back pace that only a Mexican city can offer, and you’ll understand why your next trip to Oaxaca is already taking shape; even though you’re still on day one of this trip.

For the ultimate in your Oaxacan travels, consider visiting one of the wood carving villages.  Plan to spend at least a day in each village.  You are officially on Mexican time, so leave your watch behind.  Time spent with these carvers will give you a greater appreciation and a better understanding of their art.   

These wood sculptures range in size from a tiny ladybug to 6’ tall giraffes, from rude and crude to exquisitely fine-lined paint detail, from multiple pieces of wood to a single, spectacularly carved piece. Wildly popular, thanks in part to a published piece in Smithsonian Magazine back in the early ’90’s, these carvings are perhaps more distinctly associated with Mexican folk art than any other medium.  Whether for the home or office, your folk art collection is incomplete without the alebrije.  

Enjoy the journey.