Oaxaca

We had one thing on our mind when we arrived in Oaxaca. And although we knew it was a region where we could learn and discover new things, we had a mechanical issue that was our priority. We were having difficulties starting up our van and we needed help from a mechanic to continue.

Oaxaca is one of the biggest states in Mexico. It is arguably one of the states with the richest culture and an exquisite gastronomy. Another thing that makes this state standout are the people, the majority of Oaxacans are very welcoming, friendly and fighters for their rights. 

Our Arrival

When we arrived in Oaxaca, we didn’t have a clue about what was awaiting us. We had heard it was state with a rich indigenous heritage, local traditions and ancestral medicinal practices. However, we didn’t have any contacts with people who could connect us to any of these things.

Without a clear plan, we arrived in the city and stayed the first days with a friend we met over Couchsurfing and with whom we got to know the historical city center. We were very anxious though because every morning it was extremely difficult to turn on our van. We finally realized, after failing to solve the problem ourselves, that we needed a mechanic. This is always a big challenge when you are traveling and don’t know anybody. We hoped to find an honest mechanic with the right skills since our van is a little complicated.

We tried to get references for a mechanic through people we met, traveler’s apps and the internet, but only found a diesel suspension shop which we didn’t need but here comes the interesting part. Thanks to another shop they recommended, we found a great mechanic (Tracto-Diesel) where things turned out much better for us and our time in Oaxaca became unforgettable.

The Mechanic Shop

We had to navigate the crazy streets of Oaxaca to find the correct shop since we only received verbal instructions on how to get there. On our way, one of the tanks started overflowing massively. We were making an enormous mess in the middle of the street. Thankfully, one of the workers (Jonas) who came out to help us. At that moment we noticed that our 2 tanks were mixing into one, and as you now, one of the tanks has used vegetable oil and this was making it extremely difficult to turn the van on when the motor was cold.

We talked to the owner of the shop, Mr. Jesus, who quickly understood the mechanisms of our veggie oil van and began examining the issue. On our trip, whenever we have to spend time at a mechanic shop it feels like wasting time. Our van is our home and we can’t leave it alone in the hands of someone we don’t know so we always stay with our van the entire time it is at a shop. We even sleep in it at the shop, if necessary, which in this case it was. However, this time, Jesus and his family gave us an incredible life lesson and hospitality that we still remember and cherish greatly.

Staying at the Mechanic Shop

The family told us we could stay in our van at the shop until it was ready and they even let us use all the amenities available, a bathroom, a shower, and access to Wi-Fi. They even lovingly invited us to eat with their family on more than one occasion. Everything felt perfect. After not knowing how Oaxaca was going to turn out for us, we were already getting to know a local family and they were welcoming us like part of their own.

We spent a lot of time with them, telling them about our trip, getting to know their son Fernando who we became good friends with us and growing a significant friendship with the family. Our time at the mechanic shop ended up being extremely enjoyable because of our time with Jesus´s family. Thanks to them we also got to know one of the pueblos mágicos (magical towns) of Oaxaca called “Capulalpan de Mendez”.

Capulalpan

We arrived at the picturesque town of Capulalpan where Fernando’s grandparents welcomed us to their home. Again, their hospitality was unforgettable. We also learned a lot about the extended family’s exemplifier leadership in the community. They narrated for us how a few years back a group of organized women were able to kick out a mining company who was putting at risk their source of clean water and destroying the local natural resources.

Through Fernando’s grandparents we also met a women led cooperative of natural medicinal practices. We were able to be present at the inauguration and get to know some of the women who were fundamental in the creation of this project. One of these women, Paula, welcomed us in her home and we  spend time with her and her family on a second visit to Capulalpan. During these 2 days she shared with us her experience as a curandera (healer) and we also did a beautiful hike through the Sierra de Juarez learning about the variety of wild mushrooms.

The same week we were in Capulalpan, there was the Guelaguetza festival where the 8 regions of Oaxaca preformed their traditional dances. It is a state wide cultural festival that is very renown in the whole country. In this case, it was a smaller Guetlaguetza, as the main event takes place in the capital of Oaxaca. Even so, it was a very rich cultural experience as we learned some of the many local traditions from the different regions.

All of this took place during the first part of our time in Oaxaca, as part of the journey of unforgettable experiences and opportunities that Camino Casamel takes us on.

- Johanna S. & Aidan A.

• Mechanic Problems Mechanic Problems
• Guelaguetza in Capulalpan Guelaguetza in Capulalpan
• Monte Alban Ruins Monte Alban Ruins
• Inauguration Ceremony Inauguration Ceremony
• Capulalpan Church Capulalpan Church
• Aquino Family Aquino Family
• Wild mushroom lunch Wild mushroom lunch
• Santo Domingo Temple Santo Domingo Temple
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