Another day in Oaxaca, we went on a tour bus and they took us to a market in a nearby village. The veggies really looked good. Lots of people bargaining.

Lets make a deal.

Every town has a big church. This was just off the square rite next to  the market.

Next stop, hand weavers. Only women work here and run their shops.

Then on to a black pottery shop. All of this is done by hand, no wheel. They turn the pot by hand when it is sitting on a plate with another place under it.

This was a very nice demonstration. If you remember President Obama's daughter visited Mexico about a year ago. She was at this exact same shop. It was also visited by President Jimmy Carter and a whole list of famous people.

Here is Brooks looking for a bargain. The pictures in the background are of notable people that have visited this shop. We bought some pieces, and the prices were unbelievably cheap.

The patio at the hotel where we stayed in Oaxaca.

We met up with Ozwaldo and his wife again, they sell drinks at a smaller market in Oaxaca on Sat. and Sun.

Likely the best meal we had in Oaxaca, and of all places it was in the city market. It was delicious.

These machines are used for making mole. Oaxaca is famous for their mole.

This is a view from our 2nd hotel just outside of  Oaxaca. We were her for just one day.

Another view from the hotel upstairs patio.

This was the day of the dulce (sweets) After the mass, candy was thrown out to the crowd in front of the church.

This was a really nice hotel, it is Brooks and Mary's timeshare.

And here we go. We left Oaxaca for a 185 mile drive to Puerto Escondido on the beach. Seems like not too far don't it. Well eight hours later we got there. The road was a real treat. Lots!!!! of big mountains to go over and around. Crooked twisty road, but what a view. It was totally worth it!

We were wondering what was going on, turns out that it was a auction for cattle, sheep, goats Etc.

Getting higher up in the mountains. What a great view of the valley below.

This was some really rugged country.

They had a big rainstorm recently, we had to cross this wash out in the road. It was about 4 ft. deep. Mary says "everybody out" lighten the load. No problem, the little Toyota did it.

It looked worse than it was.

Nice waterfall in the mountains.

This was in a small village at the top of the mountains. It was kind of cool there, we were told it gets cold.

The village took on a European look. Maybe like the alps. Rumor has it that they grow magic mushrooms near this village and it attracts lots of tourists. We dis see some people there that were still living in the 60's

This drive gave us new meaning to the middle of nowhere.

Lots of bridges and rivers running out of the mountains.

Out of the big mountains. It was time to stop for a beer. These two girls were running a little store alongside of the road. Wow were they talkative, especially the small one. She wanted to know all about us. We really enjoyed their conversation and it was a great opportunity to practice spanish.

We made it!!!! This is the beach at Puerto Escondido. It is famous for surfing, surfers come from all over the world. The surf never lets up.

More pictures of Puerto Escondido in the next blog.

This crazy statue was made out of burlap and palm leaves. It's on the beach.