Walking tour of Oaxaca, and more protests!

Ruth planned out a nice walking tour for us yesterday and we ended up doing almost 8 kms (5 miles). The route took us on the north side of town which is a little newer and seems a little more well to do than the central area or the south side of Oaxaca.

First, our route took us by the old aqueduct. They only stopped using it about 50 years ago when it was replaced by iron pipes.

The Xochimilco Arches. Construction was finished in 1751!

Then it was on to the Seven Regions Fountain which is surrounded by seven statues representing the different regions of the state of Oaxaca. The building in the background used to be a convent, but is now part of the medical department at the university.

The dude on top of the fountain!

Next stop was a fancy beer store! This place had beers from all over the world including microbreweries in Mexico. I was actually expecting a little more of a bar atmosphere and I thought there would have been a bit more ambiance where you could sit and try a beer or two. I didn't even ask prices because I'm pretty sure they aren't geared towards the average local! I'll stick with the local Victoria beer!

Beers from around the world.

The protesters allowed the grocery stores to be open today, so we went in and did some shopping.

No, we did not buy this for supper! But we did think it was kinda funny!

Walking back towards the central area, we found the main road blocked. Oh, oh...who's protesting today?

Turns out it was the students protesting this time! I guess students learn from their teacher's example, don't they? I'm sorry, but I couldn't live here. The constant disruption would drive me crazy. Good thing we didn't try to drive anywhere yesterday...the side streets were a nightmare with traffic trying to go the wrong way down one way streets. Oh well, we were walking. Next stop, the Museum at the Santo Domingo Cultural Center. We paid the 57 pesos ($4.73) entry fee each and carried on to the displays. Found it very confusing getting around in there, but I think we manged to see everything we wanted to.

The courtyard of the museum.

The best room for us was the treasures found in tomb 7 from the Monte Alban ruins.

These two items are only about 4" high.

I don't understand how they made such detailed stuff  800 or so years ago!

Ruth, admiring the view of the botanical gardens. We didn't go to the gardens because the only way to see them is a two hour walking tour and it's kind of expensive.

We finished at the museum and walked back to the apartments. There were more people than normal out walking because I guess by now word was out that the main drag was closed by the protesters.

This section is for pedestrians only anyhow, but there are more of them out than normal. You can see the traffic backed up further on though.

 We have plans of going to the Hievre de Agua area and the giant Tule tree today, so hopefully we won't encounter any protesters today!