Why I am moving to Oaxaca Mexico

There are many reasons I am moving to Oaxaca Mexico. Love of Mexico, and love of the City and State of Oaxaca is the simple explanation, and I feel I've loved that area ever since first visiting in the mid-1960's. Returning there early this year confirmed my love of the area, and got me seriously thinking of making it my home. This is set to become reality by mid-January, 2017.

If you are not familiar with Oaxaca City, here are some of the things that appeal to me about both the city and the surrounding area: It's an ancient area, with continuous occupation going back thousands of years, and retains not only ruins of past civilizations, but traditions and lifestyles as well. Particularly I enjoy the rug weavers of the nearby Teotitlan del Valle, which claims to be one of the world's oldest continually occupied cities, with archeological evidence going back 7000 years. Rug weaving traditions stretch back a good part of those milleniums, and supports a thriving tourist trade today, with rugs from hand spun, hand dyed wool. Plants and insects used for dying are either gathered, or raised on the farms that most weaving families keep. 

An opportunity that I fully plan to take advantage of is offered on AirBnB, to live and participate in the daily routine of such a family. You can check it out for yourself, HERE.  

Here's a photo of a rug I purchased in Teotitlan del Valle earlier this year, held up by the weaver of the rug. 

Part of my attraction to the area? This 80+ year old woman is typical of weavers in the area, and they have the sweetest faces I think I've ever seen! They must be doing something right!

Yarn! Not only does Teotitlan de Valle have wonderfully sweet weavers, but many also sell their hand dyed, hand spun yarns. It's my favorite yarn I've ever work with, and I'll be really happy to have it readily available nearby.

Then there is the FOOD!  I'm ready for a change in diet. Here in Asheville I'm spending an absurd amount of money for a high protein, largely organic diet that doesn't seem to be working for me the way it did a couple of years ago. 

Oaxaca is known for it's food, which is both varied and exotic. Papayas! If you only eaten papayas from USA supermarkets, you don't really know what a papaya is! My favorite food, right up there with avocados. Oaxaca is one of those rare areas in the world, in fact the ONLY area I know of, where a variety of avocados grow. All around Oaxaca is a number of micro climates, each with it's own unique food crops. Oaxaca is also the only place outside of New Mexico USA where I've seen blue corn tortillas used in restaurant offerings. In fact, at least to start off with, I'll be living right above a restaurant that offers blue corn tacos, La Pozoleria. I'll be posting much more about Oaxacan food once I actually get to Oaxaca and start feasting! Expect many tantalizing photos. 

I really consider taking in a foreign culture almost the best educational experience a person can have, especially combined with learning the language. The State of Oaxaca is unusually culturally rich, with thirteen distinct indigenous languages spoken, from cultures that go back thousands of years. The city of Oaxaca is the center of trade for these many distinct groups, and has a long history that I hope to absorb while living there. Right now I'm reading a book, Social Inequality in Oaxaca, a history of resistance and change. It presents quite a long history of many conquests of the area, and many recoveries where the prevailing long standing traditions, foods, and trading practices return after each conqueror leaves. I hope to spend much time reading such books once I start my new life in Oaxaca, Oaxaca!  Also, the view from my front window takes in a school, a twice weekly market, and the town's main church! Village life merges into city suburbs. I think it's all going to be highly interesting. 

An obvious reason for moving to Mexico is economics. I'll actually be able to live, and live quite well, on my otherwise meager Social Security income. I live well now, by my rather minimalistic standards anyway. But to move away from my income I've been making weaving and selling Ojos de Dios, and staying in Asheville, would involve considerable government assistance beyond my SS income, and a headache in paperwork. I'm more or less psychologically incapable of filling out monthly ............ just forget it!  The most painful part of my life was migraine headaches connected with Jr. High homework, and I think ever since I've had a huge mental block when it comes to putting pen to paper and filling in answers. If I ever do move back to the USA, I'll have to find someone who can do that kind of chore for me! I know my limits with such things! Anyway, in Mexico, paperwork demands are very minimal. Problems of rent, food, doctor appointments, are all solved by handing over Mexican Pesos, which, if all goes well, will continue to be readily available by visits to local ATM machines.  And did I mention that my rent includes once a week cleanings by a maid that has much the same look as the above pictured weaver? Well it does, as do many other local rentals. And if I want this sweet faced maid to come twice weekly, that can easily be arranged, at a price that I'm sure would be within my budget. When an American moves to Mexico, he's expected to contribute to the local economy by hiring help. When I lived in Mexico before, way back in the 1960's, I avoided doing so, but this time I'll be much better off economically, and will more than make up for my previous failures to hire. 

The climate!  I don't do well with cold winter weather. Right now the forecast for the upcoming ten days in Asheville includes a low of 24 F, and a high of 58. Oaxaca's ten day forecast: a high of 85 F, and a low of 51.  OK, in April and May it's going to get hot, and when the rains come in June and July, there's going to be a lot of insects to deal with. I never stayed in Mexico for those months, but with Oaxaca at one mile high altitude, and nearby mountains to escape into that go much higher, I think I'll be fine. Ask me again in a few months. Generally I do much much better dealing with heat rather than dealing with cold. 

My biggest concern in moving to Oaxaca? Having to find all new friends.  However, there is hiking groups to join, an English Language Library, and my ability to attract people with my Ojos de Dios artwork. I'm very much looking forward to developing a whole new batch of amigos. Meanwhile, I've got Skype, facebook, etc to keep track of all those currently in my mind and heart. The wonders of the internet! I can have friends all over the world. 

People have asked me if I'm leaving the country because of the current USA political disaster ... er, situation. At the time I planned this move, I was assuming that Hillary Clinton, who I saw as at least having the potential to be a reasonable president, was going to become the new "leader of the free world." At this time, though, I have to admit, it will be something of a relief to head out of a country where so many voters remotely, possibly, could think that Donald Trump is presidential material. I have to admit I haven't taken a close look at Mexican politics. I find it very unlikely though, that my upcoming life in Oaxaca will be much affected by decisions and personalities of  Mexican politicians. And yes, I'll be very happy to take a step back from my current obsession with American politics.

Peace and Love to All,
Jay