The Zocalos found in most Mexican cities are more than just the town’s main square, it’s a vibrant hub where everyone socializes, conducts business and simply lay about to watch the world go by.  In our travels through three Central Mexico cities, we’ve constantly gravitated to each city’s Zocalo, and our last day in Oaxaca is no different.  See and be seen at the Zocalo in Oaxaca with today’s photos.

The relaxing town of Oaxaca, about 165 miles southeast of Puebla, has an eclectic mix of local culinary treats. With only two days to spend in this vibrant city, we went on a local food binge that filled our stomachs to the brim. From grasshoppers to chocolate to mezcal, give your taste buds a lickin’ with these photos…

Our decision to visit Oaxaca was not by coincidence; its reputation preceded it. I had grown up knowing only the name of this place thanks to a poster in my friend’s living room. I spent many a bleary-eyed morning, after a late night Sega Genisis filled sleepover, trying to imagine how to pronounce that first syllable—O-a…x? (”wah,” as it turns out)  More recently it was the teacher protests and subsequent shutdown of the city in 2006 that brought the town to my attention. And then I heard about the culinary treats that one might find on the quiet streets of this town. Since our arrival 24-hours ago, Thushan and I have spent as much time as possible eating, tasting, and sipping our way from one end of town to the other.
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Our near smooth trip hit its first snag today – fortunately it was minor. Making it to the bus station for our trip to Oaxaca with barely a couple minutes to spare, we were oblivious to the signs pointing to departures. Instead we bullheadedly ran to the area where we arrived in Puebla. No dice – departures left from a different area of the station. By the time we made it to the right gate, we had already missed the bus… Catch your bus to Oaxaca in today’s photo gallery.