Pa diuxi, Benito Juarez

"Hello, Benito Juarez" in the native language of Zapotec.  Over the past day or so, we visited the weaving village of Teotitlan de Valle where we were given a lesson in dying and making rugs before being able to purchase some. I fell in love with one made from different shades of red (from the cochineal bug- one of my favorites- yes I have favorite bugs) that is covered with frogs.

The larger rugs take a month or more to make

This is from the beginning of the drive

A view from the walk UP to the Zocolo

Then we were off on an hour long drive up the mountains to the tiny, magical village of Benito Juarez (3000meters). Here we were greated by our guide, Luis, a 12 yr old working for the small ecotourism center. He works there three days a week when he is not in school and walks home up the mountain in the dark when the Center closes for the day. Despite how serious he looks in the picture, he was a charming boy with a warm smile whose face lit up when Carmen gave him her flashlight as a gift.  


Luis led us to our lodge where we found comfy beds and amazing views. After lunch of mole, the kids hiked up to the zipline where each took a thrill ride beyond what Six Flags could ever imagine. [Note: Carmen and I did climb far enough to make it to the zipline if we had taken the SHORT cut..but alas we climbed up the long way falling short of the goal of reaching the peak].

Luis, our guide, and Ms OB

A view from the hike

Equipo Watkinson!!! John, Phil, Will R, Nick, Dave and Abelardo (our new friend) formed a basketball team and entered the local basketball tournament. Little did we know that at this elevation with no flat land for a soccer field the entire town seemed to be expert bball players. While I have been sworn not to reveal the score, let's just say Coach D needs to add some high altitude training to the season!! Hearing the crowd cheer more for our guys than there own and hearing "Watkeeeson" blared over the loud speakers in the play by play was a thrill. Our guys nearly didn't make it to dinner due to exhaustion, but found the energy for one more game when Abelardo came to the Comedor to find them.

Playing at 3000meters

Equipo Watkinson- after the game...they are dying!!

The next day, we watched the festivities in the Zocolo (town square) honoring Benito Juarez's birthday. He was a famous Mexican President born locally of Zapotec origin. Passionate speeches by children, traditional dances, a rock-n-roll themed dance by school children and a girls basketball tournament (Watkinson should be recruiting here!!)- it seemed like the whole village came out to celebrate their heritage. After giving out tons a candy, a few books and a puzzle to local children, we headed down the mountain to Ocotlan where we will begin teaching English lessons to 5th and 6th graders in the morning.

The Rock-n-Roll part of the festivities