El Proyecto Oaxaca
Testimonials
"I am thankful for the chance to practice my Spanish and learn how to talk with more Native Americans."
Check out Hartman's reflection here:
https://www.culturalsurvival.org/news/most-native-americans-speak-spanish
"I feel like I got to do all the things that I might have done on a regular tourist trip, saw all the sights, and Yarima and Luis were of course fantastic guides. But then I also got experiences that I never would have gotten to go traveling with anyone else. And those were the things that are going to stay with me the most. The day we visited the school was the best day. Everything about it, from the marble factory to the school, to Fidel's museum. Seeing how kids and teachers interacted, their interest in the papermaking demonstration, how Hartman lit them up. How Fidel learned from Aba, and immediately instructed the kids.
It was a slice of daily life, and we got to see what people are like, how they behave, with each other and with visitors. When traveling for such a brief length of time, it's not always easy to get such an experience. I'm glad I got it. Likewise, the visit to the candlemaking and weaving workshop in Teotitlan del Valle. That was great. The presentation was very informative, and very professional. They clearly get a lot of visitors. But visiting Luis Enrique was something else entirely. How he shared his knowledge and his passions with us. His fascination with the animals he portrayed. His hospitality, how he made sure every one of us got stretched! didn't leave anyone out. How he went shopping for a non-alcoholic drink, when I declined a beer. That reminded me of the hospitality I encountered all the time in Ghana. Then sitting with Magdalena as she painted, as maybe unexpected guests. It's always special to be welcomed into someone's home." - John
"Landing at Oaxaca International Airport, I was immediately struck by the city's palpable sense of community. Unlike the polished, often superficial interactions found in more commercialized destinations, the people here engaged with genuine warmth and openness. Settling into my Airbnb, I felt right at home. The cozy space perfectly mirrored the city’s vibrant yet homely atmosphere. That evening, we indulged in a sumptuous dinner, savoring the rich, complex flavors of various moles—a culinary delight that set the tone for the days to come.
One of the highlights was moving to an enchanting Airbnb hosted by the renowned Lila Downs. This transition marked the beginning of deeper educational encounters with local professionals. Our hosts introduced us to indigenous traditions, where objects held profound identities. The spicy chicken mole was a standout, a dish so robust and flavorful that it left an indelible mark on my palate.
Our visit to the ancient ruins of Monte Alban was awe-inspiring. The expansive site, nestled in the embrace of nature, spoke volumes of a civilization long past. The weathered stones narrated tales of traditions and beliefs etched into the annals of time. Later, we ventured into the world of Alebrijes—a craft where imagination knew no bounds. Watching a master painter create beautiful art and learning to replicate one of the owner's favorite animals, the cat, was a unique experience. The magic of black pottery, where the clay transformed from a humble brown to a lustrous black, showcased the region’s rich artistic heritage.
Another unforgettable experience was our excursion to the serene HIERVE EL AGUA springs. The ethereal beauty of the springs was breathtaking, and the ancient stories whispered by the nearby ruins of Mitla added to the sense of wonder. We marveled at a 2500-year-old tree, a silent witness to countless generations, and explored the local market where the flavors of street food danced on our tongues.
One of the most enchanting parts of the trip was traveling through the misty, aromatic roads of the Sierra Norte. The pine-scented air led us to a quaint town, home to a fourth generation woodturner. There, I relished freshly ground coffee and purchased a spinning top that whisked me back to the innocence of childhood. A hike through the lush landscape was nothing short of magical, every moment worth the effort. The day ended in a colorful town where we met wise women healers, their knowledge a tapestry of tradition and natural wisdom.
Each of these experiences, from the rich flavors of the mole to the serene beauty of HIERVE EL AGUA and the artisanal mastery found throughout Oaxaca, left a lasting impression on my heart. This trip was more than just a vacation; it was an exploration of humanity in its most genuine form, a testament to the enduring spirit of community and culture." - Ritesh
"On my first day in Oaxaca, I found a woman selling bread on the street, just like they do in Ghana, so I felt at home. I enjoyed the trip and found many similarities to my spiritual home which is Ghana. The Mexican people are friendly and helpful. I’m sure that like people every place they have challenges but for the public they smile. I did not find the stereotypes about danger
and food illnesses anytime during my visit. As a vegetarian, I found everyone trying to accommodate my needs.
My focus was to experience the indigenous arts and I had the pleasure of sharing a brief but fun afternoon of paper making with some school children. Even their principal and teachers participated. If I were able to go back, I would like to teach some more of the crafts that I teach to the children in Ghana. And my fantasy would be to have an exchange program with some adult artisans in Ghana and Oaxaca. There are many reasons to like Oaxaca. The weather, although a bit hot, the beauty and festive atmosphere of all the cities, the opportunities to spend a lot of time outside and the never-ending parade of festivals. The contrast with the US is so stark when returning through Dallas-Fort Worth Airport where people are cutting lines, agents are unpleasant and very few people look happy.
I enjoyed our journey through Oaxaca. I think Raj did a good job offering a variety of experiences and I am truly impressed with how much she accomplished in such a short time. I wish everyone involved in the cultural exchange project success in their collaboration." - Aba