The Old And Worn Side Of Oaxaca

The Side That Touches My Heart Most Often

“Barred Window Storage” — Image by Author

Oaxaca de Juarez is a study of contrasts. The very old and the very new often sit side by side in this city. Though I love all things Oaxaca, it is the old and crumbling that draws my eye, and lens most often.

Metropolitan Oaxaca covers more than 35 square miles, with population of 750,000 inhabitants. It is one big, spread out city.

I have spent my time here in Oaxaca Centro and surrounding neighborhoods. I have only taken a taxi when moving from one location to another. I spend part of everyday walking throughout the city. Most days I average about three miles.

The broken plaster wall above reveals the mud brick structure. I see these rough surfaces throughout the city. This is the Oaxaca I have come to love.

“Mud Brick Wall” — Image by Author

This wall is next door to where I currently live. My building is three stories high and relatively modern. The white in the top of this photo is one side of the adjoining building, and is even newer than mine.

The facade facing the street looks very new and modern. That it sits next to this mud wall is astonishing to me…