March04_2010

Botanical Glossary - Home - References Cited

Photos - L-R - Also at the northern edge of Oaxaca is the local gas station "Pe Mex" Gas stations are all owned by the state. There are no gas price wars and no customer gouging. Everyone knows how much they have to pay for fuel and the service is the same everywhere. Only problem is; there are too few gas stations around, but they are logically situated along highways usually within comfortable distances of each other for travelers while on the road. These are the offices for Oaxaca City and the main building has the automotive parts shop as well.

A three-wheeled delivery bike at the Central de Abastos in down town Oaxaca. You can see these bikes in the streets of Oaxaca, always ladened with huge and seemingly unmanageable loads by a young Mexican lad who wrangles the load from place to place.

A Highway snack vendor at the northern edge of Oaxaca City. These places are always competitively priced, and sales persons are usually cheerful and helpful to tourists. If you know a little bit of Spanish and need directions, these folks are patient, understanding and helpful.

Photos - Outside the eastern entrance to Central de Abastos Market in Oaxaca City. The sprawling Central de Abastos Market (also called 'Central de Abasto' by some) is located about 20 blocks southwest of the Zócalo and across the street from the second class bus station. Be forewarned. This market overwhelms the senses and is as inspiring as it is chaotic.

The Abasto(s) market was created in 1974 to lessen traffic around the 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juárez markets. There is talk of moving the market, but so far the plans are still in the indefinite future.

If you do not like crowds, this is simply not the place to go. The market is open every day and active days are Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Word to the wise, budget time for a quality visit and be on the lookout for pickpockets!

Photos - L-R - So many interesting sights to see within the market place. I could spend days going up and down the isles looking at produce, or galvanized containers such as this display that has a wide variety of nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds). Definitely caters to bulk food buyers.

Life in the market place is also interesting. Children often are left unattended while their mother works a booth in the market place, and father is left at home tending the farm. This young child is playing in the middle of the main walkway, totally unafraid of being stepped on by passers by.

A basket shop - great for folks that like to touchy-feely products and perhaps give a quick test drive before buying. Prices are good, usually fair. When prices appear to be too high for my liking, I have tried to barter. Unfortunately I didn't know enough Spanish to hold a captivating conversation so I was always stuck with the ticket price. I am told that if a person knows enough Spanish, they can do a bit of dickering. I still have a choice though: Take it, or leave it!

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