Clarification: Purpose of this trip

I am going to photograph the city and the surrounding ruins and then, will hopefully be doing a platinum/palladium portfolio to show to galleries here in Santa Fe.

This is just about a once in a lifetime chance that I get to take. So I am taking it.

My passport has arrived. My bank account is being worked on. The tickets have been bought.

I can't wait to go.

Wish me luck.

Food....lots of food

I've been doing a lot of reading and apparently Oaxaca is a mecca for great food.

Fried grasshoppers are served everywhere from street corner vendors to the finest restaurants. YUM.

I've also been told to avoid mayonaise and most other things that might have been in the sun too long.

But, on a serious note, there are lots of cooking classes and schools and I am thinking this might be fun.

Time frame

I will be leaving Santa Fe on May 26 and will be returning on June 26.

A full month!!!!

I've been advised not to ship anything there so a couple of Mexican photographers are helping me with supplies and contacts.

One has put me in touch with the director of the Manual Alvarez Bravo museum and photography center. This should give me access to a darkroom while there. This could also give me access to the entire archive.

The other photographer will be getting me the film developing chemicals that I will need.

I am very fortunate.

More later. Time to dream.

Map of Mexico

This is to give you an idea where I will be. Check the lower right hand corner.

Preparation

The list is rather large.

I am taking my Hasselblad kit with 3 lenses.

I am taking 170 rolls of b&w film and 30 rolls color.

One enormous suitcase (la maleta).

And since I just found out that Oaxaca gets 6 inches of rain (on average) in the month of June, I will be buying some gortex sneakers and a rain jacket.

I also just found out that there is a darkroom to use at the Manuel Alvarez Bravo museum/gallery. Yippee.

The apartment I am renting has a laundry service so my list of clothing is rather small.

Did I mention yet how excited I am?

Expatriates in Oaxaca

I've made contact with some retired Americans who live in Oaxaca.

Apparently the place I am staying at will be just fine.

They've offered advice and opinions about the neighborhood, jalatlaco, and what is going on around there.

As for the distance to the zocolo, I've gotten everything from 10 to 25 minutes via walking.

No matter, I am really looking forward to my trip.

41 days until I go

Well, the plan is set. I've got my plane ticket and I've got my apartment rented.

I cannot wait...