¡Que bonita ciudad!

Oaxaca is Colonial City with beautiful cobblestone streets in the city core. We were not prepared for the array of colorful buildings.
On Sunday the streets were amazingly quiet, with few cars. The people were mostly congregated around the Zocolo, enjoying the band, the cafe scene and the people watching. We found out in class today, that fewer people actually live in the central city area today, as opposed to the past. Like most U.S. cities, families have migrated to the suburbs, leaving the city core full of mostly businesses. It was actually a bit sad to see this, as most Mexican cities we have visited had lively urban communities. Hopefully this trend will reverse soon, as is occurring in other metropolitan areas around the world. Our Oaxacan family actually lives very close to the central core, just outside of the major traffic loop that circles the city. Our house is a brisk 20 minute walk to the school and the Zocolo. At the rate we are enjoying Sylvia's cooking, it is a good thing we have a wee walk once or twice a day.