In the Mountains of Oaxaca

When I was in Oaxaca earlier in the year, I met a woman, who became a friend. Besides being an acupuncturist, Jessica organizes women's retreats. When this one was announced to coincide with Dia de Muertos (as it's called in Oaxaca), I knew I had to come. The retreat itself was held in the mountains, out of cell and wifi reach, so we were really out in the wilderness. Someday, I will write about how deep this experience was for me, but for now, I will just share some photos. 

Jessica Grotfeldt, retreat organizer. An amazing woman who really takes care of you.

Note to self: Take more photos of the process - not just the food, not just the pretty things, but try to capture the feelings, the anticipation, the excitement. After breakfast, we loaded up and then were on our way. As a participant in a foreign county, I had no idea even what direction we were going in, but now, months later, thanks to the gps identifiers on photos taken, I saw our route. 

We met at Villa Verde Oaxaca, a small hotel/hostel in the Jalatlaco Barrio of Oaxaca City. This is my view from my room.

Breakfast where we all met. Beginning a week of clean eating - totally vegetarian! (if not vegan - don't know, though)

We started our journey (according to my iPhone info) in San Pablo Huitzo, north of Oaxaca City. There, we experienced the temezcal (or sweat lodge). Photo by Laura.

Greetings!

My room

The living room with much-appreciated fireplace!

When I awoke the next morning, this is the scene. It was so striking and peaceful.

Altar set up in eating/gathering space.

Music workshop

Some images from around our cabin. This beautiful mushroom I'm told is deadly. By the third day, we had seen a pattern in the weather (to that point). It would be clear in the morning, and then rain in the afternoon. We decided to do a morning hike. Good call. This was our only day we got to go out to the forest, as the weather got worse and worse. Not complaining. 

Magdalena - beautiful songstress

Jessica - our lovely leader

Candy skull workshop to remember loved ones.

A feature of iPhone camera - long exposure using Live Photo.

Candle meditation

Art-making workshop

I did not capture photos of everything, this collection is just a hint of the awesome experience with these women.