Remember our dear friend Apolonia, who modeled in the Resort’12 and the Resort’13 Lizzie Fortunato lookbooks? Well we’ve been dying to visit her in Mexico City for ages and were delighted to make it down to see her this April.
Me, Apolonia, and kathryn outside of Frida Kahlo’s home, Caza Azul, in Mexico City
We began our trip by hitting the road to Oaxaca, about 5 1/2 hours from Mexico City. The colonial city in the Southwestern part of the country is known for it’s textiles (an instant draw!) and is filled with museums, churches, pre-Colombian ruins and incredible markets.
We stayed at Hotel Azul, a boutique hotel in the city center with cool, shaded walkways and a tranquil courtyard.
Views of Hotel Azul including it’s sublime courtyard // Apolonia and I in front of one of the hotel’s beautiful blue walls
Minimalist rooms, fresh juices at breakfast, and a cactus-lined roof deck added to the appeal of this lovely spot:
Images of Hotel Azul in Oaxaca all via: https://www.tablethotels.com
In Oaxaca, we spent so much time at the Mercado de Artesanias, shopping for textiles, sandals and baskets and browsing the magnificent selection of flowers, spices, and delicacies. I could have stayed for days!
We also loved the Museo Textil de Oaxaca and its adjoining store. I was mesmerized by all the antique huipils on display at the museum, and equally obsessed with the building itself – sleek wood, stone and steel that beautifully blended old and new:
Images of the Museo Textil de Oaxaca
If you find yourself in Oaxaca, you must get outside of the city center to visit Monte Alban, extraordinary pre-Columbian ruins that reminded me of Machu Picchu.
The archeological site was founded around 500 BC, making it one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica. It features plazas, ball courts, ceremonial structures and carved monuments, and is absolutely astounding.
Some other must-stops in Oaxaca? La Mezcaloteca (worth a visit for its beautiful dark bar, even if you’re not a mezcal drinker), Remigio Mestas Revilla’s beautiful textile store Los Baules de Juana Cata, La Biznaga for lunch, and Ex Convento de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a stunning church that dates to 1570 and features extraordinary gold inlay on its walls and ceiling.
Till next time Oaxaca. We can’t wait to return.
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