In the Center of Oaxaca is Santo Domingo. I've seen some old churches in my day. When Conor and I went to France, we saw many, including Notre Dame. I've seen some in Ecuador, for example the Basilica in Quito (photos here and here, my children look so young!). However, I don't think I've seen a cathedral quite as splendid, adorned, and intricate as Santo Domingo. It took over 200 years to build it, and construction began in the 16th century. In the 90's it was restored. It's interior includes the use of more than 60,000 sheets of 23.5 karat gold leafing. It was mesmerizing. The ceilings and all the walls were so detailed and shiny! Even the smallest among us appreciated the magnitude of this cathedral. 

After we visited the Centro Cultural San Pablo (last week), we went next door to view the Textile Museum. I really, really love fabric. And I especially love the textiles of Latin America. I was wowed by them in Ecuador and I feel the same sense of awe here. I'm looking forward to going to a weaving place of some sort. I have a couple leads. I have a strong appreciation for the work that goes into the pieces that are made by hand. It's not uncommon to see someone embroidering while sitting in their little booth shop with other embroidered items for sale. So seeing this museum and seeing the indigo displays and the big weaving loom for children was really inspiring. A friend had said that maybe this museum would be boring for children, but I've instilled a love of fabric in textiles in my children and so they were thrilled to look at the different pieces. Holly has a very distinct idea of what she would like to buy while here. 

I'm so glad Maeve is napping again! What a relief. But, you know those naps kind of cut into exploration time. She naps in the warmest hours of the day (that's good!) and while she naps, Holly and Greta do some school work (also great!), but you know, there's a whole Mexican city out there that isn't going to explore itself. Our schedule right now is school, come home, eat something lunch-like, except for Conor and I who wait because... then we can eat yummier food later. Maeve naps and when she wakes up (any minute now please!) we hit the town! Considering we walk a lot each day (probably about 2 hours a day, minimum) that leaves only so much time to sight see. But it's okay! Spanish school has been so great and I'm learning a lot. Perhaps we will do school again next week. 

Yesterday we went to a city museum. There was an exhibit for children with books and some toys. It was so fun! There was also a beautiful patio space and on the walk down we bought paletas (popsicles). A good chunk of the center is being restored and was therefore out of use. However it sure was a beautiful space! The architecture is inspiring and in the basement of the building, viewable from above are ruins of tombs that are 6,000 years old! I had to double check on the number to ensure I understood! 

Earlier this week we ate lunch at the taco hall in the market, 20 de Noviembre. It was a fun and wild experience! Upon entering the hall, we were given a shallow basket. And then with the basket, we walked down the hallway with the intent of choosing a vendor to cook meat for us. How to choose? I have no idea, I made Conor do it while the girls and I waited at a table! Conor chose a place and while we waited for the meat to cook, we chose toppings and sides. Cucumber, guacamole (x2!) a spicy salsa and radishes. Our meat was brought to our table with tortillas and we assembled our tacos and ate them off of the purple paper shown in the photo. Man, it was a fun experience! The tacos were pretty good too! 

While we ate, many vendors came and tried to sell us things. One passed a toy to Maeve - a cat rattle with bells and Maeve would not let it go! And so we found ourselves paying 35 pesos for the toy! Maeve is not allowed to touch nada in the future!

Church was so good today! I loved it. Church is extremely humbling because I realize just out little I know of the Spanish language! It's tempting to feel like, why even try? But we are trying! And we are doing okay! We will get there one day. 

This afternoon, we tried to get Maeve to take a nap - no luck! And we learned that tortillas taste a million times better on the day they are made. Finally we threw in the towel and decided to get out of the house. I really wish we had a park and a playground nearby (that's something Ecuador did really well!) but we don't. We went to the children's library (free) and we loved the space. It's a short walk from our apartment and I picture us spending more afternoons there. We never saw one library with books in Ecuador so it was a real treat to find a place with lots of books, toys and space. The library also hosts events. We are excited to try to go to some! 

Mexico - So far so good!