Saturday: a march and a stroll

Saturday morning, I got up early and went for a run to "El Llano". There I found a beautiful park with fountains, trees and other runners! It was so nice that I decided to come back later that day when I could sit and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere away from all the touristic energy in the Zocalo and Alameda. There, I saw two middle (secondaria) school bands. One played a little while and then had their band photo taken. The other put on a concert.
This park is also where the "Marcha Calenda" started. The "Marcha Calenda" is Oaxaca's sexual diversity march. As a matter of fact, this is their first one! There have been lots of parades and marches while I've been here. I've probably seen about five and heard a least that many more from my hotel. One was a school celebration. One was a protest. This one was different. It was very special for me. When the "Marcha Calenda" played Celia Cruz's "La Vida es una Carnival" 9see video below), my eyes got a little misty. I love that song, and now it has even more meaning for me.
I was so proud to witness Oaxaca's first Pridefest!

That evening, I had dinner with Cliff and Jodi. Jodi will be the guide for the next ISE tour, which begins this coming week. Jodi is a teacher in Minnesota and I met her at the ISE workshop earlier this year. She has been very helpful! By the way, we ate at the restaurant Casa de la Abuela, and I had chicken mole. It was delicious! After dinner, we strolled around town. Cliff introduced us to the kids and families that he's met through his work at the center. We also stood for a while and enjoyed a folk dance presentation in front of the Santo Domingo church at sunset. (below) The music, dancing and view were simply wonderful! It was one of those simple moments that just make a vacation special.