End of the Line

 

I always make a point of taking an early morning walk to the old rail station and train yard in Oaxaca. It's a walk that I only contemplate doing towards the end of our stay. It starts with a fifteen minute climb up to Crespo, and then a long gentle decent to the west end of town. It usually takes about forty minutes or so, and it a nice way to start a Sunday. 

 

I don't have much history on the train yard in Oaxaca to share with you. Wikipedia is way out of date. I have a friend who's a native of Oaxaca, Tere, who remembers taking a passenger train to and from Mexico City as a youth, and supposedly freight was still being delivered by rail until about 2015. The tracks going southeast from the station were being torn up when I first came to town in 2012, and the old line to Santa Maria Tule is now a well used bike trail.

This must have been a busy terminal, there are many tracks in the large switch yard, a very old water tank to top of steam locomotives, a large repair shed, machine shops, and a good sized freight depot. The passenger terminal is spacious and well detailed. The passenger terminal has now been lovingly restored and is used as a children's museum, exhibition space, and library. The freight depot has been repurposed for activities, workshops, and gardens.

Like anything in Oaxaca that is standing still, it usually ends up as a canvas for one of the many talent artists in the community. In addition to being a home to stray dogs, it's large scale gallery. Enough words, enjoy the photos.

 

 

 

Those are not bullet holes, but an info graphic plotting elevations at milage markers

 It was a brutally hot week in town, with afternoon temperatures approaching 100 degrees. Oaxaca City is at 17 degrees north, and with clear skies the sun can be pretty intense. Less walking for me, and mostly spending time on the shady sides of the streets. Here's a few photos from the week:

Left in the  aftermath of International Women's Day was a lot of graffiti and broken glass

Infrastructure week in Oaxaca

I think Oaxaca is unique in celebrating Good Samaritan's day, and complementary cooling beverages are served in places all over the city.

This driver can now drive distraction free

Closing thought's

Our time here is drawing to a close. It's been a wonderful trip, and we've enjoyed the many moments spent with friends, and as always, the people of Oaxaca have been wonderful, gracious hosts. There are many problems that need to be addressed, and we hope for the best, and look forward to many more happy visits.

Mucho Gracious!