Gloria & Laura

We had requested to do many things and we did them all. We dug clay in the mines, we baked the rocks in the sun, soaked them in water, sifted out the stones and roots , sifted some more, poured the clay out on a surface prepared with sand so that the clay could dry in the sun and then finally gathered it up into a ball to use for making pieces. The clay making experience is very interesting and a lot of work. Incredible to think that we just go to a store to buy it. Macrina thanked Mother Earth and Father Sun for providing her with what she needs to make her living. Macrina is an incredible teacher. She was patient, incredibly encouraging and helped us correct our mistakes. While we were making our pots, she spoke of her love for her mother and of her deep appreciation for all that her mother taught her.

We spent a very rich time with the extended family who speaks Zapotec and we ate all our meals here prepared by Amalia, a lovely and talented lady with a great sense of humor and a beautiful smile. We tasted many delicious dishes and learned how to make horchata, a rice drink, by hand on the metate. We ground the rice and cinnamon into a paste, added water and fresh nuts. Amalia always encouraged us to join her in the kitchen to sit around and drink hot chocolate or coffee or to eat a chicken soup prepared in a clay pot over an open fire.

This experience was truly an experience of a life time. It is worth noting that you do not need any experience to do this or you could be an experienced potter. We were dead beginners. In addition to all that I have described above, we visited people in the village and went to the market all dressed in traditional garb. The accommodations are very comfortable; a huge bedroom, a lovely patio with a hammock and a huge bathroom. We were welcomed with open arms and there was a sisterhood connection. We were very sad to leave.