GirlGI | Girl Gone International Issue 9 | Page 22

Unmissable ruins To understand the richness of Zapotec and Mixtec cultures which dominated this region
before the Spanish conquest, Monte Albán will give
you a pretty good idea. The ruins overlook the valley
of Oaxaca city and feature pyramids, astronomy towers, a ball game court, and what some consider one of
the first medical libraries in human history.
Getting artsy Handcraft has survived years and still
remains the essence of Oaxacan people. You will find
workshops, art galleries, and small craft vendors virtually anywhere in and around the city. Some objects
to look for are the alebrijes (fantastic creatures made
from papier-mâché) and the traditional black pottery.