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ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
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of Teotitlán del Valle. See how they make a deep red-purple dye from the Pan Con Madre or Boulenc, mushroom pate from Suculenta, chocolate
cochineal insect that burrows in cactus, or a deep indigo from the anil from Mama Pácha.
shrub. Or, forage for mushrooms in the Sierra Norte after hiking the forest Last but not least, drink mezcal. If there were a national spirit of Oaxaca
that is rich with wild orchids, vibrant mosses, and larger-than-you agaves. it would be mezcal, a distilled alcoholic beverage not unlike tequila, also
Discover the designers, makers and vibrant creative culture. Some made from the agave plant. Originating in Oaxaca, “mezcal” is a Nahuatl
are making things just as they have been done for centuries, and some are mexicalli word that means “oven-cooked agave.” You can drink mezcal in
modernizing deep-seated traditions to create entirely new expressions. town, or you can travel with Mezcounting (mezcounting.com), who runs
Here are a few of my favorites - you can travel to their stores from your rural artisanal gastronomic tours throughout Oaxaca, and sip it amongst
homes: Paz Home (candles hand dipped in 100% beeswax and natural the agaves with the artisans who make it. Why not both.
dyes, pazhome.com; Lanii (gifts and artisanal crafts, lanii.com.mx); and, And, as an extra a bonus, be inspired at IAGO (Oaxacan Graphic
colectivo 1050 (artisanal ceramics, 1050grados.com). Art Institute), a one-of-kind art library created by Oaxaca’s beloved artist,
Picnic on top of the world at the petrified cascades and mineral Francisco Toledo. The library’s entrance is free. Settle in, pick any book.
pools of Hierve el Agua. Take with you… homemade sourdough from Sit in the courtyard. Collect new stories. 

EXCLUSIVE MARCO BICEGO BOUTIQUES:

ATHENS | 20, Voukourestiou str. | Tel +30 210 3636900
MYKONOS | 35, Akti Kambani | Tel +30 22890 26777
SUPPORT THE LOCAL PEOPLE RETHYMNO | 148, Arcadiou str, | Tel +30 28310 20404
Oaxaca is its people. The generous keepers of all these wonderful things they are so happy to share with you.