Friday, January 9, 2009

Huatulco

Huatulco means "Land where a tree is worshiped", referring perhaps to the legend of Santa Cruz de Huatulco. When the Spanish explorers first came to the area, legend says the natives already had a large cross at the beach that they worshipped. Later adventurers thought the cross was provided by Satan, and tried unsuccessfully to hack it down and burn it down. But it resisted their efforts.

Looking to the left from the pier, one sees a simple uncluttered beach area, a welcoming site. The town itself is over the hill behind. Much of the hilly area around is excluded from development. The small church with the pink facade to the left is supposed to mark the spot of the original Santa Cruz de Huatulco.

That small church is a lovely open air structure that is inviting on a hot day.


Looking to the right from the pier, one sees a small marina.


Once ashore, we can see our ship parked at this Huatulco beach. Our ship only has an 8m draft, so it can use smaller harbors such as this.


I say cheese at the Huatulco beach.


Debby relaxes at the small square behind the beach front. The trees behind attract birds. I'll be back to capture their images.


Our walking tour group begins its hike from the beach to the town. Our guides are two women who are German expatriates.


Mobile advertising passes us, demonstrating attractions for the local circus or traveling zoo.


Huatulco is a planned community. The streets are wide, and half the area is reserved for parks. Here is a city monument in the median strip of the main boulevard from the beach to the town.


Our tour visits a local weaving business where hand weaving looms are used. We buy some hand-woven place mats, perhaps made on this pictured loom.


This is a display of trinkets also for sale in the store.


La Crucecita church and square are the main attractions of the walking tour.




Birds observed in the public square behind the beach include male and female Great-tailed Grackle, a Black-headed Tody-flycatcher, a Rufous-backed Robin, and an Orange-fronted (Half-moon) Conur (Parakeet).

Sailing from Huatulco harbor, one can see the mountainous state of Oaxaca rising in the distance. One day, I hope to return to explore and get many more bird images.

No comments: