Oaxaca Storytelling/Writing/Personal Quest
Retreat and Cultural Tour

March 27-April 2, 2011

Space is available for Jim May’s Oaxaca (Mexico) annual retreat for storytellers, teachers, writers, artists, human service professionals, people in transition, and anyone interested in Mexican culture and in examining their own life’s path in light of the wisdom derived from world mythology and the record of one’s own life experiences and stories.

 “Oaxaca is The folk art center of Mexico”
--New York Times

Oaxaca is a 17th century Spanish Colonial City and is considered to be THE clearinghouse for indigenous art in Mexico with its many markets, galleries and museums inspired by Oaxaca’s rich, unique, indigenous culture. Workshop participants will examine their own life journeys in light of cultural influences, traditional stories and mythic symbols and archetypes. The juxtaposition of time for telling and listening to stories, reflecting, writing, sketching, discussing...and participation in the rich cultural and mythological mosaic that is Oaxaca, provides a potential for powerful creative insight — how do our lives reflect the great myths, rituals, and artwork of antiquity?

What creative work might result from this connection with four thousand years of a culture so steeped in myth, symbolism, and ritual?

The class meets Mon, March 27th—Friday, April 2nd : 9am --1pm (see note below regarding possible art class option on Saturday, April 2nd) at Casa Colonial, a beautiful, restored court-yarded estate in the center of Oaxaca City and the #1 rated B+B in the City. The rest of each afternoon and evening is free for optional activities: visiting ruins, museums, restaurants (some world class), meeting folk artists in the surrounding villages, taking Spanish and cooking classes, drumming classes, etc… on a “pay as you go” basis.  Jim May and his wife, Nan Seidler, will organize an excursion each afternoon. Of course, there is always the afternoon option of resting at the Casa, perhaps while visiting with friends on the lovely verandas. All organized tours originate from the front door of Casa Colonial for your convenience (van or taxi transport) and are very reasonably priced.

The Casa is located in the heart of the church and market section and contains a lush gardened courtyard, an extensive English Language library, and is a virtual living museum of folk art and local cultural life.

The Casa has been owned by a family from Oregon for more than twenty years and they are very deferential to the needs of visitors from the U.S. in terms of the wonderful food served, and the quality of the rooms and drinking water. Our host, Jane Robison, and hotel managers know all the best doctors and dentists in town, as well. In the past we have had very good medical and dental service, some on a “house call” basis when necessary.

The staff is extraordinary. Theresa, our cook, has been with the Casa for 25 years; other staff over 20. They receive a good wage, scholarship fund for their children and medical benefits.

It is best to FLY IN no later than Sunday, March 27. Fly out no sooner than Friday afternoon (late), April 1. Jim’s wife, Nan Seidler, is considering leading an arts workshop* on Saturday the 2nd, contact Jim or Nan if interested and take this into consideration in your travel plans. Some rooms are available immediately prior to March 27th and after April 2nd, BUT CONTACT JIM MAY OR CASA COLONIAL ASAP if you wish to extend your stay before or after the retreat dates!

Workshop cost is $545 (add $50 for Nan Seidler art class). Deduct $100 if you are an “alum” of this retreat. Spouses, friends or traveling companions who are not taking the morning workshop but will attend afternoon excursions will be charged a $50 activity fee for the week.

Room rates range from approximately $40 (single, shared bath) to approximately  $55 per person per day for a double occupancy room with private bath, approx $60 for private single room with private bath (See Casa Colonial website for current room details as they may update). All room fees include a large, multi-course breakfast each day and late dinner (cena) on the night of arrival. Other meals can be purchased at the Casa or meals can be taken at the plethora of inexpensive restaurants and street stands.

Add air travel: Round trips from Chicago are running approximately $600 (as of Aug 15th )—round trip flights from Houston $232 (Aug 15th). Flying through Mexico City and connecting there has sometimes saved folks money in the past. It is about a $7 -- 15 min taxi ride from airport to the front door of the Casa.

 For more info contact Jim May at 815-648-2039 or maystory@earthlink.net.