"They tore down our walls," Mono whispered, "stone by stone. A new church they built on the land they stole from us." These opening lines begin the verbal adventure of Sun and Moon. Written in Oaxaca, Mexico, between 1995 and 1999, the poems tell some of the tales of the voiceless, of the conquered, of the displaced, of the survivors, of the people who eat and sleep in the streets of Oaxaca, spinning their myths and legends and recalling their oral histories and memories. Sun and Moon traces the relationships between two civilizations, the indigenous and the conquerors, from the first contacts between Europeans and the people of the Oaxaca Valley up to the modern day interactions between locals and tourists. In these pages, some of the ancient ceremonies and beliefs, as described by indigenous people, are brought back to life in vivid images and colorful metaphors, so sharp, they can be grasped between the fingers and examined by the light of the sun by day and the moon by night. The multiple voices in the poems are those of human beings who, like the author, himself an émigré, find themselves in exile, lost, abandoned, and displaced. As the final character cries out in the final poem: "You do not worship at our sacred places ... you don't know even know the meaning of my name."

With rugged mountain ranges and stunning Pacific coastline, savory mole and smoky mezcal, Oaxaca is more than just a stop along the way: it's an adventure in itself. Stay a while with Moon Oaxaca. Inside you'll find: Strategic itineraries for backpackers, foodies, ecotourists, and more, whether you're spending ten days or just a weekend in Oaxaca The top activities and unique experiences: Spend a day strolling Oaxaca City's cobblestone streets and stopping in trendy cafes, mezcal shops, artisan cooperatives, and art galleries. Tour the Zapotec ruins of Monte Albán, trek the mountain paths of the Sierra Norte, or surf the world-class swells off Oaxaca's coast. Revel in the blur of parades, fireworks, and friendly locals inviting you to view their ofrendas (altars) during Oaxaca's legendary Day of the Dead celebration The best local flavors: Indulge in steamy pozole from a street stand, try traditional mole negro, or snack on fried grasshoppers. Visit a mezcal distillery to sample the smoky spirit and explore the fields of spiky agave, or satisfy your sweet tooth with a frothy espuma Local insight: Mexico City writer and former Oaxaca dweller Cody Copeland shares what inspires him about the region Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout Helpful background on the landscape, culture, history, and environment, plus tips on health and safety, how to get around, and a handy Spanish phrasebook With Moon's practical tips and local insight, you can experience the best of Oaxaca. Looking for más Mexico? Check out Moon Yucatán Peninsula, Moon San Miguel de Allende, or Moon Mexico City.

This full-color guide includes vibrant photos and helpful maps. Traveler and author Justin Henderson covers the best of Oaxaca, from bargaining at the Mercado Juárez to exploring the Castillo de Moctezuma Aztec pyramid. Henderson offers up unique trip strategies, including Best Beaches and Local Festivals & Native Markets, as well as experienced advice on where to go and what to see. Complete with information on sampling mezcal, Oaxaca's native liquor, and enjoying the vistas and fresh seafood of Puerto Ángel, Moon Oaxaca gives travelers the tools they need to create a more personal and memorable experience.