Paige R. Penland

One of the best guide books I have read so far. The book lacks colorful photos, but the author does exactly what I want for a good travel journalist to do: reveal favorites. So you will find lists of all the museums that you can visit in Oaxaca, for example, but the author will freely tell you which ones she thinks are not-to-be-missed. This is particularly helpful in places like Oaxaca where a museum's content mught sound lame or uninteresting but the space (the building, etc) may hold some very interesting history, scenary, architecture, etc. It is also useful in choosing which of the 20some markets are most enticing to see, to confirm that street food is nothing to worry about, and to plan a nice outline (also suggested by the author) for a 1-week visit, whether it be in town and around or by the beach. The websites listed are well organized, usually the most comprehensive and useful ones highlighted. The advice on food, lodging, transportation is exactly many things we have heard from our friends who live in Oaxaca and people who are from Oaxaca and Mexico. All in all, a very well-written, often humorous, and insightful guide. This is the first time I feel like I will actually pay attention to the author when I get my next travel guide!… (meer)