Mexico tips that missed the mark

I was disturbed by “To Market, to Market in Oaxaca” [Nov. 14]. It was a primer in bad planning and having a poor disposition for traveling.

Oaxaca, Mexico, is one of the most magical places I have visited, a beautiful colonial city with great historical and archeological sites. The Juarez Market, which writer Kevin Brass refers to as “Wal-Mart,” is a treasure chest of food, crafts and everyday necessities. Each time I go there I am lost in the sights, sounds and aromas. He seemed to miss all this.

The Saturday Mercado Asbastos is one of the most amazing in Mexico. Its aisles of crafts, flowers, produce and food are filled with sights and sounds that I can spend hours exploring. I cannot believe that the author found it so uninteresting.

Market days in the villages around Oaxaca are a great insight into the vibrancy and culture of Oaxaca and Mexico. I am sorry that Brass got involved with tours. It is easy to obtain transportation to the towns around Oaxaca. He would have had a better time if he had taken a bus or taxi or hired a driver, all very easy to do in Oaxaca.

In Teotitlan, he missed one of the best restaurants in Mexico -- Tlamanalli, at 39 Avenida Juarez in the center of town, which serves lunch only from 1 to 5 p.m. The town also has a very beautiful church.

Brass’ article may deter others from traveling to Oaxaca, but it only made me never to want to travel with the Brasses. I hope you will continue to offer articles that are interesting and informative. This was neither.

Robin Mitchell

Santa Monica