Author: David Taylor

   I had breakfast then went to Starbucks and had another breakfast while searching for Chocolate to bring.

 I thought he was just joking but when I returned for the Noon start of my first SMA Domino’s game I saw FOUR boxes of those Roko Akor or whatever.  Rich large hunks of Chocolate loaded with crisp nuggat filling. We had five of us guys..Richard, Don, David, Bob, myself and two French ladies Genvieve and Jacquie I think.  We sat according to the draw of the Domino’s.  I was in between Richard and Jacquie.  It was a great group of fun 65 and older…mostly over 70 except for me and Jacquie.
    We played until around 2:30-3 pm when Don broke out trays of meat and cheese for sandwiches with his homemade Bread and Butter Pickles and bread for sandwiches.  There was a large bowl of fresh fruit consisting of Papaya, Pineapple, Mangoes, Grapes, and Bananas.  I was doing good until the last couple games I fell way behind but Richard was last which gave me a quiet inner satisfaction.  It seemed the two ladies were in the lead.  We had shared a joint or two before eating so the Chocolate was offered when we started the second half of the game.
     A few more joints went around the table and I was starting to have a hard time concentrating on Domino’s.  The repartee going around the table was mostly directed at Richard with his occasional remarks.  When asked why he was taking so long he replied something like it is a philosophy of mine.  Jacquie queried “You have a Philosophy” and her and I started laughing and we couldn’t stop.  It went on like that until the end.  Richard took it with good humor.  Though I placed second to last, Richard placed last though it was only by a few points.  Genevieve won with Jacquie second and we all enjoyed a really, really delightful fun afternoon.

WOW…WHAT THE FUCK IS BOB LOOKIN AT…I THOUGHT RICHARD WAS WIERD…HEY DON’T THE LADIES LOOK GOOD!

     Still hungry I offered the other David a drink if he would join me at BERLIN for dinner.  He had the steak and I the Bratwurst.  The meal was excellent and we got back around 8 pm so I could get to bed early for my 10 am bus ride to Mexico City.

    I was up by 8 am and woke abruptly in a cold shower.  I had my usual, fruit, All Bran and yogurt before bidding Don goodbye.  I caught a Taxi right away and was at the Bus Station by 8:45.  I took a nap on the bus.  The bus had to take a detour because of construction so we didn’t arrive until around 5 pm.  Mexico has stands in all the airports and bus stations that you have to stand in line in to get a ticket for a Taxi.

 Then there is a line of these “assistants” that take your bag, then you follow them to the line of taxi’s waiting outside.  They open the door for you, you tip them and then you give the ticket to the driver and takes you to your destination.  Why you can’t just go out and get in a taxi is beyond me!  The station was the Central Station North so the taxi ride into the center took almost an hour in the traffic.  My room was waiting and the Hotel had full occupancy.  I went out for Sushi and Beer then retired early.
       I had a nice leisurely breakfast at Starbucks then sat around the hotel room playing on my computer while finishing my coffee.

Check out time had a taxi waiting and I was at the airport for a 6 hour wait.  It was boring but I was in Oaxaca that evening around 8 when I got to my condo. Felt good to be back but my body didn’t.  I think I caught something.?
   

    I called my tenants Monday afternoon to discuss their early departure.  I was a little worried and wanted assurance they desired to return next year before I made any rental commitments back in Oaxaca for the next trip.  Don, my tenant said it was a financial problem caused by a large prior claim with the health insurance company that was now being denied.  The Insurance company wants more verification ASAP or requires them to pay 60% of the total costs.  They want to get back and make appointments with all the doctors to get written verification from them before any liens get put against them.  I too want to get back in order to make all my appointments with the doctors.  They will take my car for a spin to make sure the battery is OK and leave the cash for the cable bill. I will tear up their last month’s rent and if all goes well we will do this all over again starting in October this year.  I couldn’t ask for better tenants.

DRUM AND BUGLE CORP IN BENITO JUAREZ PARK

     I’m going to try and make BERLIN early for dinner tonight or maybe I’ll try a Russian place I discovered. I spent a few hours at Starbucks getting caught up then found the Russian place for Borch and Hot Chocolate.

 Met a lady there that said the place would never make it yet it was good.  I was attracted by the Russian Orthodox church poster from Tallin Estonia…I have been there and was hoping to meet the owner of the restaurant to find out where she was from.  Sad but I think the place will fold. This customer had been to Iraq, Russia, Turkey etc.  Meeting a lot of well traveled and well off people.  Funny they all come to Mexico to live.  It’s the climate.
    I went home just as it started to rain.  Mild rain.  Got a taxi then relaxed while the maid cleaned my room then rested a short time.  When I got ready to leave the rain increased.  I took a taxi to BERLIN.  Henry from Dover N.H. and Susan from Gloucester Mass arrived.  I offered to move over so they could sit together at the bar but Susan sat on my right and Henry on my left.  They said they get along better that way.  She was full Irish as her parents and grandparents came to Gloucester to fish.  Henry had traveled the world and lived all over the US.  They were in there 70’s and in love. Great humor between them and wonderful people.  Henry introduced her to Mexico and she fell in love with it.  They come now every winter.  I had a fantastic Meatloaf and Mash Potatoes with salad then headed up the street to a new place called Tapas.

       Now it was raining more but I walked.  I had a glass of wine at the bar and a Chocolate Truffle to go with it and complement my wonderful meal at BERLIN.  The bartender practiced his English on me.  A young man that won a scholarship to Santiago Spain where the pilgrimage takes place every year.  He will attend the University there.  He is so excited.  Brad..an arrogant drunk from Austin Texas sat near and started bragging about the only place in the world was here because of the weather and because he lived here.  He was some mucky muck artist that loved himself.

 I left.  It was now a river outside when I luckily got a taxi directly home.  David and Don were there and later Walt came in from dancing the Flamingo at a local bar and restaurant.  I figured why Flamingo is so popular after he explained.  It’s like Dirty Dancing with strange exotic women anywhere you go in the world. Makes sense to me.  So after Don and I discussed our radiation treatment for Prostate cancer and our “lost” libido, I retired to find both the cats in my bed.  Don and I both agreed our world had changed and we were not tethered to sex anymore.  Other things became more prevalent…like Dominoes, reading, Cats, etc.  We both miss our sex life but have new horizons…and at this age it is not an issue.  Don also informed me that if I wanted to play Dominoes tomorrow with the group . it was required to bring some Chocolate to share….to be continued.

    A short one hour plus bus ride on the Premier Bus with Movies and Wi Fi included in the $10 bus ride.  Nice country.  Reminded me of Southern California.  I hopped another bus to the Centro Historic area of the City after arrival.  We meandered through a maze of underground tunnels.  Some people exited in the tunnel and walked up the stairway to where ever?  I waited until we surfaced and was close to the center then exited and backtracked to a hotel that looked reasonable.  There was a Welcome Penn State sign on the front desk!  Yes, they were there for a travel trip or something.  I noticed them all around the area…you just knew they were Happy Valley people.

     I unpacked and headed out taking pictures for about 2 hours until my battery ran dead.  I returned, took a nap, replaced the battery and headed out for Saturday night in Guanajuato.  It was great.  I’ll let the pictures tell the story.  Early that evening I returned to my Casa De Aqua and turned in early.

WEDDING PARTY LOOKING FOR BATHROOM AT DOMINOS

THE TUNA OF GUANAJUATO

FRESH HOT BREAD

FLOWERS

THE OPERA HOUSE

    Sunday I was out the door to watch a women’s marathon race. It was World Women’s Day.    THE WOMEN OF OAXACA.   The city was mapped out for the race and it appeared women from all over were participating.  Also Children and a lone Father with his son.

 Later I checked out then visited the Cathedral and the Teatro Juarez.  Now it’s time to catch the return bus to San Miguel De Allende…after a nice lunch!

       Our bus departed on time and I took another to Centro San Miguel De Allende after arriving at the station.  I should have taken a taxi as that fancy lunch was causing severe discomfort and I still had to walk a ways to my room.  To be safe,I took a taxi.  I arrived, freshened up, relieved myself and was off for dinner at BERLIN.  They were full so walked up to the Jardin to pass some time before returning.  The Cuba Fest was in full swing in the plaza with a dance contest and Cuban dance troupe following.

 The sun was setting and so was I.  Returning to BERLIN I discovered it was busier.  Sunday night and a lot of restaurants were closed including my second choice which was a nice TAPAS and Wine bar.
      I walked to Hecho en Mexico and sat at the bar where all the waiters dropped off the dirty glasses to be washed.  It was almost 10 minutes before the bartenders acknowledged me with a glass of wine.  10 more minutes before they offered me a menu…20 minutes before my Chicken Soup arrived…but I ordered the Cheese and Fruit platter to go with the wine??  10 more minutes and the platter for 4 arrived with my second glass of wine.  When I was full , half the order was still there so I packed it up and was the LAST customer out of the restaurant.  Outside was a large group of individuals trying to get a taxi back to their respective hotels.  I started walking and finally caught one to return me home where I discovered there was no Hot water or heat because the gas ran out over the weekend and the gas man couldn’t come until Monday morning.  I froze and was in and out of bed, thanks to my lovely lunch before leaving Guanajuato.  I slept late.  Too cold to get out of bed.
The gas man arrived and after breakfast I had a nice hot shower.  I managed to do some laundry at the same time.
      When I left the house the weather was now warmed up to 68%, sunny and pleasant.  I spent the morning at Starbucks…one of the nicest…before returning to relax before trying BERLIN again…or maybe I’ll try a Russian place I’ve been curious about.  I’ll let you know in the last installment before I return to Oaxaca.

        I stopped at Starbucks this morning. One of the best I’ve visited.  I sat near a gentleman from NYC who was absorbed in his Kindle.  He inquired about my Sun magazine when I started reading.  He and his wife have been coming to SMA for 9 years.  They tried a year in Oaxaca but were turned off by the protestors and almost missed their return flight because of a protest that blocked off the airport. They are going to Keywest next year where it is flat and they can ride bicyles.

      Jim from Rochester stopped in for his morning Starbucks fix.  They had took the bus to Delores Hidalgo one day but didn’t have much to say about it.  We agreed that if I’m in Rochester this summer lunch together was certain.

      The Mayan Dancers, over 100 of them were marching to the Jardin to dance around the square.  I had lunch nearby and when I returned home for Seista they were still dancing after an hour and a half.  Beautiful costumes if you call them that.INDIANS DANCING
      I’m off to see the movie Birdman today. The Theater is so nice.  You can visit with others in the nice waiting area while having a drink before the movie starts. Everyone has a reserved seat so there is no standing in line or rush to get a seat. The doors open at starting time, people sit down, they pass out popcorn to everyone and the Movie starts. A lady that travels and lives all over Asia introduced herself and we chatted about her times in India, Tibet, Japan, and Nepal.  The movie was interesting but hard to figure out what was real and what wasn’t.  Good acting but I’ll take Elsa and Fred before Birdman any day.

       I returned to BERLIN for some Baked Brie and small salad to start. Then I had the Lamb Chops Special…which was’nt…and Roasted Veggies.  Finished off with a Chocolate Souffle and Ice Cream, Royal Porto and decafe.  A lovely Panamanian lady from Chicago sat on my left.  Her husband sent her down to SMA to get warm.  Her mother was going to join her later.  She wants to move to Oaxaca next year. To my right was a man from Seattle joined by a lady from Vancouver BC.  They both lived in SMA for quite some time.  She had 12 birds, 5 dogs and I think a couple cats. They got a table for dinner and a nice French couple from Normandy replaced them.  Francois and Ana had been to Scottsdale and played golf at Troon. They had visited Oaxaca and said they loved it and hoped to return next year. David joined me just before we left.  He is the world traveler that has lived in SMA for over 12 years.  His wife is Mexican and she teaches in San Antonio where they raised their children and have a home.

       I got back in time to share a “J” with Don and David then went right to sleep. It was so cold I didn’t get up once to go the bathroom. I slept through the night , rose early, showered, ate and was at the bus station to catch my 10am bus to Guanajuato for two days.  The bus has WiFi.  I arrived and took a bus to the center where I got a hotel right away. The hotel was hosting a Penn State reunion!

 I wandered around taking photos and had Roasted Chicken for lunch before taking a Siesta.

      Today, my fourth day here, I moved to Don’s home where I am renting a room with bath for the duration of my stay…7 more days.  Richard was kind enough to drive me over.  Don, my new host, is a pleasant and easy going man from Western Canada.  He showed me around and made me feel comfortable.His cat was part of the deal.

        I unpacked and booked a movie at the PetiteBar where they have first run, classic, filmfest movies in the original language with English subtitles.  The theater seats about 20 so you have to buy your ticket ahead for $7 which includes popcorn and an alcoholic drink.  I booked Elsa and Fred with Shirley MacLaine and Christopher Plummer for tomorrow afternoon.

       I returned to the Santa Ana Cafe near the Library and the Tour Company I visited the day before.

 I decided to take my own tour and book a bus to Guanajuato for Saturday and return Sunday.  I will try and do that on line.  I was still hungary after Soup and Sandwich so headed for Hank’s New Orleans fancy restaurant where I devoured a bowl of Gumbo, Two small Crab Cakes with Cavier, and a huge piece of Key Lime Pie with Expresso.

The Pie was excellent.  I met the owner Harry, used to be called Harry’s before he sold it, in New Orleans at my first Mardi Gras.  Harry, a Graduate of Columbia University used to live in SMA with his lady friend Kim. He sold the business and returned to NOLA where he lives in a condo on Charles Street right across from his business…a restaurant and bar named after the character in Confedercy of Dunces by Kennedy.  It was a popular book back in the 80’s?  Kim had moved into a hotel nearby but was still living in SMA then.  I lost contact with both of them while I continued with my travels.
       I was to meet Richard at his home and walk over to Bob’s, his friend from Greenwich Village, for Poker with the Boys.  That is why I ate so much and had expresso…I would be full and awake.  We arrived along with the group totaling 8.

 I was doing OK with Texas Holdem but hadn’t played Omaha in 20 years.  I lost almost every game of that.  What Richard failed to tell me is they served dinner.  An Italian cook that played next to me , took a break and heated some Pasta dish and Green Chile with Peach Cobbler for a dessert.  Quite nice.  We ended around 10:30 and 3 joints later.  I lost about $50…better than I do at the Casino.  I took a cab home and retired.
       Today I’m taking it easy.  Don had some Raison Bran with fresh fruit, yogurt, and coffee for me this morning.

 I ate on his terrace then took the bus to the main station and booked my trip for Saturday with return on Sunday.  I wandered about, sat in the park then returned for a brief siesta before attending the movie.

THE PETIT BAR – ONE DRINK,POPCORN,MOVIE-$7

WAITING ROOM AT PETIT BAR/MOVIE THEATER

       The movie was great. Shirley McLaine and Christopher Plumber. Takes place in New Orleans.”Elsa and Fred”.
            I got the last seat at the bar in BERLIN, my now favorite restaurant.  I had a nice gin and tonic, then a glass of house red with Salmon Cakes Chipolte and a side of cucumbers in Dill Sauce.  My entree was Chicken Saltimboco with Tomato and Goat Cheese.

 David, the man I met the night before was just leaving so I bought him an Atzec Brandy then we both left.
       When I arrived, Don was entertaining David, he is the one that rented Richard’s house while he was in Oaxaca, and another renter Walt from Austin Texas.  We all went upstairs and played three games of pool.  Nice evening.

      I was packed from the night before and out the door at 8:15 am Sunday morning.  It was like the Taxi was waiting for me when I stepped out the door yet I never called one.  He dropped me at Richard’s as he was just finishing packing the trunk when I arrived.  We threw my suitcase in the back seat, washed the windshield and were on the  road before 9 am.  Richard drove four hours through tolls using his GPS as a guide.  We stopped once for gas then again for me to start driving.  I drove maybe 2 hours until we arrived in San Miguel when Richard took the wheel to drive the narrow streets to his house in a compound near the center.

     The whole trip was only around 8 hours and I thought it was going to be 11 hours but at average speeds of 75-80+ it went fast.  I helped him unload his and my baggage then we went out to the “Zocalo” center where huge crowds were enjoying a balmy evening in  the park across from the church.  A talented professional  Mariachi Band was entertaining everyone.   The restaurant Richard wanted  to go was closed on Sunday so I ended up having Fish and Chips with Jicama salad at Hecho de Mexico Restaurant, a very nice place with an extensive menu.  My Fish and Chips was not as good as Taylor’s Chowder House but then very few restaurants ever come close to what I used to serve.  Modesty.

       I retired around 10 pm I think and slept well.  The light woke me at 7am and after coffee I was off for a 10 am walking tour of SMA.  I took a Taxi.  The city is built on the side of a mountain 6500 feet up.  Lots of cobblestones and straight up streets make it difficult for me.  The air is clean and the exercise good but my “Intermittent Claudation” causes my legs to cramp and my feet to fall asleep.  My one lung makes breathing a bit difficult but that doesn’t pain me.  The taxi arrived early so I decided to have Eggs Benedict with Salmon Salsa with Cappuccino and fresh squeezed Grapefruit juice.  While I was waiting for the slow cook, the tour group formed and left.

        I paid the bill and wandered the area taking photographs and visiting the tourist office.  They were friendly but had little to offer.  The map was a poor print job on lousy paper.  I couldn’t even read the names of the streets.  The clerk did tell me a trolley tour in English would leave around the corner at around 2pm.  I returned for a short rest and to freshen up a bit before taking a Taxi to the Trolley.

       I boarded but the only seat left was in the back and I could not sit anyway but sideways with my long legs.  It was a bench and very uncomfortable.  The tour was interesting but I didn’t enjoy it all cramped up.  The highlight was meeting Jim, a retired restaurateur from Rochester N.Y. that was also a “draftee” Vietnam Vet that served in the Army like me.  He arrived in Vietnam about 5 months after I left in 1968 and was stationed in Cu Chi…not the  best place.  He had been back over 12 times and led tours for Veterans as well as volunteering to help with a project in Cambodia…making and fitting Prosthetics for victims of landmines we dropped all over from the air and left behind after we left Cambodia.  His restaurant was over 8000 square feet and sat over 250 persons.  He sold it after about 13 years of operation.   We will stay in touch. One of his friends, also from Rochester was a 90 year old that taught inmates at Attica State Prison in the ’70 under a SUNY educational program.

CHRISTMAS WREATH?

LOOK OUT POINT

       I took the taxi home and arranged with Richard to meet for dinner at 6 pm.
We stopped into a Restaurant/Bar that was a Gringo hangout for Happy Hour.  It was called Berlin and the menu looked great.  We met a nice couple from NYC.  Kay and Jim.  Kay ran an African Folk Art Gallery and has been quite sucessful.  Very nice people.  We left after a glass of wine and decided on a really nice restaurant that had different Steaks on the menu.  Richard went for the Lamb and I the Medallions of Beef Tenderloin with a Blu Cheese sauce.  Both was good and we were entertained by a great Jazz Trio with Berkley Graduate Bobby Kaplan on keys and singing.  I retired as soon as we got home.

        This morning Richard informed me that the woman that was hosting the Dominos game, didn’t want another player and since she was the host he had to honor that.  Just as well.
       I headed down the street to a little outdoor Cafe for Breakfast and then took the bus…to …???

 It turned after we got to the center where I should have got out but decided to see where it went.  Shortly after the turn we stopped at a Church with a park that looked interesting so I got off there.

 I took a few pictures then started wandering back when I came across a stairway under an overpass that led up to the above street.  I wandered up there but the farther I walked, it seemed I was going away from the center again.  Later, I discovered I was farther North of the Center near the Library and a wonderful Cafe.

 I stopped to relax and had some Hot Chocolate and Orange Cake when a lady asked if she could join me.  She was from Providence Rhode Island and had lived in SMA for 12 years.  She clapped to get the waiter’s attention and lost mine.  We had some small talk and I left to continue exploring.  I found the tour agency I wanted and got there schedule.

 I will return tomorrow and book three tours.  It was around 1:30 when I took a taxi to Richard’s while he was out playing Dominos, I took a nap.
     It was around 6 pm and Richard hadn’t returned so I left a message that I would be dining at BERLIN and took a taxi there.  I arrived to a packed house so got seated in a small dining room off the bar area and ordered some Casa Vino Tinto with Tilapia crusted with grated potatoes, a side of German Saurkraut and Dill Sauce.  German version of Fish and Chips with Slaw and Tartar Sauce.

 Good but not exactly healthy. A seat opened at the bar so I moved to have another glass of wine.  The gentleman next to me had been coming there since he arrived in SMA and it opened in 2004.  It changed hands once then became more popular as the reputation for food improved. Now it was packed every night.  David, the guy next to me was from San Antonio but after his stint in the Army then the Air Force, he finished college with a Masters in Environmental Science and traveled the world living in Norway for a few years. Taking his family to Yugoslavia and all over Europe on vacations.  His daughter is a Pastry Chef, son in Oakland, Ca, another in San Antonio…none have visited him in the 12 years he has lived here.  He now has grandchildren and goes back to visit them each summer.  We exchanged information and will see each other again.  I had an Aztec Brandy and truffle then left with him and took a taxi back to find Richard watching Person of Interest on CBS cable network out of Florida.
      Tomorrow at noon,  I move to Don Caldwell’s house and settle in for a week.
     

         The movie was in French from Quebec NOT Canadian English.  My Canadian friends left…but Halina was late so we didn’t sit together or we would have left but instead saw the whole two hours.  We were glad we did …for the acting and actors were good but it wasn’t something I would have paid a lot to see.  It only cost $2.10.  We went back to Tapas and Vino and had a great time in a VERY crowded lovely place.
    We walked home together and I stopped at my Mezcal Bar for a shot with Alvaro before arriving to find my laundry bag hanging on my door…thank you Helen.

CAN YOU GUESS?

 
   I have to interject this:

 https://casitacolibri.wordpress.com/2015/02/26/rebellion-shout-the-people/

Then there is this side of the coin:

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/feb/25/press-freedom-mexico-murder-threat-duopoly

…and how the Mexican Zapistas movement has spread around the world:  This is a good organization

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development-professionals-network/2015/jan/14/zapatistas-burmese-migrants-thailand-international-solidarity

and sad news:

https://news.vice.com/article/paramilitaries-are-still-murdering-zapatistas-in-mexico

A LOT GOES ON IN MEXICO THAT IS NOT IN THE PRESS OR NOTICED…SWEPT UNDER

  I’m not a fan of the teacher’s strike or the fact they use this as an excuse to grab attention but I do feel as do the people of Mexico…the government isn’t doing enough to uncover the whole truth.   As for the teachers….the unions were recruiting more demonstrators at the Abastos Market today to join there cause along with all the unions forming a formidable opposition to the government decisions to eliminate the generous benefits they have turning into pay without working and lifetime tenure for members AND their children.  This is going to come to a head in the coming year.

On a higher note:   https://casitacolibri.wordpress.com/2015/02/27/fridays-during-lent-in-oaxaca/

Friday I booked a 6 course Marroqui dinner at Origen Oaxaca, a fairly upscale restaurant I hadn’t been to. The Chef, Hagar Aviram owns and operates VagabondCookery.com  She contracts out to people and sponsors her own events with the help of El Sol y la Luna and Origen restaurants.  There was a large group of gringos from Las Mariposa’s B and B along with Richard, Mike and myself that attended.  It was 400 Pesos…$28 and you pay for the wine.
       Harira was a lentil soup starter…forgot to photograph
       Pastilla …a fish pie with tabule salad

..opps…too late

      Maharshi..Squash stuffed with lamb Marquez, rice and herbs

…we all loved that

     Couscous…with chicken tagine, green olives and preserved lemon

…a little late with the camera

We complained about the missing serving but they didn’t care so we paid the bill and left.

         The first few days I spent shopping, blogging, relaxing, and enjoying the weather. Richard and I got together for dinner one night to discuss our trip the first of March to SMA, San Miguel De Allende.  I will stay at his house for a day or two then maybe rent an Air B and B from his friend.  It depends on the renter that is there now.

REFLECTION OF GARDEN BEHIND ME

       Friday we had our Domino’s game at the hotel.  There were four of us…first two rounds I lost then took the next 6 in a row, something Richard said he had never seen happen before.  I won!
      We had lunch there then at 5 pm I went to the library to see the “Storm that Swept Mexico”, a two hour PBS Documentary about the violent coups and revolution that took place from the late 1800’s to the 1968 massacre of over 300 protesters in Mexico City during the World Olympics.  It was an eye opener and an education in how different countries, USA especially, used Mexico (with the help of greedy and corrupt politicians) and how the people fought to gain there rights. Recommend it.

ISRAELI TOAST WITH FRUIT SALAD

TABULA

WHITE BALL ARE GOAT CHEESE WITH WALNUTS AND APPLES

      Most of the week spent enjoying the weather and eating out.  Helen suggested I meet her with her friends at the stamp museum for the afternoon then lunch after.

Not like any stamp museum I have ever been to.  The only one actually.   It was  a very nice visit as well as lunch after at an Argentina Restaurant.

Tonight I joined Halina to attend the movie is Ida, a polish film that supposedly won an Oscar? We left half way through the depressing and boring film to share some Tapas nearby.    

       Today, Thursday, Helen and I had a private tour of
Abastos, the largest Peasant Market at 30 Acres , in MEXICO.  Gary, a snowbird from British Columbia, was our guide.

CORN FUNGUS

  It was a long but interesting afternoon that both Helen and I enjoyed.   Tonight Helen and I join Halina for  a  Canadian Movie, called Mommy. Hope that is better than last nights?

      I read a recommendation for SAK’s Restaurant, in the Polanca Neighborhood of Mexico city, that had a nice Sunday Brunch.

 We took a taxi and got our name on the list as it was filling up.  Gorgeous building inside and out.  Very impressive operation but the professional staff was a little to good…hovering over your every move instead of standing back and only coming over when needed.  We enjoyed our meal with fresh juices, fruit, and varied selection of entrees along with pastries..etc.

ONE BIKE FOR 10 PERSONS

     We took a taxi to Reforma.  It is a main calle that is blocked off on Sunday to allow bikers and pedestrians free walk of the street.ZUMBA VIDEO

 We walked to Chapultepec Park looking for the Lottery Building.

 It was an old Art Deco Masterpiece I had hoped to tour but when we couldn’t find it, we entered the Hyatt Regency and asked the Concierge for directions. We had been walking in the opposite direction took a taxi back.

 We took some photos but couldn’t get in on Sunday so took a taxi to visit the Jumex Museum.

A quick tour there and it was time for the main event.  The opera The Elixir of Love by Donizetti was played at the Palacio De Belle Artes, the most beautiful building in Mexico City.

CURTIN IS ALL TIFFANY GLASS

 We arrived just in time but left after the first intermission.  We were really enjoying it but were hungry and tired so went to eat at an Argentina Restaurant.

It was a great visit and a wonderful time.

     Six thirty in the Morning we begrudgingly rose to catch a taxi at 7 am outside the gate.  We had packed so just had to shower and dress…not so.  I jumped in the shower in order to wake up…I did.  No hot water but I put in the shampoo and lathered up to discover…NO WATER!  The shower had quickly dwindled to a trickle then NADA.  I grabbed my liter of drinking water to wash off the soap…then another…then another.
I dried off and left to catch the taxi waiting for us.  Bad beginning to a Great Day.
      We arrived, checked in and were in the restaurant eating pancakes by 7:30.
We flew out around nine and arrived at El Principal Hotel by 11 am, after catching another taxi at the Mexico City airport.

      We unpacked and caught a Taxi (they are so cheap in Mexico) to Frido Kahlo’s Blue House, home, on Valentine’s Day and a long line to enter.  We got in it and within a half and hour were touring the home and gardens.  Great choice for a start on a Great Day.

     This is the Coyoacan Artist Neighborhood that featured a Saturday Bazaar that was one of the largest in Mexico. We wandered around lost without a map until we encountered the Mercado and the Bazaar.  It encompassed the whole center of the neighborhood including a large park where a “pow wow” dance was taking place.Valentine’s Pow Wow Video?

     We wandered through the markets, art exhibit, crowds of people out for Valentine’s Day, the Dancing the ended with a light lunch at a nice side street cafe.

VALENTINE’S CAKES

OH YEAH…A DRONE FILMING IT ALL