Author: David Taylor

Egg McMuffin to go

Life’s a bitch

Whoa horsey

Now that’s recycling

    I moved some of my clothes down to El Mariposa then stopped in the library to join as a member and get the for sale/rent listing to start calling.  I didn’t want to see a beautiful house and just commit to it.  I found others in town or closer to look at before making a final decision. Darcy told me it took his almost three months to find a place.
   Kay came in and introduced me to her friend Stewart from Nebraska that had been here 12 years. He is a retired “shrink” and she meets with him for counseling sessions.  He makes her feel good.  He made me feel good too.  Charismatic man.  Dave and Jean , the Canadians that had joined us at Nora’s for dinner a couple nights ago,stopped in.  They had been to Carnival Celebration in a village outside of town yesterday and shared their blog site with me.  We exchanged more information and I found out Dave is a folk guitarist and writes his own music with one CD out and another on the way.

MY FAVORITE…GO GOOGLE..MAP THE WORLD

     I had breakfast at the El Tipico then returned to the room for Siesta.  I hope they have the Danzon at the Zocalo this evening.  It was cancelled last week because of the protests.  I’ll find out.

I finish moving and meet with Jan tomorrow to see her beautiful home in the country.
     This afternoon I thought I would have a bite to eat back at Nazgaga but when I arrived the bar was full.  I only wanted a Torta and another glass of that good wine.  I walked around looking for something else and ended up in a high end clothing store where I paid $60 for a panama hat made and Ecuador and only worth about $25.  Then I passed all these boutiques with hats in the window made in Oaxaca…both had handsome hats for $6.  I couldn’t return it but figures if this store was so reasonable, I should buy a shirt there.  That was $15 and nice. I headed for the Zocalo to see if the Danzon was on for the night.  It was so I grabbed a nice seat in one of the few outdoor street cafes in Mexico and ordered Tres Empenadas  with wine as the crowd gathered.

  This dance was brought to Veracruz from Cuba and quickly spread to Mexico City and Oaxaca.  It is like a slow Tango but requires some special steps. Everyone had Red…I think because Valentines Day is tomorrow.  The men would get a Rose to give to the ladies.  One man got down on his knees and presented the Rose with what everyone thought was a proposal but I think it was his Mother and he was thanking her for being his Mother.  It was nice but I had to pack so returned and set my alarm.
     Jan emailed me that she wanted to travel to the local town to drop off some Valentines Day presents so we might return late afternoon.  Great.

      I returned to the library and visited with Kay and told her about Darcy.  She spent Christmas visiting Pan and Don , his sister and brother in law.   I went to  have breakfast next door to the Mariposa with the International Chef.  It was very good for $4.  I walked around the park and heading back to my Posada when there was a knock on the door.  They did deliver my laundry. Wow.

     I’m off to meet Darcy and take the bus to his place in the country. He was with a friend…a retired CIA agent, if they ever retire.  He lives in a gated community here and has friends he visits in Budapest, Saudi Arabia, etc…you get the point. A wonderful, colorful gentleman of around 75 years.  He had his ID’s stolen but his lawyer showed up to let him know they were recovered at a check point on the way to Mexico City but what was left in the wallet is not certain. He left with her to pursue the matter after giving me a lot of advice on living here and different options.  Meanwhile Darcy had found a home for rent but a considerable distance from town.  He wanted me to join him to see for myself what living in the country was like.

  We took the local bus to his house…only about 20 minutes and 6 pesos away.  It is gated and his dogs greeted us.  It was not locked and neither was his SUV in the drive.  The house was wide open…a bit of a bachelor pad for sure.  Darcy is a free spirit.  The house and yard could be very nice with a little elbow grease and paint.  His dogs were friendly and after I took some photos, he suggested we drive over to visit Don and Pat his sister and husband and their FOUR dogs.

 We arrived with Darcy dogs and they all had great time.  The property was very nice.  They had been there I think 7 years and fixed it up.  They are CouchSurfers also and was hosting a lovely couple in their late 30’s from New Zealand that are traveling around the world.  I think she was Maori and he was just a Kiwi. They were fun and extremely well traveled and intelligent as was Pat and Don.  Don called Jan, the owner of the property for rent or sale.  No answer.  I really wanted to get something confirmed before I left even thought I had the sublet to return to in June for more looking around. Pat was cooking while Don filled me in on his view point of the beaches in the area, living in the country, the beauty and history of Oaxaca. The sun was setting and I didn’t want to leave in the dark to catch a bus alone to return.  Darcy said he would drive me to the bus stop and Don made another call to Jan.  Jan answered but the Realtor had someone at the house that was interested.  I got on the phone and told her I would meet her Thursday and she agreed to show me the house.  I’m am extremely interested in this property after talking to Don.  He did a lot of the work at the house for Jan and praised it up and down…it is a distance but there is a bus stop right out front.  The bus doesn’t run back to the house past 8 or 9 at night though.  You have to take a cab or maybe I’ll buy a motor bike.
      Darcy drove me to meet his friend Al that owns a tire shop and is right where the bus stops.  Al lived in Chicago a bit and visited a short time.  Loves to fish for trout nearby and is one big tough looking Hombre with a heart.  I caught the bus back and changed to dine at Nazgaga …a highly debated restaurant.  Lots of snobby people love it…others say the service was arrogant…but very few said the food was bad.  I arrived with a couple waiting in line…no host stand or sign in.  A “bus boy? directed me to a lounge seat and gave me a menu while inquiring as to how many.  I am solo.  Shortly after he seated me at a table for four in a large open courtyard that seated maybe 60 people.  It was full.

The roof was retractable and tonight was half open to the sky.  A bar was on one wall of the courtyard.  The menu was posted on two huge blackboards that covered one whole side of the courtyard.  More decor than to read but very dramatic effect…as was all the decor.  The floor was concrete but had lines embedded in the concrete so the chairs didn’t make that terrible grating sound when you moved them.  The chaired were roped backs and bottoms so they weren’t hard or uncomfortable.  There were NO seasonings on the table ever.  No Salt, Pepper, Salsa, Sugar, anything but one very attractive candle.  I liked that.
     I had a choice of 4 different house red wines.  Each from a different country.  I took the Chilean red and they poured the wine at the table very generously for $5 a glass.  Excellent.  The Watercress Soup with Corn Dumpling arrived accompanied by hot flour tortillas. Next came the Shrimp on rice with Tamarind Mole sauce with more hot flour tortillas and another glass of the wine. All the while more people arrived that left and the place was busy.  There was a problem with the dining room.  No direction or organization.  Every bus person and server were doing there best but they were bumping into each other with no direction.  I got my bill of 400 Pesos and gave them my card.  The head waiter returned it with 55 Pesos cash and explained a mistake was made and the card was charged 455 Peso so he returned the balance in cash for me.  I wanted to leave a tip but had no idea how I could as it was too confusing. I took his apology and the money and left.  The rule in Oaxaca as the locals explain…the French don’t tip at all, the Canadian’s are cheap and leave 10% at the most, the Americans are the big spenders and the Mexicans never tip…not done but that’s is accepted.  I will go back but will set at the bar and eat next time… or maybe just have some more of the wine!
       Each day seems to get better and better.

    I took my clothes to the laundry and for 45 Pesos they will wash , fold , and NOW they deliver to my hotel the next day.  I refused as I want to keep walking.  Returned to my coffee shop for Oatmeal and now on my way to the library to look in to my Residency.  I also sent an inquiry to a real estate agent.
     Boring start but this turned out to be a “David” day…unplanned.  Now days I usually plan a David day once a Month.  It used to be everyday …17 years ago.
         I went to the library to hopefully meet the lawyer that handles residency permits.  Well you have to have a residence first so I now realize what I need is a tourist card that the airline gave me and is in my passport.  I turn it in on departure and go for a tourist card from Consulate in Phoenix when I plan o return…or another from the airlines…included in the ticket price.
       While I was taking down addresses of Real Estate people , they were moving chairs around into a group. They were having a Mexican History lesson so I signed up and paid my $10.  I was comfortable and getting pass out info, homework assignments, etc.  My homework was to find a building and document the history of it.   The lesson was Colonial times from before and during the Conquest by Spain and the occupation.  Our teacher has been coming here for 40 winters and teaching classes at the library for 7.  I could understand her perfectly even sitting in the back.  She gave us a little quiz about Mexico, USA and Canada to make us aware of the similarities and the differences.  A bit about the climate before the Colonization during and now.  How the occupation effected the way of life among the indigenous Vegetarian Indian groups.
          I was really enjoying it when in walked a man who stopped the class and inquired if David Taylor was here. I didn’t hear him but the Teacher said not that she knew and he asked to use the bathroom.  He passed by and I recognized him as Darcy E. , the Canadian Couchsurfer I emailed yesterday in hopes of meeting him. He got my message but I was gone today when he emailed back to confirm he would meet me.  He knew I said I might be a the library so popped in on chance. I yelled to him and after he finished using the restroom we headed for a bar for the beers I promised him.

 

              He knew where they served free Tapas so after I hit the ATM machine we stopped in and drank about 5 beers apiece with assorted Tapas to include: mild Chicken Wings, Ham and Cheese plate, Saute Pork with Salsa, Mini Tostadas, etc.  He has a conversational knowledge of Spanish and has lived in Honduras, Belize, Guatemala, and moved up to Oaxaca seven years ago to be close to his sister,Pat who has been here for almost 15 years with her husband Don, a good hobby carpenter.  Darcy has two dogs he acquired on arrival and lives South of Oaxaca about 3 miles by bus near his sister.  He has been drugged and mugged once and almost beat to death another time since he arrived.  He has a Mexican that will scout a place for a $50 finder’s fee IF you are happy and rent it. He will look for me so I will have places to look at when I return in June.
     Darcy knows Kay, the lady I’m subletting from as she visits his sister often.  We covered all of each other’s travels and experiences.  He is from Alberta and is bringing his son out in a couple months from British Columbia.  He has driven the trip more than once and has a car here.  He knows the ins and outs with connections I was hoping for.  We took the bus home.  I got off at my stop and will meet him tomorrow at the Zocalo and take the bus to see his place and hopefully meet his sister.
        There are few gringos in his area and his home is private and secure with two bedrooms, not much of a kitchen but large square footage.

     On the way home I stopped at a restaurant I had wanted to try and had a very small dinner.

Colorado Mole Chicken

  I’m full for the night but afraid I would fall asleep at 6 p.m. and wake at 1 a.m. so came over here to my coffee house to have a latte. It was a David day and tomorrow I’ll pick up my laundry and meet Darcy at the Zocalo and visit his home…but NO Brownies.  He said they are killer…I have to return home to move the following day.  Discipline David!!

      I slept sound and late…10 a.m. but I made Mass at 11 a.m. Mass you say? David?  Well it does date back to the end of the 16th Century and I hadn’t seen the inside.
      The nuns were out front selling baked goods, the church bells were calling.  When I entered I was impressed by the beauty and elegance of the Church.  It really was a masterpiece of Art.  It was only about 1/2 full and I left after about 10 minutes for breakfast and change.  I want to donate to the Church , the Nuns and the poor people out front.  I had only seen one other church that impressed me that much and it was the Basilica in Ottawa. I will do the museum and the church after Siesta at 4 p.m.

     The Cafe Los Cuiles served me a great Latte and Oatmeal.  The Oatmeal was laced with Cinnamon bark and topped with raisins and  bananas. I used their internet to finally get some photos posted to my blogs.  I’m actually caught up now.  It is another marvelous day in Oaxaca.

     I returned to the room to drop the computer off and head for the church and museum.  I came around the corner to a large group of people dressed in Native costumes and playing music.  It was a bi lingual , bi cultural get together.  In Oaxaca, as I understand it…a lot of the native Indian languages are still spoken.  You may speak fluent Spanish and not be able to communicate with the different ethnic groups that make up the state of Oaxaca.  I started taking photos and videos then realized my battery was down. I still had the museum to visit so returned to install my spare.  I got back just as the band was striking up a tune for the beginning of the parade.  Each ethnic group wore the dress of their heritage and danced and marched in a parade to the zocala.

             I took some photos and videos then followed a bus load of tourists to the museum.  This museum in the convent of Santa Domingo has relics and artifacts dating back 10000 years that proves the existence of humans in Oaxaca State at that time.  I marveled at the collection and the presentation.  This city is a jewel in this world.  It is an International city rivaling the beauty of any world capital.  When Cortes had finished conquering Mexico, he was the Viceroy of  Oaxaca but never did live here.

    The museum in divided into 14 permanent halls that contain pieces of history from the state of Oaxaca that encompass the last 10,000 years-from the first settlers to the flourishing pre-Hispanic cultures to different aspects of the Spanish Conquest and Colonization, the Independent
Era  and through the 20th Century.  Hall 3 displays the jewels found in tomb 7 of Monte Alban which are considered to be some of the most important treasures of Mesoamerican history.

    Santa Domingo de Guzman ex-convent is one of the most important and largest Viceroy constructions in Mexico and likely in all of America due to its monumental artistic valor and the large part that it played in the cultural change in the area.  The tourists I met, from Spain, Germany , France, etc were just astounded at the beauty of all of Oaxaca.  They repeated my belief that this is one of the most beautiful parts of the world.  Average year round temperatures of 80%…5000 ft altitude…fresh air…different blends of cultures all contribute to it’s uniqueness. I hope to own property here or have a LONG term lease IF I can procure one.
     I left the museum and never went to back to the church. There is only so many Spiritual Orgasms you can take in a day.  I need to space these things out.  I will return to do the museum again but a piece at a time.  The church too.  I plan on doing Midnight Christmas Mass there…the whole mass.

    I scouted out a couple restaurants I had on my list.  Some were closed on Sunday but the La Gran  Torta that specializes in Pozole fit my need perfectly. They had 9 different varieties.  I had the Guerra Verde Blanco with Pork…so good and with a beer and Tip was around $9…I will return for the other 8.

      It was Dusk when I started to return to my Hotel.  The whole city transforms itself into another magical world in the evening.  Night in Oaxaca is lively and seducing at the same time. Lovers are out everywhere, families, old people dressed up strolling the cobblestone pedestrian street.  Musicians with their violins, accordions, flutes and guitars.
    This is a sampling:  https://www.google.com.mx/search?q=musicians+of+oaxaca&hl=en&tbo=u&rlz=1C1CHMR_en&tbm=isch&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qF4YUdmPFqrI2AXa74H4AQ&ved=0CGIQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=539

     I’m home, I’m happy, and another great day.

      I started for my neighborhood coffee shop and realized the temperature had dropped overnight.

I returned for my sweater but still it was cold in the coffeehouse so I took my coffee back to the room.  Refreshing to say the least…sure it will warm as the day gets on.
      I returned for Breakfast then to the Museum of Photography.  Nice and they let you use the Dark Room and have classes in developing, enlarging and printing.  So high tech to what it used to be when I did it in my closet.
     Sent out some feelers about studio apartments I got off of Craig’s list…starting at $370…turned out that was the cheapest and by the week…$1480 a month…a studio like Kay’s for $300 a month.

If I don’t find something like she has, I can only come here for short time not residency unless I buy and rent out part of it.  That’s too much money for me…maybe Ecuador?
     It was Noon and I laid down foe a short nap and woke at 2 p.m.  Most siesta’s should be 2-4 p.m. when most shops are closed and yes it did warm up.  I visited the zocala , picked up some cheap souvenirs, had a beer and peanuts…er the pigeons got the peanuts and a tamale mole that was delicious.

     Meeting at 6:30 now has grown to 5 people.  A couple from Saskatchewan are joining us. I arrived at the Italian Restaurant with Kay waited for me.  It was a nice but slightly overpriced place. We ordered a Vegetarian and a Prosciutto Pizza but when we arrived no one was there.  We waited a while then Nora showed and her friends actually are her neighbors. They rent a nice two bedroom apartment for $500 a month.  We warmed the Pizzas and Nora brought out a salad, Dave and his wife Jean brought some cookies, WINE, and fresh Pineapple.  We had a lively discussion on immigration, the Canadians wonderful visit to Cuba, then Nora showed us her photos of Palestine and her recent volunteer work in a nursing home there.  It was 10:30 when I arrived home.

           

       Early to bed and early rise.  I woke this morning feeling really good.  Did some photo editing on early blogs of Mexico City and enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the coffee house next door. Nice Belgium Whole Wheat Waffle with Fruit and a Latte.

          I then visited the Museum for Oaxacan painters and artists to see an exhibit of Botero from Columbia. Quite different from his normal whimsical depictions of people. This was about the murders and slaughter of innocents in Columbia. Torture, bombings, kidnappings, etc. A large group of school children were on a private tour while the teacher explained the violence.
         I stopped at the bookstore and picked up Oaxacan Tips, a locally published book that everyone said I “have to have” and my first Newspaper about the outside world.
        Now to one of the oldest Cathedral’s in Oaxaca…Santa Domingo de Guzman that was a former convent. Construction started in 1575 and finished toward the end of 1500’s.  There is a museum next door that contains pieces of history that go back 10000 years.  Yes…this is one of the Cradles of Civilization…especially the food history. They are open only specific hours so I’ll have to visit tomorrow.

      I went off to meet with Kay and Gabriel at Kay’s house.  Hope to rent his studio when he departs.  He  doesn’t want to give it up but rather sublet.  I will see. I picked up a quart of beer to share but when I arrived she wasn’t there and Gabriel had left a note that he had to leave town.
Kay showed up just as I was leaving a note for her.  She doesn’t drink beer and doesn’t have a Church Key to open it.  We get the landlady’s opener and Kay inquires with her about any possible rentals.  I told the landlady that if anything changes in the future to let Kay know and she could email me.  I really liked this location because it is in the back so is secure and private yet in the center of everything.  We exchanged information and she gave me the name of her friend that also had rentals. Kay invited me in to watch a lecture of a Vietnamese Monk.  I knew of him and had read his writings. We sat in front of the TV for this short 20 minute talk. It was not a DVD but and audio CD with a 20 minute introduction by some guy that liked to talk.  When the Monk came on , I couldn’t understand what he was saying.  I excused myself and when off to have dinner.
Kay and I were to visit Nora Saturday around 6 pm to see her photos of Palestine.

       I want to see the sites, eat at restaurants, and stroll around.  I have to stop making meetings and commitments they prevent that.  I only want to get a hold of the CouchSurfer Darcy that has been living here.  I want to get a make perspective of Oaxaca.
      I arrived at La Olla just as it was getting busy.  I had three mini corn tacos. One with no-pales (cacti) one with Chicken and one with Beef…nice appetizer with a SMALL glass of house wine for $6.  I switched to the Olla house cocktail…a Margarita with chopped apples, chili and salt. Not great. Then the Chicken Mole.  There are 7 Moles…each has a different combination of Chocolate and spices.  Number 7 has 27 different spices.  It was good and I enjoyed the place though service was slow with one waiter for 9 different parties totaling over 27 people!  I’ll return someday. I have 6 more Moles to try.
     It had been a warm day but when I was at Kay’s a lot of wind came in and you knew the weather was changing.  I retired early and slept well.

     
     I walked to 100% Natural and had a yogurt fruit, and granola salad before meeting William Fredrick, from Long Island, at his office in his Hotel.  He explained the laws have changed and it it possible to open your own place but need a lawyer for the paperwork.  We exchanged cards and discussed the Cooking school his wife Nora, from Rochester,New York, teaches.
    I arrived at Kay’s to catch her in her robe chatting with another Nora, a retired lawyer from Denver.  She went to Madrid University for a year and met an Austrian she married.  He died a while back from Cancer. She just returned from a volunteer program in Palestine and worked in a nursing home massaging feet.  Never did it in her life.  She was having coffee with Kay after finishing her morning dance lesson. She also lived in Avignon for three months with a gay ballet dancer from Cuba that  taught Salsa.
     Kay and I bid her goodbye, I took photos of Kay’s place then we went to lunch at a nearby restaurant favorite.  We were early so I had another light breakfast and hot chocolate.  Then a dentist friend of Kay’s arrived with a party of 8 from Newburyport, Mass. Kay’s friend from Montreal arrived and joined us.  He used to deal in Caviar and now does reviews of restaurants in Oaxaca 5 months a year.  We now had lunch that was excellent. There is a large French tourists group that comes here a lot. Mostly to get out of the -23 C cold weather…snowbirds.

     I returned for siesta and will meet Kay and her neighbor tomorrow at 5 p.m. to discuss renting his place.  Her’s is always available to sublet while she is gone but his would be year round.  I’ve already got the wheels going for sub-letting my place in Scottsdale. I couldn’t sleep…I’m so high on this place .   I kept searching but never really knowing what it was I was searching for until now.  I’m in Nirvana.  I have never felt more at peace with myself and content as I do now.  This is the real Shangri La that I just walked into.  Every moment is bliss.

     I’m off to the Zocalo to visit the Botero exhibit and get some more Mexican Ice. I got the Ice…Tuna and Beso combo…heaven.  No Botero…leave it for another day.

    The dance troupe was out front practicing again. This time it was still some light so I got some better photos. Tomorrow I’m spending the day at the Zocalo and visiting the exhibits and museums.  I meet with Kay and her upstairs neighbor that hopefully will let me his apartment.  Then I go for Residency with a lawyer and meet the landlady.  Wish me luck.  Saturday we will meet again with Nora…I can’t wait…love david.

                    Late to bed and early to rise…nice hot shower and off to Library to catch Kay. She had lunch engagement with friend and invited me but I still hadn’t had breakfast.  I really just wanted to make an appointment so I could take some photos of my possible back up place to stay…her studio.  We did set a time for coffee on Thursday and she invited me to a Dance In at the Zocalo that night.
      I saw the dancers practicing in my Square near by last night.  Looked very electric and could be a really good time.
      I went to the health food store to eat two more yogurts.  Still not back on track.  I ran across the street for that great coffee and a muffin after.
      The VIP bus station was right down the street and I decided I didn’t need to do another side trip.  If I came back, and I will, I will have months to take all the side trips I want .  I arrived and booked the VIP bus for the last minute to arrive in Mexico City in time to check in at the Canada.  I have large seats, leg room and an internet connection on the 6 hour trip.
   Now I had to extend my stay here, so stopped back at the El Mariposa and as luck would have it I added another 4 days..but will have to move into a smaller room.

     I was told about William from the USA that came here 15 years ago, fell in love with Nora whose family ran 3 Hotels.  They married and he stayed on and had children with her I guess and helped run the Hotels while she opening up a cooking school in Oaxaca.  One of the Hotels was right across the street so I went over to pay  a visit.  I walked in the door to what appeared to be a Spanish Villa….sorry..Mexican Villa outfitted with antiques and decorated with class.  The maid inquired as to my business and I simply said I was hoping to meet William.   She said he would return tomorrow and if I wish to see him she would call and I could set a time. William was perplexed as to why I wanted to see him and who was I.  I introduced myself and told him I had hoped to get some information from his experiences and could we have coffee at in the morning. We set a time to meet there at 10 a.m….the same time I was supposed to meet Kay.  I agreed.
      I returned to the library hoping Kay was back from lunch but they were having a big meeting of sorts and she wasn’t there.  I went next door for a Torta Chicken sandwich by the famous world renowned chef.  It was good and cheap.
     I returned home and emailed Kay about the morning and hoped I would see her at the Zocalo for the Dance then took a Siesta.
     When I awoke at 5 p.m.,I googled Dance in Oaxaca hoping to find a time.  Paul McCartney came up with one of the event dances they had in Mexico City similar to  what was happening tonight.  The dancers set the tone and then invite everyone to join and it becomes a real happening not to be missed.
      I ran down to the Zocalo all excited to find it was cancelled because of a protest going on in the Square.  Police were everywhere.

     Disappointed but excited to be there I waited a bit hoping to meet Kay but finally went to the market and found Chaguita’s flavored Ices.  It was so hot today I had a Mango Ice, then a Beso de Angel, then another ….and after having my photo taken with the owner….I wandered out as the Market was closing and headed for a recommend restaurant called Olivo.  Javier Olivo was the only customer and he had to get up and cook the Specialty of the house I ordered.  I was excited to have the Chef/Owner prepare my meal. That didn’t last past the first salty bite.  I ate the meal, paid and vowed never to return or recommend the restaurant again.

     Glad to be home…at 8 p.m. I caught up on these blogs and Kay had agreed to meet me after I met with William to get his input and advice on my plan to move to Oaxaca.
     

   

       This morning I shit, showered , shaved and shined my shoes….well sandles.  Breakfast was a treat. The Indian ladies that contract the catering were doing  fresh corn tortillas and creating Pumpkin Blossom Tacos or Squash Blossom Tacos.  I had one of each then walked over to my new Coffee place a couple blocks away for a Latte doble with fresh Organic Chiapas coffee.  Finest in Mexico. It was the best coffee so far.  I stopped at the Health food store and bought a plain and a tamarind fresh yogurt to go.

          When I returned there was a couple from Israels talking about their travels through S.E.Asia so I joined them until Brad showed up.  He was one of the first I met and was a Rick Bayless groupie with suggestions on where to eat.  I took his suggestion when we ate at the market and thanked him.  He was off with his wife to somewhere outside of town. They come every year also.
    Well time for me to move out until next week .  I’ll be at the Posada Margarita then return for my last week here.
     This is an update on the explosion at the Pemex Building:
Pemex Explosion 31 January 2013 Mexico City Update

        The lending library was open so I turned in my keys, confirmed my return and left my bags in the office for a short time…which turned out to be 2 hours.
        Kay, a library volunteer greeted me and the door and asked me if I wanted to be a volunteer. I explained this was my first time in the door and I was interested in purchasing and possibly renting some property.  She took me to a bulletin board with posts on it, handed me a book of listings for rentals and property for sale then explained the different areas.  If you get out of the center and there is a demonstration or protests, all roads in and out will be inaccessible by bus but possibly a taxi and maneuver you in.
       I indicated I may want to return around the end of May or early June for a month or two if I get some leads on property and especially property that could be developed into a B and  B or with units on it that could be rented separate from the main quarters to supplement or pay for the main quarters.  She suggested I visit her apartment.
      We walked down the street a few blocks while chatting about the restaurant scene. Originally from Missouri and a Physcologist, she had been coming here for over 5 years and used to live in El Paso. She, like me and many others , fell in love at first sight.

      She stopped at a new Italian restaurant called Chianti Cafe. A Chef from Italy that worked the Toronto Restaurant scene for a number of years, just opened. His special board changed daily.  Today was Spring Rolls, Homemade Pasta with 4 Cheeses, Seafood Crepes, …maybe 5 choices, include desserts and starts out serving Hibiscus flavored water all for 70 Pesos. He was very personable. A good Chef but maybe not good business acumen.

   Kay turned the corner and we entered a pleasant courtyard with a hammock on the porch near her entrance, table chair and flowers. This is where she has her coffee.  It was a large open studio with a living area and behind that a sleeping area. Internet, water, and electric was included.  A separate toilet and shower with sink and in one corner of the Great room a small microwave and electric counter top broiler. Plenty of closet space. Sunny and airy. Sublet was 3900 Pesos and was available May until October I think.

      The bonus was a Mexican lived across from her on the second level and paid less. He was moving out in two months and I could take it then move my personal stuff in it.  Store my valuables in my locked storage area at the condo and rent the condo furnished year round. for maybe $1000 or $1200. Three months rent pays for a year in Oaxaca. I could have all kinds of options…let the condo for 3 months in season for $4500 while in Oaxaca or the other way around.
    We both were excited but I had to check in to my new place so returned to the library while she went to visit friends.
       I made notes of homes for sale…2-3 bedroom walled in house with two baths with one garage for $63K American dollars.  Villa with 4 bedrooms artist loft, view security system, well. etc for $250K American. My idea was to start renting from her and while seeing what the other months were like do research with an agent.  I already joined International Living. A professional organization that handles property sales all over the world for English speaking customers.
    The Mariposa had my bags ready and Jim and Pat were just going out to try out this new Italian place they heard about.  It was the Chianti so I decided to join them since the hotel I was moving to was not far from there.  I greeted the Chef and we all ate …total bill was 250 Pesos for the three of us…$21.   I agreed to meet with the Chef in the next few days to go over his shortcomings and pick his brain about setting up a legitimate business in Oaxaca.  I think he married a Mexican…our waitress. None of us enjoyed our visit.
       I then checked in and unpacked and am done for now.  It is getting dark soon so will email Kay to meet tomorrow to take pictures and discuss more. I have a great internet connection in this room and am all paid for the next 8 days.
       I invited Kay to join me at the Flaming Flying Pig or something like that.  The place that the International Chef has.   I first tried to see Jackie’s Tapestry at the Museum but arrived to late. They closed at 5 pm   This neighborhood, though a few blocks from my last is really nice.  The restaurants that were recommended to me are right outside my door.  When I did arrive to surprise the Chef, they were closed too.  I ended up going back to the 100% Natural around the corner.  I’m eating healthy and getting exercise.

When I returned to the park in front of my neighborhood a group of teens were rehearsing a dance number out front.  I videoed some but not sure how it came out at 8 p.m. in the evening.  I’m going to work on my photos and hopefully start posting more.  Photo is worth…a lot..

     
I went out to El Tipico and has a great Huervos Rancheros.  It wasn’t anything like I’ve had in Phoenix or our border towns.  Fresh tomatoes puree over Poached eggs on a fresh made Corn Tortilla (did you know corn originated in the state of Oaxaca!) served with a small freshly baked loaf of bread to sop up the juice and a side of beans negro.  The garnish was thin sliced onion with fresh Celentro. I had a Mexican Hot chocolate con leche… oohs. 63 pesos.
    The unique coffee shop down the street was on my mind but closed so I returned again to the one close to our Hotel.  His Latte tasted almost the same at the Americano he served the other day.  He and his wife live in the back where the kitchen is and are beautiful people.  I feel sorry for him as he will never make it.
     The other small restaurant where I stopped in the day before to inquiry about finding a laundry, still intrigued me.  They were so professional and nice.  I found out latter that day that they both had worked in restaurants in San Francisco and returned to their home town to open their own.
     Jackie, a lady taking Spanish lessons here and has been coming here for years informed me of this.  She is from Mendocino County near SF. Now I have to try them out.
     The weather today is clear, sunny and warm.  I’m on the cool patio doing this when I should be out  walking. I need a rest and will get out with Jared tonight I hope.
     Jared had taken a long day tour and later wrote that they returned late and went out as a group.
He is off for Puerto Escondido tomorrow for some sun and swim.

     I ate at the 100% natural and had the house wine with Fresh Salmon topped with fruit on a bed of green beans and cucumbers.  Cooked and seasoned to perfection.  Jackie walked in so I invited her over. She had an Almond drink and a wild rice/brown rice dish with fresh vegetables.  She graduated from U of C at Berkeley in the 60’s , leans toward Buddhism, studying Spanish and taking cooking classes of Oaxacan cuisine.  We had a nice chat.