Adventures of a Retired Nomad

       It was my second teaching experience at Gredos, a converted farm estate in Baco de Avila, now a upscale hotel with a Mirror Pool, and very nice facilities. Lucy from Yorkshire, England and Jackie from British Columbia, Canada joined our Anglo Group the morning of departure from Madrid on a Mini Bus. Carmen headed up this program with Peter as the Master of Ceremonies, Daryl taught Vocabulary, and Fernando taught Grammar.

      Our students were Luis from Madrid, Ramone, Victoria from Canary Islands, Sara from Ibis, Charo, Jorge, and Guillermo.  That was it. Our bus stopped on the way for a brief 10 minute break.  I exited the bus then as I was coming out of the Men’s room I felt wet on my leg and knee.  It was blood all over my left Pant leg. My knee suffered a scrape and was bleeding profusely.  I lifted my pants and put on a napkin and waddled to the bar where the bartender gave me a band-aide. Tom gave me some tape to apply but the blood was still leaking through the bandages .  I put water on the blood stains hoping to keep it wet until I arrived in another hour and 1/2 at Gredos.  

      When we arrived we had to drop our passports at the desk and our luggage while we sat through an orientation of what to expect this week. Then we had dinner.  Finally I got my room and soaked my pants in the Bidet until morning but couldn’t get the stain out. I added them to my laundry and dropped them at the desk for cleaning.

     I looked at my schedule in the morning and discovered I had nothing to do after breakfast so returned to bed for a nap.  I had two one on ones from noon to 2 pm with Luis and then with Sara who worked for Pasha, a famous dance-nightclub in Ibiza.

 Lunch and again nothing until 8 pm.  I booked my room in Madrid and caught up on this blog. Entertainment at 8 pm consisted of Peter doing a comedy routine with a Spaniard, brief video spoof on learning Spanish, and him playing a couple of Spanish Classical Guitar songs.

 Dinner at 9 then two teams fought for Trivia dominance. We won.  First was questions, second was bits of music to identify…I flunked that but did well on the first. Good day and good night!  
      Today we did a group presentation on how to get rich. Our group were to present three ways. My way was to rent out my condo, book three months of Vaughtown classes and just hop around Spain from one of their classes to another eating and living the good life while meeting wonderful people everyday…then when I return…I have three months of rent and my social security waiting for me…over $14,000 worth of savings I didn’t have before I left. My schedule gave me the rest of the day off  to relax. It did rain and cool down to the 50’s today but then the sun came out.

 We had an entertainment hour again before dinner with another skit. Then after a nice dinner we met up at 10:30 for the Kama-ta ceremony from Galecia Spain that wards off all the evil spirits…the drink they make  wards off everything.

       Wednesday I had a one on one with Victoria Sanchez, an artist of considerable talent.  That evening I was part of the Entertainment hour. Dabid and the Cool Cats. The Lion Sleeps Tonight
       Today I had a one on one with Jorge, my friend.  We discussed Arizona and his future one year commitment to work in Germany. 
        Friday, our last day, we all checked out at 10 am then I enjoyed a one on one conversation with Charo, a nurse.  She had toured Vietnam and Australia but had a phobia of snakes so always went with Marco Polo Tours for safe accommodations. She spoke with her hands and intense expressions. 

        We all met at Noon for Certification presentations and lots of applause and hugging. Our group photo after then we boarded the bus for Madrid.  It had been a wonderful week for all of us.  
        I took a taxi right to my room when we arrived in Madrid. 
      

       I found a $700 Round trip fare from Phoenix to Madrid that I couldn’t resist.  My request to teach English Classes at Vaughntown for two weeks was not confirmed yet but NOW my trip there was.
       A few weeks later I received a notice that I had been accepted for one week.  When the ticket offer presented itself I reacted before taking time to plan my dates.  My flight was booked to arrive in Spain mid week for a three week visit. I wanted to teach two weeks with one in between to travel the country but now I only had one whole week from Sunday to Saturday that was available to me.  I decided to take more time traveling then leave a little early to Amsterdam.  I cancelled my plan to spend a week in Wales after Spain.  My winters spent in Oaxaca, Mexico have slowed me down.  I now appreciate staying in one place rather than traveling from one to another to another.
       Today I received the Oaxacan Cultural Navigator from Blogger Norma Shaffer in Oaxaca.  She ran a fun Photo Submission last month.  Photos were to be of Mexico with Color.  I got one of mine picked to publish with the other choices.  That felt good. Oaxacan Cultural Navigator click to see.
        I packed and made my list to do for my last day before departure in two days.  I just finished having Renato tile my balcony floor.  He did a brilliant job replacing this ugly brown carpet with nice light tile with swirls through it that reflects a lot more light and brightens the patio and the living room.

 He replaced my outdoor light fixture too so I now enjoy my home more.
      My wonderful neighbor Jeannie took time out of her lunch break to drive me to the airport where I checked in my bag for Madrid and arrived at my departure gate with over an hour to spare.  The plane boarded and after a short nap, I was in Chicago.  A change of gates and planes and I boarded an Iberia jet for Madrid.  It was an all night flight. My seat next to a young Spaniard was cramped and wouldn’t recline.  Needless to say, I didn’t sleep well or very little. 

My Companion Traveler

      We landed in Spain around 11:30 am, went through immigration with no problem, then waited, waited and waited until everyone had their bags and were gone….except me.  I was on my way to Iberia desk to file a lost luggage report and looked over at a far carousel to notice my bag, all alone, going round and round???

 I loaded up, half asleep, and headed for the Metro and on to Puerto de Sol in the center. 

       My Metro line was closed for repairs so I had to switch to the train to get to the center. I arrived and exited station right at my hotel, checked in,  unpacked then had an Irish Breakfast at the Dubliner to tide me over. 

     I retired at 5 pm after a glass of wine and woke at 6 am ready to meet Joan, my one week traveling companion that I had met in Oaxaca two years ago. We boarded the train to Seville and started another travel journey through Andalusia in the South.

     Hotel Baco had our room waiting.  We dropped the luggage and went to visit and new Park called the Mushroom which was near by.  A bite to eat then a taxi to the Historical Center of Seville where we walked around the Catedral , Square, and alleys before returning for Happy Hour at the oldest Tapas bar in Spain that opened in 1670. 

     The next morning we had the complimentary breakfast at a bar-cafe down the street consisting of a cellophane wrapped dry roll, coffee and OJ then checked out and picked up the rent a car. I turned the wrong way and while backing up hit my side mirror on a sign.  I didn’t notice any damage so headed for Malaga where my friend Carlos had graciously invited us to stay at his home, meet his family and show us the home town he grew up in.  

     We stopped in Ronda, a famous city know for the oldest Bull ring in Spain and a beautiful bridge with an incredible view of the Andalusian Sierra Nevada Mountain range.

 
     I made a few wrong turns after that but my Google Nexus5X phone’s GPS brought me to the front door of my host, Carlos Sedano.  We entered his garage/trophy room, Carlos races anything with a motor, and up stair to our room for two days.  He prepared our dinner of Andalusian Gazpacho, Salad, and Potato Salad with Meat…very nice evening catching up on our first meeting 9 years ago in Valdelvilla English school.  He had a great album of our one week class in the mountains of Spain.

     A simple elegant breakfast the next morning and we were off to tour his city of Malaga with “lunch” at his parents house with almost the whole family present.

     We toured a famous museum that afternoon . His brother in law is the Director.  Dinner at Le Pimi restaurant then home where we chatted a bit and retired early…slept late, had a nice breakfast and a sad farewell till our next reunion. 

 Grenada, home of Alhambra, the Moorish City on the hill overlooking the city was to be our next adventure. Ticketmaster assured our tickets were sold out for two days in advance. We did a trolley tour of the city and walked down along the walls of Alhambra and left the next day for Jerez without seeing one of the wonders of the world.

      A long drive and we arrived but Nexus5X was of no help in the Maze of Jerez so we enlisted the assistance of the local Gendarmes to find Dona Blanca our hotel for 2 days.  

The Rock of Gilbralta

They rode in our backseat to the hotel.

That evening we dined at a nearby recommended Seafood Restaurant and got a good nights rest.  Joanie was out and about early while I overslept , as usual.  I rose at 10:30, just in time to catch the Breakfast buffet while she played tourist.  
         I tried to book the ferry to Tangier and a bus to the ferry port in Tarifa from Jerez.  That proved tiring and complex. I rushed to the bus station

but only one bus line went to Tarifa and it was late at night. If I want to book the ferry I will have to drive, park overnight in Tarifa, while spending the night in Tangiers then pick up the car and return to Jerez or stay in Cadiz. I found a travel agent that arranged it for us.

       Tonight I wanted to go to one of the premier restaurants of Jerez and have a 5 course meal of fish roasted on a spit with each course offering a pairing of the different Sherry’s of Jerez but CLOSED.  

Walking around  we met a lady from Seattle that had lived for 5 years in Jerez but couldn’t get residency so moved to Rocky Point Mexico…now she was back trying to get away from Puerto Penasco and find some place in Spain to live. That is kind of what I was doing. 

      Our second choice was a premier Tapas bar that was very nice.  Met a nice Scottish couple that just returned from Cadiz and were leaving tomorrow for Scotland.  

Fresh Fish Delivery!

I stopped for a Dessert Sherry on the way home and popped into a Flamingo Bar that was too crowded to breath before tucking myself in for a good night’s sleep and a long haul to Tarife to catch the ferry to Morocco.

       I checked out of the fantastic Dona Blanca and headed for the Port of Tarife to board the ferry to Africa and the city of Tangiers.   We left our suitcases in the car at the car park back in Tarife.  A short 35 minute ride and my first Passport Stamp for the country of Morocco.  A taxi was waiting as part of the package to escort us to a really nice Hotel on the Atlantic.  
      That afternoon I wanted to visit the American Legation established in 1823 as a partnership with Morocco.  It is now a museum and cultural center.  They closed just before we arrived. 

        Mohammed, the owner of a local Cafe in the Plaza 9 April 1947 prepared some Mint Tea for us while we watched the world go by at the Entrance to the Kasbar.  I noticed a hashish bar behind me where our want to be guide was smoking hash from a long “opium” pipe.  He caught my eye and motioned me over to offer a small gram for $20.  After a 3 second deliberation I accepted.  

          I had no desire to do a tour or go into the Medina but choose to browse a little on the fringe and visit a near by park before dinner at the Arte de la 9 April 1947 restaurant with a top floor view of the action below.

 We had a nice basic and reasonably priced meal with a beer and returned to the hotel. 
      Joanie chose to retired early as she was taking a tour of the Kasbar in the morning and I choose a Double Johnny Walker Red Label at the Bar where a fantastic Jazz Guitarist was playing great Les Paul style music on his electric guitar.  A singer joined him as I was being served some free Tapas and last call.  I retired as they finished their first set and went right to sleep.
      Joanie was finishing her breakfast at the free buffet downstairs when I arrived. She met her guide Charif , who spoke 5 languages fluently and gave her a wonderful  morning tour while I relaxed and did nothing until her return.  Our driver was waiting to return us to the Ferry. We returned through customs, picked up the car we and were on the road to back to Seville.  We cancelled a trip to Cadiz.

       A long and beautiful drive but we were getting hungry so took a brief detour to a town I had heard about, Zahara, the Tuna capitol of Spain on the Atlantic.  It was a beautiful beach town know for its Seafood Restaurants.  I had Grilled Fresh Tuna, Joanie had the Tuna Salad and we were back on the road. 

Windmills everywhere

        We returned to the Train Station where we dropped the car off and took a Taxi to our flophouse AKA Pension de la Virgens.  No one was there so we had to call a number and find our hidden key, allow ourselves in to a dark and dank room with bunk beds and one regular.

Our shower had a broken door, the sink was plugged, but I managed to freshen up and we headed for our favorite Tapas bar for dinner then back early. 

      This morning we checked out ASAP and Taxied to the Hotel Baco where we stayed before…but I mistakenly booked a single.  The Front Desk noted my rave review I had given the Hotel so upgraded me to a double with no charge.  I showered and shaved.  Something neither of us cared to do at the last place. Now I am headed out for a beer and maybe a “hash pipe” while Joanie is attended a Flamingo Show. I took my glasses off to clean them and the frame came apart. I bought some super glue and while putting them together, smeared glue on the lens. I just need them to last another month!

      I met her after in the Bar attached to the theater where she introduced me to David, the New York Times News Editor for Asia, based in Hong Kong.  He and her were finishing a drink, so I joined them.  We left for dinner at the Restaurant Baco near by but escorted David to the oldest Tapas Bar in Spain before saying goodbye.

      Our dinner was fantastic.  We both had the fresh Tuna again .  We retired early and in the morning taxied to the train and back to Madrid where Vaughtown is hosting a Tapas and Wine get together for me and the rest of the students and teachers for the following weeks school session in the country. 
   We arrived at our last hotel of our trip.  I left for the Tapas and Wine meeting with the other Anglos that would be teaching.  I was greeted by Carmen and her husband.  Carmen was a facilitator for Vaughtown and we had last parted at Gredos over 8 years ago so it was fitting that we would be reunited for another session.  Carmen introduced me to Tom from Burlington Vermont, Pat from Ireland, Danielle from Melbourne Australia, and Mary Ellen from North Carolina. This was the smallest group ever.  There would be 7 Anglos and 7 Spaniards. Carmen said it was like a vacation for her. This will mean a lot of free time for all of us. We stuffed ourselves on fantastic Tapas , had some wine and after 2 hours returned to another early night.  
     Joanie left early to catch a train to spend her last couple days in a quaint town just North of Madrid before returning to Seattle and work.  I had a late checkout and took off around 3 to meet the group for our 3 hour bus ride to Gredos.

        Last week I attended my good friend Larry’s 90th Birthday Party in Golden where he lives.   I was fortunate to hitch a ride with Chrissy, another good friend, and her significant other Richard.  They had rented a nice Ford Explorer so we could fit everything in for the long (12 hour) trip.
        We departed Thursday evening at 9 p.m. from Chrissy’s home, where I left my car. Richard drove North on I -17 to Cordes Junction where we met Norma, another long time friend, at McDonald’s where her friend had driven her from Prescott to meet up with us.  It was around 10 pm when we returned North through 4 Corners and on to Canyonland, Arches, and Moab Utah arriving in Western Colorado around Dawn where Richard turned on to I 70 East to Golden.
 Larry and Bambi, his house guest for the week, was waiting in Golden to take us to breakfast when we arrived around 9-10 am.  We headed for the local Restaurant and a great breakfast but not so great coffee.
        We all had to check out the local Marijuana Dispensary as Recreational use was legal in Colorado.  It didn’t look much different then ours in Arizona except I don’t think we grow it on premise like some of them in Colorado do.
       Richard and Chrissy left for their hotel and some sleep. Norma and I took a nap.  That evening Larry ,Bambi and I stopped at the Columbine Cafe and the VFW next door to confirm the arrangements for the Party on Saturday.

      Then Larry took us to the Elephant Bar where we met a couple that were friends of Larry’s and were joining us for a drink.

 Richard and Chrissy ate near their hotel then retired early while we had a great dinner but very poor service.  It was still a great evening out but we were all ready for bed.
      Saturday morning we had Egg McMuffins.  Larry and Bambi got ready for the big day.

We left to pick up ONE of Larry’s event planners. Norma had not been feeling well the day before and was staying in bed for the whole day.   Pattie, the planner,  had prepared some Pork Chili and Mexican Dip with Chips and Tortillas for a snack at the party.

LARRY’S ANGELS WORKING WHILE LARRY COOLS OFF

We picked her up along with decorations then stopped for the balloons then Bambi and Pattie stayed at the Columbine Cafe to Decorate and arrange the outdoor tables for the food, games, refreshments and the Band that was coming. Larry and I went and picked up the cake and checked on Norma, who still was not feeling well.

      By 3 p.m. a party was set for Larry at the VFW where he was presented with some cards, a very risque Cake and his fellow members at the VFW , which is next door to the Cafe. Another Pattie showed up to be the designated Photographer for the the whole day.

She was another long time friend and was staying at Larry’s cabin in Dillon that night.  After some drinks, snacks and cake we returned to the real party at the Cafe.

         The party moved back to the Cafe where the food was being prepared and set out as the guests started arriving.

Chrissy arrived.

Look’s like Larry’s beach in Rocky Point Mexico

  It was a late night when we retired and almost Noon when Richard and Chrissy showed up with Egg McMuffins …we departed at Noon while Norma, still in bed stayed for the week.  They were making plans to get her to the Clinic that day (Sunday) after talking to her Doctor.
       We did the same trip in Reverse except I got to see the scenic views this time……

        We made it home by Midnight and I drove back to my condo.  Norma ended up in the hospital and last I heard was doing fine…that was two days later …so hopefully she got to enjoy her “Vacation?”                                                                                

          It has been a nice visit…settling back in my Condo for a short time.  Memorial Day I was the first customer my friend Bruce’s opening day of his Blues and BBQ bar and restaurant in Wikiup Arizona.  

I was driving my friend and neighbor Jeannie to Vegas to stay with and visit a sick friend in the hospital.  I also was on a mission to visit Mike, my old Chef friend of 35 years who just retired from his catering business.  

I had some Oaxacan Mole in powdered form for him.   Oh yes…I was also going to make some money on the Poker table. Everything went as planned…except the latter. It was another long drive.
         I do not feel as if I ever unpacked and now it’s time to visit my Daughter Heather and her beautiful family.  Erik, my cousin Barbara’s son is also having the Family and Friends Opening of his newly renovated Nightspot in Oakland, California, call Eli’s Mile High Club but all that driving would be too much.  I can count on Barbara to send me photos of the event and her trip from Coxsackie, N.Y. to San Francisco.  I will join Heather and family in Lake Elsinore California for a catch up bonding and Father’s Day get together with Brian, the proud Father of their children Chas, 8 yo and Ellie 10 yo., at Brian’s Father’s new home he and his wife Lana just moved into about a year or so ago.  
      The 5-6 hour drive in 110+% heat went OK.  Heather had a nice Filipino dinner waiting for me after I unpacked and we had a glass of wine.  The meal, specially prepared by a visiting Chef and friend whose husband is from the Philippines was excellent. We did a little 
shopping, planned our day and got caught up with the last 6 months of news.

      We decided NOT to do the wineries this year as it was too hot out.    I got to pick a place for us to have lunch in LA.  It was next to Trader Joe’s , so I ran in and bought my 99 cent LA Shopping Bag to show off when I visited my local Trader Joe.  My Curried Chicken Salad was great and Heather’s Organic Tuna Sandwich was too.  

        We headed for LA County Art Museum next to the La Brea Tar Pits which is what we saw first.  The museum was on a large tract of land where a Latin Live Music Concert was getting ready to start.

 We saw a Photo exhibit and Men’s Fashions through the Years.  Some of the museum was closed for new exhibits that were being set up so after we toured the rest, we listened to some music outside then returned home…for more delicious Filipino food.

       Sunday we picked up the children at Brian’s place and because every Breakfast place was packed, we picked up some Take Away at Starbucks and moved the children back into the house.  A dead rat greeted us when we opened the garage door.  We had been trying to catch or kill it but looks like it did that for us.  I set our new trap in case there were a rat family lurking in the boxes?

       I got to visit with the children and give them some souvenirs from Oaxaca and Ellie’s Birthday present….11 next week.  We packed it up and met Brian his Dad’s home along with his brother and a couple of family friends.  Halibut Taco was just some of a wonderful feast laid out for us to dine on….along with Bill and Lana’s wonderful Wine choices to assist.

     That evening I checked into the Casino Hotel just down the street.  When the children are home it is more convenient for this old man to have a room with private bath….and Poker tables down the hall.   It was 8 pm when I sat down and 10:30 when I cashed in my $200 winnings.  I’m happy.

      Monday I was to visit my 28 yo grand Daughter Kelsey who was adopted at birth by a nice couple from San Francisco area.  It was an “Open” adoption so my oldest daughter Kim, the mother, did visit there a few years later and Kelsey visited her in Phoenix just 5 years ago, but I had never met her.  She contacted me to find out any Medical history she should be aware of in case she had children in the near future.  Kelsey was living in Del Mar, a short one hour drive and I was there….give or take a couple of “lost” calls for directions.  Her father and his lady friend joined us for a nice Cafe Lunch by the beach in downtown Del Mar.  Kelsey is attended school now and plans to get her Real Estate License when she finishes.  She certainly has her Mother’s looks.

 We had a nice time and I was very pleased to have had the opportunity to finally meet Kelsey and her family.

     I headed straight for Scottsdale and arrived 6 hours later at 8 pm that evening.  The next day I made tentative plans to meet with my Uncle Howard John Taylor, my father’s Half? brother. 
         My grandfather divorced in 1929-30 and remarried in 1941 to Bertha Christina Schmidt , living in  Bradford, Pa who was born in Buffalo N.Y in 1907 and had two children.  The oldest boy was 16 years older and the daughter was 13 years older when Howard was born in 1943.  Neither of us had met except as infants and little knowledge of John Bernard Taylor…my grandfather and his Father. His Father died when he was 7.  He discovered me through Ancestry.com so we had been in contact for about two years.  His wife Becca was attending a Conference in Scottsdale and he came along to get some work caught up, visit me and share the experience. 

     I picked him up for a day trip to the Phoenix Art Museum and lunch.  We had a wonderful visit but I never recorded our conversation to all the bits and pieces we exchanged were noted on scraps of my list of things to do…little of which I understood when I returned home. 
     The next day, Jeannie and I met Becca and Howard at the hotel and took them to the Village Tavern for dinner.

  We had another nice evening and were getting to know each other.   Howard left two days later and filled in the missing dates and info after he returned to San Angelo where he is the Curator of the San Angelo Fine Arts Museum there, next trip before Spain.  It sure has been an interesting and tiring last 10 days but Chris visited this weekend from New River so I had a chance to “mellow” out.  Next week it is off to Denver to visit my friend of 30 years…Larry Fanning and help him celebrate his 90th birthday!
     

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I tried to get my boarding pass for Wednesday bur Inter jet didn’t recognize my Confirmation so I visited a Travel Agent near the library that Hal, one of the Men’s Happy Hour group, highly recommended.  Carmen called the Airlines and straighten everything out for free.
     I stopped at the Barrista Cafe and had a great Frappaccino to treat my good fortune then took the bus home.  I was daydreaming when I realize the bus went by my stop and I was now just South of the Zocalo when I exited.  I decided to “Cruz” the Zocalo since it was only 11:30…and I spotted Ron the black man from Zipotite who was going to open a bar there.  Well “Boomer” sign a lease and thinks he will live there and start fixing it up to open by November 1.  He showed me his rough plans and shared his thoughts. I wished him well and started home.  He will name the place “BOOMER’s”, original?

     Just as I was exited the Zocalo, Darcy waved me over.  He has just arrived and would drink a couple pitchers of beer before he left.  I joined him for a Suedo..a beer on ice with lemon juice. We caught up and I bid him goodbye until December.  Glad I missed my bus stop.
     I finished most of my packing even though I still have another day to wait.  Hector called my taxi for 6:30 pickup Wednesday by Alfredo driving #86.
     I overslept!  I thought I had the alarm on Medium so I didn’t wake the building, but it was on low and I didn’t hear it so it just ran it’s time and I woke at 7:30…taxi at 6:30 and flight at 8…I would not have made it…SO  I set the alarm on high got my Temp 3 day pass to drive my car, lined up my emissions station and next door to register the car and hop on the freeway to New River. Click to find out about OUR EARTHQUAKE.  That did wake me.
     Bed early , all packed, need sleep…7 hours layover in Mexico City Airport…no comfortable seats and none until you get to the Gate…BUT they don’t tell you what Gate until an hour before!  I hate all airlines.
        I made it to Phoenix and Marjorie was there to give me a lift home. I stayed at her house the first night then called AAA to help me start my car.  They were at the car when I arrived. I went up to see my tenants while AAA replaced my battery free of charge. Don and I set a Tee time for golf the next day and I picked up some clothes to carry me through the next few days at Chris’s home in New River then headed for the inspection station where my Lexus passed emissions testing. Then to MVD to register my car and on to Chris’s to settle in , check my mail and see my buddy Larry before he returned to Colorado. There was a surprise birthday party to celebrate his 90th since he was going to be in Colorado on the real Birthday.
      The next day Don and I pretended to play golf but after 9 holes we decided a couple beers were in order to parked ourselves at the Clubhouse. He asked about using my car next year rather then driving down and back from Canada. I agreed and we toasted our good fortune and went our separate ways for another year. As we parted he mentioned the refrigerator was not freezing properly.
     They left three days later and I got my bicycle and clothes from my friend and next door neighbor Jeannie, and moved back. The garbage disposal needed resetting but didn’t reset this time so I called Gary my repairman to replace it and check the fridge so I could stock in some food.

Continue reading “THE END …REALLY.”

       I crossed Restaurant Mediterranean off my “bucket list” last night.  I would recommended it though a first and only meal doesn’t tell the whole story, it was VERY Good…as was the service.

8 Tables 36 Seat and Attractive

 Manuel Iraizos, the owner/manager, with his smiling professional nephew as a waiter succeeded in
making my experience very pleasing.  He has a number of Red Wines to choose from…all very reasonable…as it the entire drink and food selection.  I did see a Sauvigion Blanc listed as a White wine but didn’t notice others. His web site: Restaurant Mediterraneo doesn’t show the menu though I can assure you he has over 7 different Pasta dishes and 7 Featured Specials…as well as Salads,   

Botanas, and Tapas with very reasonable prices.  No “sticker” shock here. Hours are Monday thru Saturday 5 pm to 11.  Located at Abasolo 518 , it is a little more than a block off Pino Suarez just past Los Libros and next door to the best Mescal Store in Oaxaca.

COMPLIMENTARY TAPAS WITH EACH DRINK!

My Choice was the Salmon. There was a Fresh Red Snapper for the Fish of the Day also. It was served with a green pesto like sauce with herbs, garlic and tangy vinegar.  Similar to Chimichurri sauce.

Not as pictured on the Website BUT ample portion and Excellent

The perfectly cooked Salmon was accompanied by a Rice Pilaf with fresh chopped Squash and Cherry Tomatoes also cooked to perfection.

 No room for dessert.
Later I discovered Manuel is from Oaxaca and lived here all his life, speaks fluent English, well traveled and charming man. A must try!  Say hello to Manuel from David who has to return to Arizona so won’t get to try the rest of the menu until I return.
     
I’ve been going to bed early so I don’t oversleep when I have to rise at 5:30 am on Wednesday to catch my flight.  Last night I awoke when the earth our 8 unit two story building started moving. My second earthquake here in Oaxaca in the last two years.  OAXACAN EARTHQUAKE

 To discover what Oaxacan Food is all about:  OVERVIEW OF OAXACAN FOOD

       I am off to Casa Charles for our Monthly Men’s Happy Hour.  Today will be a Tribute to one of our Compadres , Ted, who passed away two weeks ago from Colon Cancer and is resting somewhere on top of Monte Alban looking down on us in Oaxaca. I arrived a bit late but the usual suspects were waiting..  Chuck arrived just after me and was the first to leave. I tried to dominate the conversation…what the hell …this is MEN’S HAPPY HOUR.  I live alone and so do many…so we fight to let loose of all those thoughts and ideas we have been carrying around in our head since the last time..  Hector showed and it was good to see him…I shared a gift to help his Mom with muscle pain.  He had to soak and extract the properties of this fine herb but knew what he was doing.  I forgot to bring the special oil to mix with it when applying it to the skin but will see him maybe tomorrow at Breakfast with Peter.

     Most of our or MY conversation was about getting deals on long distance flights.  I discovered that Mexican Insurance (if you become a resident) is good anywhere in the world…plus your Visa charges can be cheap vs USA.  In  country travel is 1/2 the price for seniors and Medical procedures, ie Hip Replacement, Dental Implants, Knee replacement is cheap but that is also available to US citizens …and so are the same procedures in India, Thailand and many other countries if your savvy in the world of travel.

       When I got loud enough, everyone excused themselves and returned to their respective homes.  We did toast the life of Ted who recently passed away…four times and I lost count but kept respect for Ted.   He was an outstanding person who might have been helped if his doctor hadn’t soft soaped his condition. He did realize later…it was serious and then it was too late. They did what they could which was cremate him.

THAT IS WHAT I SAID!  LIKE THE SEE THROUGH T SHIRT!

       I stopped at Luna y Sol on the way for Pizza.  The Chef, a little cutie and I flirted back and forth.  It is what you do after 70.  Her attention flattered me…what can I say…and the Mescal that Hector brought to the H Hour just added to my bottle of Chilean Wine. I managed the bus to near by and walked home.

     Peter and I agreed to meet for Breakfast at a Cafe I passed that appeared to be very nice. I gave him the wrong directions and the next morning with my Blood Pressure at 71 over 40 …I tried to email and call him to tell him I don’t feel safe leaving the house but it was too late. I took a quick shower and took a taxi…I could barely walk…light headed and ready to sleep.  I got off but then realized I was at the right place but not the one Peter wanted.  I had a pastry and coffee to fortify myself to walk down the street where I knew Peter would be.  It was a place I had passed and never went in.  He was just getting ready to order along with his friends he invited to join him…a Interior Designer born in Jersey and living in NYC and her new mate…Peter’s landlord Abraham that owns the building he has stayed in during his Snowbird visits from Lee, Mass…over 10 years now.

     We had a nice breakfast but I was still weak so returned right home and stayed there until dinner time.  Tom, my friend had recommended this restaurant not far away.  I thought is was one I had wanted to try so walked up for Salmon with Hollandaise, a glass of wine and cheap Henrick’s Gin and Tonic.  I was satisfied but not impressed.

     Today I dropped my laundry off and took the bus to the library where I looked for the flyer on the Italian Restaurant.  It turned out that the one I thought was Tom’s recommendation and on my bucket list was NOT the one I ate at last night.  I returned home after picking up a script to deliver to my friend Helen in Rochester N.Y. in May then just played poker on the Internet until it was time to pick up the laundry.  I returned home and then went to get a hand written prescription from Helen’s Doctor since the Pharmacy would only give me one of the three she wanted.

      I picked up the script then headed for Epicuro , the nice real authentic Italian Restaurant that Tom wanted me to go to.  I walked in and knew it was the one.  I started with the House Red Wine that was elegant. They gave me a Tapas of sliced banana sauteed in olive oil and Garlic to accompany it.  The bread basket had your typical Bread Sticks but then some nice Italian Bread with a tasty Pizza like bread with cheese and a tart flavor that worked well with the wine.

     My order of Tenderloin of Beef arrived with nice Mashed Potatoes and Mixed Sauteed Vegetables. I had another Wine to go with that and was so pleased I had to order a Tawny Port Wine…Kafka or something like that to accompany my Fresh Pear Poached in Port wine with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream…made with fresh Mexican Vanilla Bean and served on Star Fruit.  I was in Heaven…I think I had an Orgasm…which would be a first in some time.  I tipped the Chef as well as the waiter and vowed to return Sunday to try the Pizza.

     I visited the Pachote Organic Market for the last time before leaving.  Now I have to empty the refrigerator.  I picked up some eggs, Kale, Yogurt and Spinach.  Nice Mushrooms

     Donated some money on the way home.

AND JUST LOST EVERYTHING I HAVE WORKED ON FOR OVER 5 HOURS…IT WAS GOOD AND I HIT THE WRONG FFFNNN BUTTON AND IT’S GONE…THERE IS NO GO BACK…IT’S HISTORY…AND I WAS JUST GETTING READY TO PUBLISH IT…DAMN DAMN DAMN

I’m going to try and reconstruct it…f#$%^&….Damn it just did it again???

New day…

On the way home I donated to these really talented singing Blind couple.
       Saturday Morning I left a little late for the Opera.  Buses were few at that time and none going my direction so my legs were cramping up as I hurried along. This causes one HELL of a lot of PAIN.   All the taxis were full… one came at the last minute I jumped in but further down the road he made a wrong turn and had to circle back…I arrive one minute before the curtain fell and there was Madame Butterfly!

I sat through the whole 31/2 hours without falling asleep…it was quite good.  Simulcast from the MET in NYC.  I joined a friend Peter and we tried a new restaurant called Sabrina , just up the street.
I had fantastic Fresh Trout with Seasonal local Mushroom sauteed in Wine with Rice Pilaf on the side.

         Served with a refreshing Tea made with Fresh Ginger and Honey…all very good.

      My neighborhood ophthalmologist provided me with a eye script so I could order a new pair of glasses over the internet. Instead of sitting in the chair with the lens machine in front, you wear it, then after he plays with it until you can see good…you can walk around with what will be you new lenses.

      The next day I met with Hector for lunch and a nice visit.  He suggested I get my dental implant in the states or Mexico City as it is a new procedure for Oaxaca.

        On the way home I asked about all the construction near the Benito Juarez Market and Hector told me they are tearing out all the electric and restoring the market but making it safe and clean. Meanwhile they are moving everyone outside surrounding the building.

         Picked up some souvenirs and returned home.  It is hot now in the afternoons…the reason for the word Siesta…but I sleep well at night so go home to get out of the heat but get bored so as soon as the sun sets…I’m off to the Zocalo for a glass of wine.
     Today I said goodbye to Marc, my photographer friend and grad from R.I.T. in Rochester, N.Y.  I’ve been complaining that my photos have been crap for the last two months and I think something is wrong with my camera.  He took a look and suggested I remove the thumbprint from the lens. Duh.  I re-read the manual, played with the settings…but forgot the basics.  We had a nice lunch and I may meet him in Harwich where he generously offered me a place for a couple of days if I get over that way.
         I bused it back but at sunset decided to go out for my glass of wine at the Zocalo.  My friend and waiter Rolando, who worked a few years in California, asked me if I knew Ted , the Canadian that passed away last week.  It turned out Ted and him were friends and though I knew Ted’s significant other was planning some ceremony to commemorate his death , nobody at the library knew anything about it BUT Ed told Rolando that today they took his ashes to Monte Alban…a world heritage site and sacred ground and spread his ashes…to the wind on the Mount or over a ancient Pyramid but he is resting where the world will continue to visit unaware of his presence there. Great place to be.

      Rolando makes 70 Pesos a day working 6 days a week from 6 pm to up to 2 am…so depends a lot on tips. That is $4.20…for 8 hours…just a hair above the minimum wage.  It was a beautiful night to sit out and watch the world go by…but at 8:30 I went …bye bye and returned to bed early .
      I visited the Dentist for the last time.. she reminded me until I return for a cleaning.  I stopped for some coffee.

         
            I was on my way to Cabouche for Lunch when I saw a woman making her own nougat candy buy adding the nuts to two different blocks of Nougat she made with Milk, Water, and Honey and eggs I think…It was like a block of taffy…one made with Almond milk…I bought a small bar for desert after my lunch.

Vegetables and Bessos…watercress.

SEE THE SQUASH BLOSSOM?       All for $5.40….I am starting to sound like those retired snowbird gringos…AND IT WAS ONLY 60 PESOS….OH…I am one.        Later that evening I went to visit another Mexican friend I met who is a bartender at El Mescalrita…a Mescal Bar that features a million different Mescals, Craft Beers, and Mexican Wines…at a high price.   It happened to be his first day off in 2 weeks…I did have a nice beer though.

      Shannon shared her blog with me…nice photos of the  
click    Jesus y Maria statues.
        Well I attended to the potluck…I went to a specialty store and picked up 300 grams of Imported Dutch Cheese and picked up some Chia and Amaranth homemade baked crackers.  Also brought some fresh Pistachio Nuts from my “Nut Wherehouse”.  
       I left early anticipating no Buses or Taxis on Easter but stores were open and the buses were running so I was the first to arrive.  

 Next year I will prepare something.  The dishes were outstanding.  Beet and Goat Cheese Salad, Garbanzo, Garlic and Olive oil , Homemade Hummus, Quinona Salads, Corn, Green Beans, I think I have some photos.

  Chicken roasted over a wood fire…bought at market that morning, first REAL ham I’m had, Deviled Jalapeno eggs, Cookies, Cakes, fresh Apple Tartes , Chocolate Mousse with Rum,

It was a feast with great Folk , Rock and Country live music. All in a valley surrounded by Mountains..

SAD NEWS Surrounded by close friends, Mr. Edward “Ted” Stewart Ausman passed away at his home on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 after a brief illness. Ted was a tremendously active member of our community having served in numerous capacities with the Oaxaca Lending Library and The Oaxaca Garden Club. A florist by profession Ted provided his artistic arrangements for many civic functions. He was universally respected and adored by the native and expat community here in Oaxaca. A Canadian by birth but a Oaxacan in spirit, Ted had resided here for the past 7 years and operated a very popular Bed and Breakfast in San Jose de la Noria. His culinary skills were renowned and the fabulous breakfasts served insured numerous repeat guests. Ted is survived by Edvard Vasquez and two brothers, Brian of London, Ontario and Eric of Cranbrook, British Columbia. He was preceded in death by his brother,  Larry Ausman of Winnipeg Manitoba. He will live on in the memories of his family and the many friends here in Oaxaca as well as in Victoria and Vancouver, Canada. Celebrations of his life are being planned locally as well as in Victoria, Canada. More information will be provided once plans are formalized.

REST IN PEACE TED…WE WILL MISS YOUR SMILING PERSONA