Oaxaca

The other day we went on an all day sort of tour, visiting a few different places near Oaxaca but not right here in the city. We went and saw how Mezcal was made and tried different kinds and we and learned about textiles and how they make the fabric and dye it and all the good science of it. It was pretty interesting. We ended the day at this spot up in the mountains with a natural pool of water on the edge. I will need to post pictures of this. It was beautiful and a wonderful day outside.

The movies here you buy on the street are less than 1.50 USD each or 2.50 USD for two. They are all copies obviously and not such great quality but we spent last night vegging out and watching two Mexican movies here at the hostel. We got some snacks and the guy who owns the place here with his wife brought us out popcorn and said in Spanish "A movie's not a movie without popcorn!" The husband and wife own the hostel and dont employ anyone else to work here other than the woman who cleans. It is kind of nice and cozy and basically like sharing their home with them.

We have eaten tons of good food while here. Lots of tasty salsas/sauces. Going into the market there are lots of places to sit down and eat and everything is always made super fast and right in front of you. It is pretty awesome. For one of those meals it is probably less than 4 USD a person. Yesterday morning we made Neza go out food shopping and then Rachel and I made breakfast. I think we did a pretty good job. Eggs with onion, tomato, and jalapenos. Chorizo, avocado. Heated up some tortillas on the stove and it was delicious. Ever since I started eating real Mexican food at home with the guys I cant get enough of tortillas and food that burns my mouth. I absolutely love Mexican food and everything about it so being here is amazing. Even if I am not eating out we at least have access to what we need to make a decent Mexican meal ourselves - I am no great cook but we have done a good job of whipping up some tasty dishes here at the hostel.

Neza left this morning and it should take him a good ten hours to get back up past Mexico City where he met with us and then further north into Queretaro. It was a lot of fun having him here with us and I think he really enjoyed it as well - he had never been to anywhere like Oaxaca and it was a new and interesting experience for him as well. It was much better than the only two days we had planned to meet for in Mexico City. It was also more interesting because, though my Spanish is functional and I can communicate, obviously he can get a lot more information about things than I can and it was nice to have him around to make things quicker sometimes. It feels slightly off to be down to just to two of us - not bad, but just different since it has been the three of us since our second day in Mexico. But itll all feel normal pretty quick. Anyhow, I had really wanted to make it up to Queretaro to see Abraham as well and unfortunately that didnt really end up working into our itinerary. I bought a book for Abraham in Spanish - The Lost Symbol - before leaving Toledo because I had borrowed the first two Dan Brown books for him from the library to leave and he told me before going that he wanted to read the newest one. So I sent that huge book off with Neza this morning to give to Abraham for me. I really wish I could have seen him and met his daughter and wife though. I am a little sad about it but perhaps another time I can fly back for a shorter period of time.

Yesterday it was sunny and warm and we all hung out on the terrace on top of the hostel for a bit again. Neza learned to strategize well in Chinese Checkers and won by one move in two out of three games. Rachel laid out in the sun and we all just relaxed a bit. In general it is pretty chilly here and I always wear one of two sweatshirt type jackets so it is nice when it gets warmer.

Tomorrow we have a quick one hour flight out of Oaxaca and into Tuxtla Guierrez which is I think maybe 45 minutes from San Cristobal. So we should get to San Cristobal by noonish tomorrow.