I love Oaxaca this time of year. This month I will travel to Montreal for the last two weeks and will miss the Guelagetza Celebration. I've seen it around 5 times now. It is all about the state of Oaxaca and all the indiginous people, thier languages, customs, dances, clothing, music and food. Oaxaca at it's best.
Travel warning: I received this from a lady traveler friend.
I'm currently in the Houston airport, on my way back to the US earlier than expected. Not going to make it to Bolivia, Paraguay, or Uruguay as I had hoped! 😰
The reason is the most random, unexpected injury I can imagine. I was just walking across the grass at this little place in Peru, when a sheep ran up behind me and rammed the back of my knee! 🐏👺 Incredibly painful.
I gave myself a couple of weeks to lay low in Peru and see how it healed, and then decided I had to abort. No way I'll make it to Bolivia when I can barely walk to the bathroom! 🤷🏼♀️
So there you have it...beware of sheep!
I went to a notary today to notarize a document but forgot my passport to prove who I was. Got a haircut, then Eliz's fantastic massage, and Shaksura at M & M before returning.
This H.S. made the Graduation Class Photo into a HUGE poster to hang outside the entrance to the school.
Back to M & M for Chia Pudding with Granola. Still hungry, I stopped in Cabuche for Scrambled Eggs and Chorizo but too salty...so no Photo but nice place.
I went to the Mercado to buy some Avocados this morning and the TUNA were there entertaining. The TUNA go back to Middle Ages in Salamanca when to help support themselves they played music for tips. They are all over Europe and Latin America. You have to commit for 3 years and some for life. I attended a TUNA party at my hotel in Madrid that woke me around 11:30 in the evening so I went down and joined them. One of the TUNA members died a week prior so they were celebrating his 15 or 20 years with them. I've met TUNA in Salamanca, Madrid, Oaxaca, Guanahuato, etc. They travel the world....those patches are places they exist and have traveled too over the years...Germany, Argentina, etc. 
I walked to some street art exhibits and a gallery before having a hamburg later at Terravona. Then returned to find the dogs all excited and wanting to come in. As soon as I opened the door they ran into the closet. That black ball of fur in the far corner is Botus's back and Gary looking at me...like, don't make me leave. Oaxaca has the worst idea of entertainment. Every time they have a special events...this on being the Guelagetza coming up or the Day of the Dead, they shoot rocket into the sky to explode. Morning, afternoon, and evening. Drive me nuts and the dogs too.
The 4th of July I had breakfast at the Mercado, then walked to the Colonial Historical for our Mid Afternoon lunch. The usual 4th of July gringos were there and I enjoyed seeing my old friend Pat. She was one of the first people I met 15 years ago. She sat with me as others stopped over to say hello. I ate my Hamburg, enjoyed the Jazz Singer (behind the tree). It was crowded and fun.
Not the TUNA but enjoyed them.
Sunday, back to the Mercado for a Veggie Omelet. That evening Anchovies in Wine sauce with Olives followed by a Watermelon Salad and Shrimp Risotto, at the Casa Celia
Today I had my M & M eggs at M & M Cafe...but got distracted so only one photo.
Don't say typical!
Morning I attended Democrats Abroad Monthly Coffee get together and enjoyed Chicken Enchiladas. Touch up painting and sidewalk repairs in preparation for the Galagetza. That afternoon I had a bowl of Rice with Canadian Salmon at Yuku for my late lunch/dinner.
Next morning I did my M & M walk and enjoyed Avocado Toast with two "hidden" poached eggs with a beautiful Matcha Latte. The restroom sink is a Metate, a stone that is used to hand grind maize, recycled. Later that day I returned to Jicara for my Salmon Fix and Pear Salad.
Stefano with Juana and her Son
I enjoyed lunch at Yuku again...Canadian Salmon Maki Roll with Shrimp Teriyaki.
I finally got to Humar, Salma and Arnud's fourth move and best restaurant. I started the same way...small joint, then bigger joint, then a real lunch/dinner/bar Restaurant. Arnud greeted me and was seated by a familiar waiter from the last restaurant who remembered me. It's been over 1/2 year. I had to have the Baja Fresh Plump Ice cold delicious Oysters. 6 was plenty. One was the size of two! So good. Finished with a Tuna Taco. Now they are closer to me, I will return more often. I need a Seafood lover to help me with the Seafood Tower!
Galagetza parades are starting and everyone is pumped up as they approach the "stageing area" from all directions for todays parade.
I was on my way back to Yuku for the Poke Bowl with Canadian Salmon, Japanese Cucumber Salad, Seaweed Salad, Mango, Avocado, Topped with Bonita Flakes and seseme seeds. So good. I returned the way I came but now the staging area was a mile long and I couldn't get through. I took a lot more photos and winded my way through the dancers, and musicians. They even had cheerleaders getting them pumped up with music, dance and singing while they were waiting for their turn to march! All smiles and laughter. I wanted to join them! First time so close up that I felt like a participant.
Packed and tried to get my boarding passes but no luck on Aeromexico's web site....later. Busy day so I just took off for a walk to Terranova and had a Tuna Salad on Avocado, then came right back.
This has to be 15-18 feet tall and balanced on one foot!
I spent the last day cleaning out the refrigerator, packing, big breakfast, weather in Montreal, last minute calls and loose ends to square away. I had water today so s***, shower and shave was in order but NO hot water. Good thing in was early. A last minute cold shower was not what I needed. The hot water heater had been shut OFF, NOT PILOT BUT OFF and my large black marker sign written on the heater, Do NOT TURN THIS OFF...SEE DAVID! Was wiped off. I turned it on, got my magic marker, and put it my sign back up. 20 minutes later I was enjoying my shower when it ran out of water. I had shaved but was all soaked up for a rinse. I got a towel and went to the other bathroom hoping there was enough water in the lines to rinse. It worked fine! My shower was clogged with dirt, which I just cleaned out two days ago!
I dropped fruit, bread and veggies at Gaby's for Lena, her maid that was staying there while Gaby was in the States. My taxi called and was at the door. We arrived at 5:30 at the airport. I printed my boarding passes before leaving so walked through security and was at my gate with 1 1/2 hr wait. Boarded and was in Mexico City Airport at 8:30. Got stopped exiting by security. They took the bottle of water the stewardess gave me! I had 2 hours before I had to go through security to my gate!
Here I am in my least favorite airport. I have no idea what that line is for but it hasn't moved more than 10 yards in the hour I have been here? My phone is all charged so I will leave for my "US required check in" even though it is nonstop to Montreal, I was told it was required? They are advertising the World Cup in the airport bathroom!
Street Art IN the airport.
Amsterdam leaving now, ah too late...$1150 , 10 hours non stop. Leave at 10:30 pm arrive 5:30 pm. I am boarding soon. See you in Montreal Canada!
