NURSING A COLD

       It has been a week since I returned.  The first few days were spent getting and taking cold medicine and drinking lots of fresh juices.  I started getting out of the condo by the fourth day when I went to see an apartment for rent year round.  I would move in when I return in December then decide if I wanted to "go for it" .   Rent is the same as I'm paying but for the year it is 55000 Pesos.  I now pay 7000 Pesos a month...or 84000 Pesos a year...big difference in savings and I could decorate the way I like, leave everything as is and return just the way I left it.  I liked it so committed.  Then informed my landlady that I would stay if she could give me the same deal but NO WAY...she wants short term riches over long term security.  I start moving in two days.
        Today I did a tour of the Photo Gallery.  Three exhibitions were on display.  One famous Latin American, one Swedish lady, and one really off the wall documentary on Drug users.
        I enjoyed lunch at Cafe Ciela then headed for a lecture on Play not Work at the library.  It was two hours and given by a professional Photographer.  Quite good.  Now I'm off for dinner with Lisa around the corner.  I invited Halina, my Polish friend to join us.  Here are some photos from GTO (Guanajuato) and SMA (San Miguel De Allende) so you don't consider this post a bust.

AT 9 YEARS OLD SHE TOLD HER FATHER SHE WANTED TO BE A NUN
HE BUILT HER THIS BASILICA

THIS LADY USES A WALMART SHOPPING BAG TO PROTECT HER FROM THE SUN

ALL ABOARD

THIS COMEDIAN HAS GOT THE ATTENTION OF THE AUDIENCE

AUDIENCE

I DO SO LOVE SAN DIEGO

      We had a nice dinner (Pizza) at Viajo Lira and enjoyed our get together.
A few days later I dragged a lot of my belongings to the Los Nogales entrance and flagged a taxi.  I showed him what I had to move and explained that when we were finished, he could charge me what he thought was fair for the ride and assistance. We filled the trunk and back seat, arrived and unloaded everything inside my new place of residence.  He wanted 50 pesos...$3.50...I gave him 100 pesos and thanked him.  Mary helped me haul the items into storage and seemed surprised at how much I brought but assured me they would find a place.  Monday I have a second load and then one before I leave.

         I felt nostalgic on leaving Los Nogales.  The friends and experiences there...good and bad.  The beauty of the gardens and view from my balcony.  The new place is more sterile but more modern with a nice kitchen.  The plus is ...it is mine to add to or change.  How much I'm allowed is not certain but Mary's apartment looked like my grandmother's home with family photos, comfortable furnishings, etc.  I could almost smell the cookies baking in the oven.
         Last night I visited one of my favorite restaurants, Tres Bistro , for their special Oaxacan Sabe.  Each year at this time a group of upscale restaurants get together and offer a 3 course dinner, with one drink and tip for $250 Peso.

        It was nice to see the familiar faces.  The host Saul greeted me warmly with a hug and inquired about my absence.  The meal I choose was Creme Tomato Soup with Chorizo Sausage, Rare Fillet Mignon with Baked Potato, Neapolitan Chocolate with Raspberries with a glass of red wine.  They threw in an after dinner chocolate with Lemoncello.  Very good.
          Today is Sunday and we are having a farewell dinner goodbye get together with Beth, Mike and myself.  Joan, a friend of Joy's, just arrived yesterday from North of Puerto Vallarta I think.  She is going to be here for 10 days and so I invited her to join us.  Tomorrow her and I are having a Oaxacan Sabe luncheon together.

        We had a fun dinner.  A friend of Beth's from Ottawa joined us.  Her 2nd winter here. Joan got to meet the "group" and we all had a nice dinner and conversation.
         Today I moved another suitcase and box of kitchen stuff to my new place.  I have one more small bag to drop and I'm done until I arrive in December. I met Joan at Mariposas for lunch.  We went to Origin Oaxaca for the Oaxacan Sabe.  They had some nice choices.  We both had the heritage tomato salad to start...so good. I had a Vegetarian Dish and Joan had the Sea Bass.  Dessert was Mango Lasagna for me and I don't know what Joan had but she said it was good.

 We returned to Mariposa in time for Happy Hour and free Mescaline's.  I had two...Joan doesn't drink much.  Good Day.
         I had dinner with Italian Joan at Italian Viajo Lira on the roof during a Thunderstorm.  The food was good but not great.  Joan had a wonderful story about her adventures that afternoon to Teotitlan de Valle, a Zapotec weavers Pueblo not far from Oaxaca City.  She accidentally met a weaver while preparing to take the bus there and explore.  He gave her a ride, showed her his family operation, dropped her in the village center to explore, and then picked her up and returned her to Oaxaca. Teotitlan de Valle  Tomorrow she explores the ruins of Mitla.