I have been back in Oaxaca about 10 weeks now while wearing my masks, going to restaurants, Mercado's, and walking a lot. In the last week that changed. Oaxaca got a Covid Green light and churches started services with doors open, Mariachi's were back at the Zocalo, tourists were pouring in, crowds were filling the Alcala, streets were lighted like never before, weddings were a daily occurrence, and there is electricity in the air.
It started really subtly, then became more noticeable, and by the end of the week Oaxaca hadn't returned to normal...it surpassed normal and is now close to transforming itself into the World Class City Destination Conde Nast travel gave it.
There are new Hotels, Hostels, Restaurants , and soon to open the famous Museums, The Teatro Macedonio Alcalá, San Pedro Cultural Center, Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca "Santo Domingo", and more. Some Restaurant oldies are gone others have relocated. BUT let me emphasize masks are worn in public around crowds and distancing as well and sanitizing is still priority is ALL businesses. I feel safer than in Phoenix, where sadly I will be returning for a short time.
NEW TOUR BUS
LA RAMBLA NOW ON REFORMA
SELINA ROOFTOP
BARRIO JALATLACO MAKEOVER
MIAM FRENCH/MEXICAN
MARITO & MOGLIE STILL THERE
ROOF TOP ON REFORMA & CONSTITU'ION
NEW MEZCAL BAR ON RAYON
TICHUCHI HOSTEL ON MURGUIA
MORACCO NOW AT: Gomez Farias 403
PAN-AM NOW AT: Abasolo 103
LEVADURAS ON MUGURIA
KINTARO ON ALLENDE
PINO SUAREZ
This morning started out in search of Ahorra Farmacia on Periferico to make a reservation for my Covid Test required to be taken 3 days before departure.
THE GREEN HOUSE
I printed out the map but they aren't perfect and I got lost, then turned the wrong direction and an hour later ended back where I started. I had a lunch planned with my friend Chris at Levaturas at 1 pm so headed over there and had a great lunch of Amarillo Mole with Wild Oaxacan Mushroom. Chris dropped me at another Farmacia where I thought I could make a reservation but they said I had to do it on the internet. That task wasted my last 3 days but he claimed it was the only way. Too bad they have such a shitty website that makes it impossible. At least I had a nice meal.
I walked home and readied myself for an evening out with friends that just arrived from California, Lynn and Kurt. I met Carol and we headed over to Zagunda for an real treat. It was located in the old Biznaga spot.
The Gringo Residents and "Snowbirds" remember the Old Biznaga that has since moved to a new location on Benito Juarez.
...and now, the neighbor Zandunga has taken over the space and merged it with their existing Restaurant and totally remodeled the both into one beautiful place with a great menu.
THE CENTERPIECE THORN TREE
I was so in AWE I forgot to take photos of the dinners with a bottle of Wine that we had. Next time. It was very good. I walked Carol home and on the way we passed Praga where a guitarist was playing and singing. The place was empty so we stopped to enjoy the music and have a Mango Margarita they do well. We left the place was FULL. Good guitarist. I walked home and noticed all the streets were lit up. I used to take a Taxi home at night because it was so dark and potentially dangerous. I think the city got the hint.
GOOD NIGHT
Today we were scheduled for Seafood Sabado at 2 pm at La Rambla and Cheri joined us. 
EMPANADAS, GUACAMOLE, AND CEVICHE...ALL EXCELLENT.
I was tired after checked my pedometer and discovered I walked 5 miles yesterday. I returned home to work to relax.
Last week was my birthday. I choose to just go to my Marti & Mogie Café and relax with a nice lunch then return and watch a good movie. I called Carol to meet me there for nice conversation. She had an Americano and I a Café Mocha. We both had the Avocado Toast but I hadn't had any breakfast so ordered the Greek Salad and Beet Latte while she had a Turmeric Latte.
Carol Reading a Mexican Poetry Book
David Pretending to Read a Mexican Poetry Book
The following day I met with Geraldo my lawyer to get the directions for applying to the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix for my Residency. Carol met me there and we went for lunch across the street. I think the whole bill was about $8
Now that friends are returning, I am getting ready to leave. Tomorrow is Sunday and I depart this coming Saturday . That leaves me 6 days. I want to scout around and watch the tourist and try and get in a game of pool with Kurt.
I am trying to get my biorhythm back in sync so I won't oversleep and miss Feliciano, my taxi driver when he shows up Saturday morning. I removed Alexa and Amazon Dot because I never felt like she understood. A couple mornings she never woke me . I set my battery operated alarm that dings on two bells, for 6 am.
7 am I felt someone tugging on my foot and rolled over and looked up at Daniel with Pinky the dog I love and his Mom telling me to shut off the alarm. It was still running and I didn't hear it after she woke me. I thought she shut it off. Then I put in my hearing aides and promptly pulled out my Screaming Meanie with 120 dBs. That should wake the whole neighborhood. It's my back up.
Then off to breakfast with Kurt and Carol at PAN-AM. While we were waiting for a table in the park across the street the waiter stuck his head out and yelled for us. On the way over an elderly man who sells small knit coasters (I bought mine from him 5 years ago) approached us with a one dollar bill and asked if we would change it for pesos. He must have got stuck with a tourist that had no pesos. I agreed and handed him 100 peso bill for $1. Then after we were seated, Kurt said you screwed that guy and only gave him half. Pesos are twice the value of the dollar. I felt bad and looked for him after to give him another 100 pesos. It wasn't until I got home that I realized one dollar is 20 pesos and I got taken, or stupidly gave him $5 for $1. Our meal was excellent.
Alas, my mind was still in a fog and I forgot to take photos until we were half done.
CHECHOS anyone. One bag is enough for a year! They are the size of a 100lb bag of rice but lighter.
One day last week, Annalisa and I finally decided on a restaurant to meet at for mid-day lunch in San Felipe del Agua called Monica Hindu. I took a taxi and arrived at 3 pm just before she showed up. I didn't know what to order so let her do the ordering. We had more that I took photos of. This was the first round:
There was a lamb and a chicken dish, some Naan bread, and a stew with Chix Peas. This was followed with a Delicious Yogurt with fruit and veggies? I had a great Mango Lassie and Annalisa offered me a ride back to my condo! It was a nice afternoon and I would return there again.
Monday, Carol and I met at Rooftop of Selina's for a beer than had a great Fresh Dorado Fish dinner at Levaturas. My Screaming Meanie woke me this morning at 6 am. I had it set on 1/2 volume but will up it to full for tomorrow. We are all going to Kintaro this evening so I will only post anything that I have not already posted in last weeks issue.
Tonight we join Kurt and Lynn again at Kintaro this time. We had some Appetizers
with a bottle of Sake...then another Sake with our meal .
As usual of late, I forgot to take photos of our entrees....must have been the Sake.
Lunch at Husband and Wife Café.
Another great lunch and take home for tonight and manana.
My last day spent at home and a lunch with Carol to say our farewells. Now packing this computer up and calling it a night. Tomorrow Feliciano will be outside the Gate waiting to transport me back to ....I don't want to go!!! Oh well...a parting thought:
SEE YOU AGAIN IN WNY (Western N. Y.)
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