ADVENTURES OF A RETIRED NOMAD: 22- 7 OPENING DAY OF GUELAGETZA

Oaxaca is teeming with tourists...the ones without the masks. Mixed group of Mask wearers. The tourists are here for the annual Two week Guelagetza Celebration . Today was Mezcal Tasting Day. Pay one price and taste all the Mezcals of Oaxaca State. 6 pm and the Parade comences, marking the beginning of the Celebration.

We, Carol and I decided to take a long walk to Chepeche in Xochimilco where they serve a fantastic Breakfast menu in a garden setting. We stopped into a new Art Gallery on the way.

We stopped in a large building that had been taken over by artisans from outside and within Oaxaca that are visiting the

Pueblo to sell their creative and high priced quality goods. I may buy a Mandela created by a husband/wife team. He said it takes

2 days to make one.

Very nice and they interlock in case you have a lot of money for

2 or three.

Hand made shirts of extraordinary quality for around $100 Dollars!

One of the daily parades was passing by as we went on our way.

The Stamp Museum (yes Stamps..doesn't sound great but it is) changed one of their exhibits which they do from Month to Month. This one was about Oaxacan Coffee...some of the best in the world. High Quality coffee get sent out for the world market where it fetches high dollar. If you know someone, you can buy it here but seldom see it in the markets.

We picked up the pace as we grew hungry for Chepeche's breakfast. Then I saw the Oaxacan Culinary Gastronomic Center under construction and had to stop by and ask questions.

Some of the top Chefs of Oaxaca visited the Basque Culinary Center in San Sebastian Spain that featured Basque food from the surrounding area. Different villages in the Basque region prepare Basque dishes that are unique to that area. Kind of like the different areas of Oaxaca with different customs, languages (did you know that many villagers do not speak Spanish or English?), food, and dress. They returned with the idea of creating a place to feature the dishes of all the different regions of Oaxaca. I was told it would be open on Monday..today was Saturday.

Elevator to upper level to transport ovens, food, supplies.

We walked passed countless food stalls out on the street and they were all busy. It was hard not to stop and eat...but we were on a mission.

When the Spanish undertook to build another of there cookie cutter magnificent cities, Oaxaca needed water. The Franciscans, I think, built an Aqueduct from the Mountains North of the city to bring fresh water to Oaxaca. We were following that Aqueduct (no longer used) North.

It was a very pleasant walk and the first time I walked that route North to Chepeche. Pleasantly surprised. We finally arrived after a timeless walk to this Garden Restaurant in Xochimilco section of Oaxaca.

The meal was fantastic as was the day. So beautiful with clean air and the perfect weather...so far. We decided to stop at a rooftop restaurant back in the Centro to view the hustle and bustle of this busy opening Day of the Guelagetza. There was a Mezcal Festival all day in Llano park. I went to it a number of years ago and had a fantastic time. We settled for a beer on the rooftop that had a nice view of the area.

The Amphitheater on the hill is where most of the Guelagetza performances take place and are broadcast on the local Television station. Also they will have a big celebration performance in the Opera House in the coming days.

We both returned to our separate homes for a nap in preparation for the BIG PARADE that is supposed to start at

6 pm and winds through the main Calles of Oaxaca.

A nice siesta and I walked the crowded streets, through barricades, and met Carol at Bob and Ruth's home where they view the parade each year and get lots of free Mexcal from the participants. Bob also brings a bottle to share with other revelers. He had staked out their turf in advance with his chairs in front of their huge home they have lived in for many years. They have lived in many places in Mexico over the years but this is their home now. We waited while it started to rain...but only a sprinkle so we were fine. I socialized with a 16 year old from Roanoke Virginia. I think his father is Mexican and they come often to visit relatives in Mexico.

Mexicans know how to celebrate and party. They do drink during such occasions but not so much otherwise. If there is a gathering of relatives or special occasions, which are very frequent, then they laugh, dance , shout, smile, and enjoy life! This is one of the big occasions!!!