7 - 23 4th of July & Guelaguetza

 Guelaguetza in Oaxaca already are starting events. The Mexican Tour de Oaxaca's first race was yesterday. I had gone out to get a Hamburgesa but the restaurant recommended had only one table available with no chairs sitting in the middle of the dining room. They were full at 3 pm Saturday. I went to Tasty Vin & Tapas for the Grilled Tuna Special $8 but it was overcooked and dry. I sent it back and they prepared another. The meal was great.

              THEY CALL ME "MELLOW YELLOW"

       SORRY, I WAS HUNGRY AND STARTED ASAP.

I left and noticed the police had one of the main streets blocked off, and then I heard a siren and saw Motorcycles approaching and thought an escort for a dignitary.  Wrong...the front of a bicycle race.  I took a photo then it was over but the street blockade wasn't? I asked the police if they were returning and she replied si. If they were doing a circle I wanted to position myself better so walked to the Opera House and the final stretch.

                     DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

                     THE FRONT RUNNERS

  THE FINISH

Now near the Zocalo, I could hear the Danza Music so took some photos then went upstairs at Tres Bistro for some Oysters and Merlot.

Alfredo served my "Dessert"with a smile. I took another photo from up above and left to catch the bus.

While waiting for the bus, I noticed a "Plant Lady" who was busy. I decided to buy another plant for my casa. Then the bus took me to my doorstep.

Gaby stopped by with some Gluten free Almond bread with blueberries, and some Chicken Mole she made to share.  We sat out and watched the daylight fade and oh look David, the moon behind that cloud.

                            NOW YOU SEE IT

                           NOW YOU DON'T

CHICKEN MOLE WAS GREAT.  I HAD THE ALMOND BLUEBERRY BREAD WITH COFFEE THIS MORNING. Later I fixed Saute' Sea Bass in White Wine Sauce with Avocado and Tomato. 

Time for my walk. When I arrived at the Zocalo, I stopped at Terranova for a "snack".  A Taco would work but I ordered the Taco Plate by mistake so took some Chicken Tacos home. As I was leaving, I noticed a huge stage for celebrity band going up.  When I returned home I checked to see who was playing...whoops...last night. They were tearing it down.

Family? The guy on the end..fingering the camera.

Music Stand to hold the Cell Phone

Gaby stopped by to point out the Rainbow...then the Moon Again!

It was off for breakfast on my way to play pool when I noticed the Hotel Hidalgo, a new place serving breakfast.  I was the only customer. The Eggs Benedict got my attention along with a Green Health drink.

  SOME HOTELS FEATURE A GUELAGUETZA VARIETY SHOW

These Organic eggs have a dark Orange Yoke and were excellent fresh flavor at reasonable price. I would return  for dinner. 

      I lost 4 games of pool and retreated home with my tail between my legs. Later that afternoon Gaby stopped and suggested we go for a healthy salad at Aguacate. We stopped next door for an Sherbet treat.

Now, with no working ear phones, I contacted Mercado Libre...S.A. answer to Amazon and had a $50 special in two days that enables me to hear conversation except on the phone.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY...Gaby and I are off to the Canadian/American Celebrating in San Paulo Etla the the Casa Raab....a beautiful home in the forest surrounded by Sierra Madre Mountains. It was sold out but we had tickets and arrived to enjoy a wonderful Brats or Hamburg with GREAT salads then Ice Cream. It was nice to see old friends together on this special day.

We returned home and retired early after a long tiring but wonderful day.

I left early for another try at Pool but needed a haircut first.

Today was Gaby's day off from her plasma treatment so we planned late lunch/early dinner out or I was to prepare my Sea Bass  in White wine sauce with Shrimp and Avocado.  My maid was to arrive at 10:30 but changed my plan when she couldn't be there until 12. I finally got out of the house at 12:30 to meet Hector for lunch. Hector couldn't meet me until 2 so I wandered around and stopped for coffee.

              My Nut Candy Purveyor...Sophia

Hector showed and we visited a gallery run by my new friend Diego.  His family has had it for years. After we went for Tacos then parted to return home.

Normally Juana takes 4 hours to clean but I returned from a "light" lunch around 3 and she was gone.  Gaby's apartment was open but couldn't find her to decide whether I was going to prepare a fancy meal or we could go out. I called her phones and left messages but no answers or texts?  Finally, I was getting hungry and had left a message I was going to dinner after 5 if I didn't hear from her....and did.  The Morocco restaurant was always a winner and a short walk.

         Moussaka salad and cous cous was very good. 

Curbside service on the way home...how could I refuse.

I arrived but still no Gaby so relaxed on my terrace with my Ice Cream and view. Later and early bed around 8.

I had breakfast at the local market the next day then enjoyed a Green Drink when Lee, my neighbor, popped in while on a photo shoot in Black and White.

  Gaby said she called but no message or explanation that made sense?  C'est la Vie.

I enjoyed a Shrimp and Avocado Omelet then a long walk while enjoying the day. Later dinner again at Tasty Vin with my Grilled Tuna Special for $8...best deal in town now.

Sunday dinner at Casa Celia's with Gaby...always forget the photos when I'm with her?

                    Cauliflower Again?  Si!

Serrano Ham Croquette...one of four. Beet Salad and Ham and Arugula Salad are missing.

Marc's "shared" photo of Dali and Frida Mural...not from Oaxaca?

Breakfast at Aquacate before my one in 8 game win at pool. Getting better!

 Gluten Free Waffle and Fresh Fruit ...mmmm so good.

         Monday morning Dance classes at Llano Park

BILL AT COMMAND POST TAKING MY DUES

                        It's a wonderful life.

                                                                                 NEWS FLASH : OAXACA IS THE BEST CITY IN WORLD  click then back button to return.

A morning walk about to Hotel Hidalgo for breakfast and a stop at a couple of galleries.

       

                          TEXTILE MUSEUM

Another great meal at Casa Hidalgo.  I returned home for a while then met Chris for dinner at Tasty Vin. It had been a while since I saw him and forgot to take photos...except for my Mezcal and Truffle dessert.

                 ANOTHER ABNB NEXT DOOR

                                 $120 A NIGHT

                     HOME SWEET HOME

Bussed to the pool hall this morning and forgot breakfast so after I returned to Casa Hidalgo but they switched to lunch/dinner menu so....Peach Salad was non-stop "woofed" it down..WOW. Chicken soup delicious and a nice Berry Lemonade.

                      EXCELLENT FLUTIST

DOMINGO BEAT ME BUT WON MY FIRST AND LAST GAME!

         HELICOPTER FAN KEEPS FLIES AWAY

Gaby had skipped her therapy today because of bad night and severe back pain...so I invited her over for a dinner of Bass in White Wine sauce with Shrimp,Pepper, Tomato, accompanied by Sweet Peas with Fresh Mushrooms and Onion.

Today, I wanted to try a Hamburg at Carn & Voro, that  was recommended.  We arrived at opening at 2 pm and ordered right away but at 2:40 I went to the Chef and asked where my HAMBURG and Gaby's Chicken was?  The waiter, who had not checked back, promptly brought the food to the table. Her Chicken had been sitting under the heat lamp for quite some time and was dried out.  My burger was good but not exceptional. The waiter did return with a complimentary dessert that I accepted with gratitude and was satisfied.  A new pastry place next door on Zarate is on our list for dessert and coffee. 

      Lots Foam Little Flavor Cappuccino not Latte!

Llano Park is having a Guelaguetza Gastronomic Event with music and food for the next week...which I will feature in the next Post!

MY FAVORITE OAXACA HIP HOP

  Stay cool and safe!