Thursday, February 29, 2024

FINAL DAYS OF FEBRUARY IN OAXACA

I had pool to play and 1099 copies to have printed for my taxes, so just had coffee and  walked over to Ayuk for my breakfast fix. 


                  
One of my favorites.  Afterwards I walked to the bus stop around the corner and arrived early to enjoy winning a few games of pool for a change.  I ducked out early to make copies then meet Helen at Terranova for lunch. There was a "Boxing Exhibit" at the Zocalo. A mini gym to play at and Photos of Famous Boxers. This is a sport in  decline but not so much in Mexico. 




...and many more...

    Helen was robbed yesterday while trying on clothes in a clothing store. She stepped out of the dressing room to ask the lady what she thought and the man in the other dressing room moved over to her's and went through her purse, stole her wallet and walked out the door. The lady saw the man exit Helen's room and asked Helen to check her purse when she discovered the wallet was gone. Police were called and a report made. I brought her some money to tide her over for the rest of her trip until she could get back home. We had a nice lunch and she was in a better mood than yesterday. I returned home.


This man has worn these clothes forever...he is almost naked. People give him clothes but he carries them instead of wearing them?

Today I went to Aquacate and had Gluten Free Waffle with Eggs and Fruit. 


Went shopping and returned home to make 2 gallons of Soup with every leftover I had in my Refrigerator. Not great but very nourishing.

Sunday there was an gathering of like minded people at Teo Lab in La Noria. I went in hopes of learning something about fermentation, Kiefer, vegetarian dishes, etc.  I bought some Kiefer to compare to my first and recent batch I made. Mine was better. 




Fermented Tamarind and Banoffee (banana-coffee custard pie) All very good.






This guy had a little of everything...I did buy some excellent Kombucha.

                Many local natives from surrounding villages.
                            Brownie with Oats, and Dates

Teo Lab will hold this event once a month. I will return. This G.U.F.E. on the left has a full face mask on to hide his identity. Both are very well armed?

Gaby left today for San Diego and her second follow-up, after her back operation, to see if she is ready for rehab.
I visited her yesterday to say goodbye. Her Majesty was being attended to by her "Lady in Waiting" fussing with her hair while she arranged her appointments. 

I had dinner at Ayuk then spent the afternoon walking around and down to the Zocalo to have some wine. I ordered a take out Tuna Club Sandwich with Russian Dressing and spicy peppers, for late night snack.





New view from my balcony. Haven't been there yet. This was a really calm, quiet evening, with no breeze,   so still, and the perfect temperature. Every sound seemed muted. All I saw was so vivid. Tonight it's the same...going outside and enjoy it.



Lots of Mayo.  I only had 1/2 for dinner...rest I ate today. Not healthy food.  This morning Maddie arrived for Dominos. It was a quick and decisive win for me. We visited Ayuk and I had a late breakfast of Scrambled eggs with black beans? Not sure but enjoyed it. Returning to the Casa, I noted graffiti that said:
"take care of water organize your assembly". 


Recently we have been having water shortages. The landlord said he was not always able to get water from his supplier who kept running out and that we should pay attention to our water usage. In Reforma to the North, a beauty salon ran out and had to close a number of days. The Village of Teotitlan have problems with the Spring that has supplied it with water forever.  Aquifers are low and people are leaving but not returning. ??? That was one of the reasons I left Arizona.
     
Breakfast at the market close by then later that afternoon I met Linda at Le Ceviche for lunch with Marc and Judi as well as Ian and Ali. We had such a nice time I forgot to take any photos while there?


I posted a photo about picking up their children from school with a comment...No BMW's or SUV's as they were all walking. I guess this is a private school in a wealthier neighborhood?

The protesters that have been doing this are talking about the government of Israel not Jewish people. 

Today was Dominos day and after Marc, Judi and I walked to Cabuche for lunch. I had a favorite. Enchiladas Suiza with Chicken and Corn Chowda.





      
                          Tourists taking photos of ???




Note, the early rising full moon got hit by an asteroid? or Moon landing that created a crater and fallout surrounding it. Love that camera.

Today was pool day so after a sunrise selfie, I headed for a new coffee shop, Cafe Perro for breakfast then to the pool hall.




                      sitting in silence thinking out loud


                      Cafe Perro...for bringing your dog!     


          Very good Fried Eggs under the Cheese and Sauce.


David posing for a photo shot instead of aiming for a pool shot.

I left early to prepare for Helen, Halina, and Barbara's visit to see my Casa at 4 pm.  They brought some beer and wine while I had some shrimp, nuts, and cheese with grapes for them. We chatted a long time.  I really enjoyed their visit. Wonderful friends for a long time!







We all walked down to the main pedestrian street where there was a variety show outside and one of our favorite singers..but she finished when we arrived so bid goodbye.

   
                      There's a Full Moon out tonight!





I was supposed to go on a tour out of the city to see some Artists and their work. Then visit an Orchid Garden before returning. I cancelled and later walked to the Zocalo for some Oysters at Tres Bistro at the bar and to say hello to my friend Alfredo the bartender.  Then I attended an art show at Kintaro where I enjoyed dinner and Damien's service.


Watching Cyndi Laufer? while sipping wine and eating oysters.


           Music and Dance performance at the Zocalo.


       Mexicans understand suppression and help when they can. 


                            I joined the tourist photo shoot.


                               Part of the Art Exhibition


One of my views from my table in the center of the dining room.






                         Three diners enjoying their phones.




                      Pulque is Beer make from the Agave nectar.


This is what my glasses look like after I tried to spray Olive Oil into the frying pan but got the direction mixed up. Just rubbed the rest into my face.

After watching Sunday Morning on CBS, I walked to Hotel Hidalgo to eat at Casa Hidalgo with Chris, my friend whom I have not seen in over a month. He had his usual Eggs Benedict while I had a Fruit Bowl with Enchilada Suiza


I think the Heart Balloons were left over from V-Day and were at all the tables?





The streets on Sunday morning are so quiet with very little traffic.  My favorite day and time to walk.





This morning I left for Cafe Jalatlaco, a place I've been wanting to try out. It was quiet and food was OK.  I enjoyed the serenity of the place.





Dominos started my morning when Maddie showed up to get even with last weeks big beat BUT I took the lead until close to the end when she trounced me in 3 sets and we were TIED. I did win but only by a bit. We had lunch at Aquacate and returned home. 
    Michelle came by to see my place this afternoon after her swim at the Victoria Hotel.  They sell memberships for reasonable price that allows you to stop by, have lunch, go for a refreshing swim on a hot day.  Very nice pool.
   We had a wonderful chat!


     Tonight I met Hector for dinner at Boulanc Bakery/Restaurant.



Philly Steak and Cheese was OK but not enough...we split a great Pizza.

Off to Liverpool then meet Helen for Comida at Terranova. First game I did a 7 ball run ...a first.   Then Bill beat me. Oh well.
I enjoyed a nice Comida with Helen. We both had the Chicken..very good.








It's a HE with cowboy hat, Pink Boots and shorts....hmmm.
This ends February...mind the weather!