24 - 5 MAY Flowers bring Showers

 The first day of May I needed to see a Dermatologist. Four weeks ago I got a small cut on my ankle when I bumped into one of our "Dog Gates" to keep the dogs from running after strangers entering the compound then biting them. I didn't think much of it but it hurt.  I thought I might have a wood splinter in it but couldn't get a good look at it.  After 2 weeks I went to my doctor to hear...Well you know, as we get older we don't heal as well? Really.  He glance down at it then touched it with his thumb and pronounced it has a scab so is healing. I left unimpressed and went to my Cardiologist. 

      Last year I developed a Venous Ulcer on the same ankle that wouldn't heal and he sent me to a Vascular Surgeon who smeared some cream all over it, wrapped it up and told me to change the wrap daily and return in a week.  In 3 weeks it finally healed. 

My Cardiologist noted it was getting red and swollen so prescribed Antibiotics to destroy the infection and all my good bacteria in my now perfect microbiome.

I countered that with good bacteria from my homemade kefir. Some thing so easy and so healthy. Antibiotics can destroy up to 80% of your good bacteria, like they did my mother's...all of it after one week of being fed Antibiotics in the ICU to kill a C-Def infection that took over her whole body and she died.

On my way home from the pharmacy, I took some photos and noted a unique little shop nearby. I stopped in to discover a massive collection of carved Gourds, and Coconut Shells. I bought one for $50. They range from $5 to over $120.

 I completed the pills and the cut is now uninfected but still there.  I went to a Dermatologist yesterday.  When I arrived at the Clinic, it was empty except for two people at the front desk. I explained my need. Do you have an appointment? No English. Only Spanish. I pulled out Google Conversations and was told I must have a consultation first then the earliest appointment would be June 13th.  There was no patients anywhere. Disgusted, I explained Facebook said you were open and didn't not say an appointment was necessary at this clinic. It is an emergency but I understand and thanks for your help.  She mumbled something in Spanish as I bid her goodbye and left. 

      I was walking back to the bus stop and decided to eat breakfast. When I pulled out my phone to check emails while sipping my coffee, Google Conversations was there with a last message from her as I bid goodbye....If it is an emergency, I can get you in now to take a look at what your issue is!  Well, should I walk all the way back after breakfast? No but I will find another Dermatologist if in another week it has not improved. I have to resume my Spanish lessons! It's been a week of washing it daily and putting my Antiseptic cream on and covering it. It has improved.

Oaxaca is celebrating a 475 year Anniversary so stopped at the Zocalo to listen to a concert then visit a new Mezcal Tasting Room near my bus stop.

 

Nice selection of Mezcals and Oaxacan Craft beers. I returned later and bought 4 @ $5 each. Mexican craft beers are great.

     It rained a bit last night and started rain this afternoon around 4 as I was leaving to get some dinner at B0ulanc Bakery.  I grabbed my umbrella and had to stop a bit on the way to plan on how to cross the street and avoid the river of water.

 Ate the whole Pizza of the Day...Chicken, Cheese, and Turkey Ham...eh.  Crust was good. Salami next time.

Stayed in the next day until late afternoon when I headed for the Zocalo and a Salad that Carla had that looked so good.  

 

I go by this construction site everyday for almost 2 years, when I saw the cross, I thought there had been an accident and one of the workers died.   May 3, Mexico celebrated Día de la Santa Cruz (Day of the Holy Cross). Tradition calls for workers to erect crosses festooned with flowers at the highest point on construction sites. According to Mexconnect, in 1960, Pope John XXIII removed Día de la Santa Cruz from the liturgical calendar, but Mexico being Mexico and construction workers being construction workers, they ignored the Pope.  Eventually, understanding the relationship of forces, he gave Mexico a special dispensation to celebrate on this day. (compliments of View from Colibri)

This young lady is out every night.  Her way of communicating with passerby's and neighbors. We always say hello to each other and she always smiles.

I wanted to get a picture of this wedding couple that were being ignored.  Someone put a bag over their head to shut them up...or...worse. That's when I met Bunny.

Love the Cuff's and Net Stockings get me every time...with a smile!

Remember when they put up the boards to keep people from putting graffiti on the Church...well it worked .

 

Ate it all while  watching Joseph and Mary dance to the Fiddle player. 

Getting dark when Hector my friend was passing by and joined me for a glass of wine.  It was a nice visit and we are doing lunch next week.

                     I took this photo waiting for the bus home.

This morning I left early to visit the Pachote Mercado but it was Saturday and many of the Vendor were not there.  My Goat Milk/Cheese lady, the Plant seller, so I bought a few Avocados, Beet Greens and Small Cukes, then had Huevos Rancheros , Fruit Salad and Cappuccino at Cabouche where I've been dining for 10 years now. It was great for $8 including tip.

  It has been so hot lately and the forecast was hotter this week.  I can't take HOTTER with no A/C so left early to get a walk in before the afternoon Heat and make a reservation at a Hotel with A/C for a week.

Guardian Article today:  "Heads Up"

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/article/2024/may/08/world-scientists-climate-failure-survey-global-temperature?CMP=share_btn_url

Numerous experts said they had been left feeling hopeless, infuriated and scared by the failure of governments to act despite the clear scientific evidence provided.

“I think we are headed for major societal disruption within the next five years,” said Greta Pecl, at the University of Tasmania. “[Authorities] will be overwhelmed by extreme event after extreme event, food production will be disrupted. I could not feel greater despair over the future.”

I stopped at Santa Herbie on the way back for breakfast.

I had Green Juice drink which they brought in a bottle with it's own label.  I told her I wanted fresh and she said it was?  I ordered poached eggs with Vegetables and Ham. I got a plate of Potatoes with one asparagus spear cut up, two Mushrooms cut up, two green beans, shaved piece of Ham two of the smallest eggs poached well done with a plate of potatoes...those I left.

I could not get everyone exercising in this picture...look close and you will see two instructors on the wall on the left and over 100 people dancing for one hour!

             

                             Just love the Trees

Charged my card twice for what was not Value for your money to begin with! Credit card company corrected it within the hour.

Love walking in Oaxaca...you can not avoid Nature. Dali Lama said we should be as close to nature as possible. 

He is on his way to the bus stop with his baked goods to set up a little stand and make some money to support his family. He has another 1/2 mile to go.   Tomorrow I check in to the hotel after my Dominoes with Maddie! This week and next are high 90's and my condo is on the top level and gets very warm..like an oven.

We had a fun game and took a taxi to my hotel near where she lives.  She kindly helped with her fluent Spanish while I checked in, then we had Pescado Veracruz. Fillet  of Fish with Tomato, Peppers, Onions and Olives for lunch at the Air Conditioned hotel. Maddie went home and I to the Library to drop off some clothes for the Immigrants.

That is not a tapestry hanging on the wall...it is painted on it.

Nicest entrance way the Library ever had. We had Christmas Dinner with tables and chairs there in 2015. No plants.

That evening I took my usual seat at Del Jardin in the Zocalo for a glass of Wine and Avocado Stuffed with Tuna Salad on a bed of Sliced Tomatoes and Lettuce. In the US it would be a Tomato Stuffed with Tuna or Crab Salad. Here is was $10 including Wine and Tip.

                            He has Tommy Weber's Hat on!

       I did not eat the Bread.Those Olives look like Nipples.  Shame on The Salad Chef.

All those photos were people waiting their turn to get up on the Stage and perform.  Dance, Singing, Skits...good entertainment.

This Palm was blowing in the wind like it's top heavy and ready to come out of the soil? Needs a trim.

The next morning I crossed the street to my favorite Cafe Barristo for some coffee.  Now they are serving food so I had some Oatmeal with Banana and Strawberries before going to the Pharmacy to get some cream Hector recommended for my cut. They didn't have it but the Doctor was in so I saw Dr. Jesse.  This is a free service offered by a lot of the Pharmacies and paid for by the Pharmacy. The doctor is there from 9-9 every day except Sunday. She takes tips if you can afford it. I gave her what my Cardiologist charges...$30. She prescribed something that was similar to what Hector recommended.  Both are excellent she said. So I pay a little more for drugs but the convenience and service was excellent. Dr Jesse wants me back in a week. None of the three other I went to , except the Cardiologist, made me feel like they even cared and it was free if I didn't want to tip her. I have used this doctors maybe 3 times and every time I was satisfied , did not have to make and appointment and they speak pretty good English.

I returned to my condo to put on the cream I bought, pick up some things and check my fermenting Pickles and Kefir water. Gaby sent a Photo of her view of Oceanside while relaxing.  Much better than when Bruce and I visited.

    I returned to my room, then on to Tasty Vin for Grilled Salmon, Salad and Mashed Potatoes. Instead of glasses of wine I opted for a bottle that I could take back to the room for the next night.  

                      Looks refreshing and cooler than here.

I moved my new Cacti to more light and gave it some water. The leaves were turning black and dropping. Normal? I know nothing.

When you buy a bottle of wine you get 5 different Tapas.  I was almost finished eating when this young man came in and asked to see the menu.  He started looking at it like I do.  Finally he agreed to sit and start getting serious while trying to decide what he wanted.  I asked if he was in the restaurant business and he replied he was a Chef at a restaurant in the Southeast Coastal area of England. He was 19 years old and drinking wine. I never dared call myself a Chef until I was in Charge of the Kitchen...I was a cook.  

        So we talked a bit and finally he had finished his wine and put in his order so I took the 1/2 bottle I had and we shared it. He had to leave at 4 am in the morning. We talked...then I went home when his food arrived.

             

Both entrances to this restaurant Cafe have trees in the center!

I spent $25 one day for a haircut here because I was curious. This is not your typical barber. He styles your hair to what you would have had back in the 20,30, and 40's.  Clark Gable, Douglas Fairbanks, you get the idea.  Mine, he styles straight back exactly like my father had while I was growing up.  I liked it at first but it had been styled to go backward and refused. It was too much work so I never returned to the Bastard!

Slept well and got up early and out the door for coffee since I am not home.  It was too early and nothing was open but the Air was cool and refreshing so I walked to Llano park and there was crowds of walkers circling the park. I joined them and noticed the aerobic exercisers were starting.  Not as much as the other morning.

        I felt part of a movement or camaraderie that has gone out of my life.  The Irish Pub Gang, Golfing outings, My Employees , working with them, Texas Holdem games, weekends at Shangri La Resort, My nudist friends, Travel friends, Chef's training and the close working relationship, the Army, Boy Scouts, all my paper route customers, etc.  Now it's my pool gang, my complex neighbors, a few domino players, but most of the time it's just me and my computer.  I do enjoy photo walks.  I am leaving in two days for the Sierra Sur Madre about 3 hours from here for 6 days.  It is where the world , around 1950 was introduced to "magic mushrooms" by a good intention-ed Maria Sabina who was later ostracized out of her village and died poor and alone.

This man poured water where he wanted the dogs to lie. They in turn, dug up in the water and mixed it around like making a bed and then sat on the cool wet earth and the guy is doing some exercise with the music of the aerobics!

               

American Movie Schedule at local Coffee/Movie House.

I rested a bit at my condo before bidding Botus, the dog, goodbye then left for Vin y Vinyl where they feature assorted  wines by the glass at 3 prices, 90 110 130 maybe? As the price increase so does the quality. The menu recently added N.Y.Strip Steak, so I gave it a try and was pleasantly surprised.

I browsed the vinyl albums and took Marvin Kaye to the D.J. and he played it while I enjoyed a nice dinner with 2X1 Mezcalrita's.  Then the owner came in.  I met Alejandro just after they moved to the new location. I wrote an honest and complimentary review on my blog. He promised me a wine.  I suggested he put in overhead fans just to keep the air circulating. He did!  It is still warm but you can feel a slight cool breeze. The steak was better than the Filet of Beef I had at Tres Bistro.  He bought me a third Mezcalrita. 

      I left feeling good and had a text requesting my name and pick up point on Saturday morning for my trip to San Jose del Pacific0.  Then another message from the hotel I will be at, to let them know when I arrive so they can pick me up and bring me to the hotel.  I think it's about a mile so I was going to walk it but it can be straight up a mountain so I will let them know when I find out.  The six days at this hotel will be half the price of the one I am at now. The ride there is around $20. It's almost 8310 ft altitude. I must be used to the altitude after living in Oaxaca because with 2/3 of my right lung removed I couldn't sleep over 7000 feet. My body in sleep couldn't absorb enough oxygen at that level but now it can.  That means I can visit Chiapas. Not sure about Peru yet.

                             San Jose del Pacifico

Last night I returned to Tasty Vin for Salmon and Vino. I returned to the hotel and made my final packing list for San Jose then retired early.  I had a great sleep then walked to my Condo for my last trip to get Meds and long pants and trade in shorts and short sleeves. Had a repeat dinner at Tasty Vin, retired early and got up at 5:30 and waited to be picked up at 7:15. 

          

     We made it to San Jose and I called the Cabana and let them know I was waiting at Cafe Express having Huevos Rancheros but no one showed up or answered my calls...

            I took a TukTuk to check in but no check in and no front desk or office.  One Mexican was getting a delivery he ordered and I asked but he spoke no English and made a point of saying WAIT.  I waited another 1/2 hour and decided to call Booking.com to cancel and book another in person .  I got into town and told the situation to another Cabana owner before I booked it.  He called the guy for me and he left to pick me up.

        No Manager lives or runs Cabana Gigante.  Like Air B N B.

Miguel picked me up with his son and drove me to show my unit and move in.  His eyes lit up when I asked about Mushrooms and he sold me some to try. There is nothing in this room except a sink, toilet with no seat, bed, end tables and shower.  No chairs, and sun rises in my face.  I should be fine if I survive.  

Got to go into town and get some eats and food to snack when I get back. 

       I followed the Tuk Tuk drivers recommendation for Italian Pasta.  The view was awesome but it was Not Italian and had NO Pasta at all.  It must be my OAXACA hat gives off that I think I'm special...when I wish to convey Oaxaca is special.

Mountain Folk think differently..especially when they grew up on Mushrooms.   The meal was excellent... plain but good. NO Wine...only a beer. I took some water and back up Wine home to the Cabana fed the cats, and toasted the sunset,  

     My room here witnesses the Sunset. In Oaxaca it witnesses the Sunrise.   I don't like Tuk Tuk back and forth just for a coffee. 

I returned to the village to eat and check out other places to stay. 

I had a late breakfast then took two Torta's home for dinner and breakfast the next day.  The man at the Montana Restaurant that was so helpful, showed me a better room and I booked it for my last 4 days. $200 for 6 days...forfeited after the second day and $220 for the last 4 days at the Montana.  I slept well and enjoyed the sunset and the Crescent Moon.

I left after my Torta breakfast for a real breakfast/lunch and to buy some Mushrooms while checking out the town.  Tourists for camping, views, adventures, and above all Mushrooms keep San Jose thriving even in the off season. Surfers from an hour away in Puerto Escondido stop on the way back for a couple days. You can walk a tightrope bridge over a 500 ft gorge...or a glass walk out over the ridge and a swing you can repel across the gorge on.

I returned to find Gaby paid me a visit on the internet and celebrated her birthday by changing her look...I like it. Another nice sunset and early bed after packing to move. 

 The next morning I got ready and was leaving when Miguel showed up.  I had told him about the toilet seat, lock and door handle, and the faulty Shower head.  He said he could do nothing so I informed him I was moving but he could keep the non refundable rent I paid if he gave me a ride to town.  He did and I moved in to Montana where they didn't have a toilet seat either but all else was OK. Toured the town and enjoyed a breakfast/lunch "Maria Sabina Omelet" with regular Mushrooms.  Later that evening I tried another Mom and Pop place that served WINE by the glass! Yeah.  Wings and Burgers so that is what I had...closest Buffalo Wings I had since arriving in Mexico..and a good Hamburg . 

 Sky Show from Daniel Downing's back yard in Montana..thanks Dan.

                         My new view from my new Bed.

                  Best Buffalo Wings since I arrived in Mexico

Tuesday Morning I enjoyed a nice hot shower then tried another Mom and Pop breakfast of Huervos Rancheros. Lots of flies to fend off in this Mountainous Pueblo.  I watched a couple good movies...Normal and The Pianist.  Later I went to the bus station to make my return reservation but you have to make it the day before?  There was a nice Mom and Pop next door I thought very well done so the food should be good but no Wine.  I ordered Chicken and Mushrooms.  Excellent and will return.

    I returned to my room just as the clouds came in with rain. It was 5 pm and I could not see out my window as it was just a cloud.  Every morning and evening San Jose is enveloped in the Clouds.

                               MY View this evening.

I had enough leftover Pasta Alfredo to tide me over so left about 6 pm as it was getting dark and started to rain. I took to a bar across the street and bought some popcorn to enjoy with a glass of wine...or two. I was the only customer.

I was returning and went to pay the bill and noticed a customer that was renting a room upstairs.  He came in when I ordered my second glass of wine but spoke good English so I offered to buy him another Mezcal and bought one for myself.  He just moved back to Teotitlan from San Francisco and bought some property there to be near his family. I told him I had a place there for a year that I shared with a friend and loved the village. It turned out his Uncle was one of my landlords there. We exchanged our address and vowed to keep in touch.  He wants me to meet his family there. I returned and fell right asleep.

      This was my first travel trip since '22 and Amsterdam.  I am so glad I got out.  I knew there was not a lot to do here and welcomed the solitude...but  I was getting antsy when I faced myself and walked around, read, watched a movie, played Sudoku, and stared at the clouds in the rain. I made a good decision to put myself in a challenging environment. That is what travel is...the power of now, not tomorrow or yesterday.

I am on a roll.  While I was sipping my wine I checked my phone and read a message from one of my older friends:  An essay quoted from Mário de Andrade (San Paolo 1893-1945) Poet, novelist, essayist and musicologist. One of the founders of Brazilian modernism. It read...pay attention:

“I counted my years and realized that I have less time to live by, than I have lived so far.

I feel like a child who won a pack of candies: at first, he ate them with pleasure but when he realized that there was little left, he began to taste them intensely.

I have no time for endless meetings where the statutes, rules, procedures and internal regulations are discussed, knowing that nothing will be done.

I no longer have the patience to stand absurd people who, despite their chronological age, have not grown up.

My time is too short: I want the essence; my spirit is in a hurry. I do not have much candy in the package anymore.

I want to live next to humans, very realistic people who know how to laugh at their mistakes and who are not inflated by their own triumphs and who take responsibility for their actions. In this way, human dignity is defended and we live in truth and honesty.

It is the essentials that make life useful.

I want to surround myself with people who know how to touch the hearts of those whom hard strokes of life have learned to grow with sweet touches of the soul.

Yes, I'm in a hurry. I'm in a hurry to live with the intensity that only maturity can give.

I do not intend to waste any of the remaining desserts. I am sure they will be exquisite, much more than those eaten so far.

My goal is to reach the end satisfied and at peace with my loved ones and my conscience.

We have two lives and the second begins when you realize you only have one.”

He summed up what I had been contemplating while here!

It is obvious, as we get older that time is running out...but what hit me was his quote: "I want to live next to humans,who are not inflated by their own triumphs..." I never saw it that way. I was looking at it from my ego driven bull I bought into until I realized that self was only part of me the rest was the bull.  Mexico and getting older put me in touch with myself without the bull I used to believe in.  I was inflated by my own triumphs! I now strive to stay in the NOW ...the real world.

This morning I went right to the bus station and booked my return trip to Oaxaca around noon tomorrow.  I had breakfast at the same place I had dinner last night, then stopped the Conifer Tea House which just opened.  I had a Cordado and Chocolate Chip cookie. Now I just finished a Chicken Torta and hot Chocolate at the Montana Restaurant. I will end this for now. When I return I have lots of catching up to do and may back out of my volunteering  at the library and buy my car, a new TV and plan my trip to Japan. 

                   

                           View from the rooftop of Conifer

S

See you in Oaxaca....hard to believe this blog only covered 2 weeks.