25 - 6 RETURN TO OAXACA FOR THE LAST OF JUNE

One of my reasons for visiting my daughter's family was to attend Ellis's Graduation.  The morning after my first day of socializing and catching up, I rose at 6:30 to attend his Graduation with Heather and Allen. He joined his classmates while we settled in the stands to watch this outdoor activity. 

              We had a nice lunch after and returned home.

Today Heather and Allen took me out for Father's Day at the Inn of the 7th Light in Topanga Canyon. This beautiful restaurant was mostly all outdoors in the Woods. Very nice and we had a Gazebo to enjoy our dinner. We shared Shrimp Cakes then Heather had Short Ribs, I had Scottish Salmon and Allen had the Sea Bass.  All was great.

The next morning, Heather drove me to Chatsworth to board the Amtrak train to Old Town San Diego  where I caught a taxi to the Comfort Inn at the Airport.  After settling in I walked to the Harbor and had dinner at Matt's Seafood.  

These wires keep the Seagulls off the restaurant counter.

                    Fresh Wahoo and Slaw with a glass of Wine

                                       Fishing anyone?

Took a cupa Chowda back to eat and they gave me this spoon?

 Got my photos mixed up and too tired to change it...thanks.

I departed for Oaxaca the next morning.  FIRST CLASS!

Made it. No problem but the flight was on tarmac for almost an hour. We landed in Houston 14 minutes from my Oaxacan connection departure. I grabbed my carry on and ran to gate B7. Had to take a train to B terminal then HAD to go to the bathroom that had no TP so jumped into the next stall did my thing and NO TP there! A traveler always keep napkins, tissue ,so I hurriedly finished and made B 7 to be told it was at B 26 at the very end of the terminal. It was also late with a long line to board but I was in group one and am posting this from my A1 first class seat. My United App told me I had to pick up my luggage at the Gate we arrived at. It was to be transferred to this plane. I will find out when arriving in Oaxaca. The tag to locate the luggage unfortunately is in my pocket with my keys. The attendant said they are loading more bags from connecting flights and it may be another hour before we depart due to the weather, but all I see is sunshine and five planes in front of us and 9 more in line behind us.

       The 2 hour went well but I strained something while running with my carry-on and my hip is hurting but healing. My bag never left Houston so after filing a claim I arrived at my condo to discover the key I left in my plant was gone. The landlord was just leaving and returned to open up for me with his key ! Now I am here, my refrigerator is shot...no cold but didn't realize it until I went out shopping 3 times to get some food.  My sink was leaking so washed dishes then had to clean up under the sink and the whole kitchen floor flooded.  My food is spoiling and no one to call.  They will pick up the rent tomorrow so maybe they can get me a refrigerator ASAP.

My bag was delivered the next day while I had just got into bed to get a good nights rest. I got the call it would arrive in 5 minutes so to make sure I went to the gate but no one was there.  I walked down to the street and saw him walking up the hill with my huge suitcase in the rain. I had him take it up the stairs to my door and tipped him. Goodnight.  

Sunday I unpacked and went out to eat since I could not cook any food because I didn't want buy any that needed refrigeration and couldn't wash dishes anyway with a leaking sink.

  Shakshuka Cordado Coffee and Greek Salad...so good to be back.

                                   Flowers in the bathroom!

Oaxaca is encouraging tourists to come for the upcoming annual Guelagetza two week celebration of the diversity of the State with previews of what to expect.

Monday the rent collector came with an interpreter to verify I had a bum refrigerator and leaky sink...like I was going to lie. Where is the repairmen! Manana. Tuesday no one showed then Wednesday they came and played with the refrigerator then left. I was told it was a burned out wire. So where is the plumber for the sink?

     Thursday they returned to tear the whole refrigerator apart and I received a notice to pay them around 5000 pesos or more depending on what they say after it's done. Boss man stopped by and I told him I was not paying a cent and needed my sink fixed. He balked but OK'd it and the plumber fixed the sink three hours later when the repairman finished the job. The refrigerator was like new and the sink was fine...6 days I went without.  My maid was in to clean the house while all this was going on! needless to say she did what she could. I was happy I could now start cooking and stock up now. 

Sunday I went walking and ended at the Zocalo so dined at Tres Bistro to see my old friend Alfredo. Dance Day for all. Weather changing.

                              Mom and Son keep you young!

Later in the week I went for a morning walk to Cafe Local to try their Eggs Benedict...with a Matcha Berry Latte. So So...that evening I ran into Lee when I visited Yuka Sushi. I ordered his Vegetable Rice Bowl, which was very good.

We have a new "Upscale" Restaurant called "Copal" after the incense, which is burned at the restaurant. 

Wine Tasting Bar with trough to spit out or pour out wine after tasting.

                                    And a Mirrored Ceiling

                     Crab Stuffed Avocado-Wine Bar Menu

             Whole Small Chicken or Large Cornish Game Hen?

                                           Copal Incense

One Morning I visited Riposte?, a Xochimilcan restaurant just North of my Casa for a nice Breakfast and lime smoothie. Later that evening I returned to Casa Celia after months away for Beet Carpaccio and Lasagna with Salad. 

Today I had breakfast at the local Market. That afternoon a nice walk to my favorite Coffee Cafe on Hildago for a Cordado Coffee, and a new dish of Chick Peas and Poached Egg. Good but the Poached Eggs with Yogurt was off the menu and better that what I had. Still good.

                            Graduation Celebration Ceremony 

Chris and I got together for lunch after not seeing each other for 3 months.  I had a good breakfast at home but saved my appetite for dinner at a new restaurant on Guerro called "MOOK".  Mexican food. I ordered the Tlayuda but we talked so much I only ate half so folded it over for the waiter to pack it Togo.  He didn't hear me and threw it out but brought Chris's Togo order.  $36 and I was looking forward to the rest of the meal while relaxing at home! Never even got a photo.

I ordered a Quinoa Buddha Bowl to take home from Aquacate today. It was delicious and very healthy!

I was going to dinner and encountered my neighbors Lee, Vince, and "Cookie Baby" on their way to dinner at Casa Celia, so I joined them. We had a nice dinner and conversation.

Danny sent me a photo of Moe. Both are exhausted from the recent Vegas high temperatures.

I missed my dinners at Tasty Vin so walked to the Zocalo with my Umbrella for the Saturday Special of Fresh Grilled Tuna with Mashed Potatoes and Salad...so good and less than $10...not counting the $2.50 for a glass of wine.

I was surprised to find it empty on Saturday until I discovered they have opened another in Jalaltco...closer to me.  Will try that soon.

I will close out this Post and start a fresh one with our Annual 4th of July get together.  This year will be the first time held in Oaxaca in years. Casa Colonial...always a fun place. Hope you've enjoyed my transition from the end of my 10 week trip to now. It was a little "Scattered" so thank you again for your patience.  Amigo David