26 - 2/3 END OF FEBRUARY AND MARCH ROARING IN.

 Helen is still visiting and enjoying Oaxaca.  I've enjoyed her visit, and we have managed to see some old friends we've shared and some nice restaurants we've enjoyed. I went to Cabouche for lunch today. Potato Pancakes with Spinach and salad. Always good.  Helen and I went to Berlina, a German Restaurant specializing in Sausages and Beer. We had a Dutch waiter from Utrecht, Holland, and the food was great. 

Portia and I went to Coco Beach in Reforma, just north of Centro, to have the best seafood in Oaxaca.  Unfortunately, I ate half my Salmon before I took the photo. She had the Coconut Shrimp.

Friday, I met Deanna for Coffee and Breakfast/Lunch. I forgot to take a photo of our Avocado Toast and her Scrambled Eggs with Green Pepper on Sourdough Toast!!!

I love their simple wooden sign designating the unisex bathroom and the Emblem etched in the concrete entranceway.  Little touches of class.  That evening, I attended an excellent Library Lecture on Photography, then had dinner at Edo Japanese Restaurant, which used to be one of my favorites until one of the partners split and the menu changed, with a drastic price increase. No more...last dinner...Salad and Sushi, Wine and tip...over $40.

Not very filling...tasty but expensive.

Some great photos from my friend in upstate N.Y. with commentary.

Pix, taken today, are attached to some of our bird feeder "regular customers."  Included are a Red-bellied Woodpecker, a Downy Woodpecker, a pair of Northern Cardinals, a Tufted Titmouse, and some American Goldfinches.  I thought it was interesting how that titmouse, who was on a branch right in front of the dining room windows, could hold a black oil sunflower seed with its feet while pecking away the outer husk, and also grip the branch with the same feet.  They almost look like hands.  I am always amazed that these tiny little critters can survive brutal cold like we had last week.

Off to the poolhall and lunch with Chris after pool.  We went to Santa Sabor for a fresh fish dinner... no photos.

Saturday, I left for an early walk to Marito & Magoli Cafe for my Shakshuka 3 poached eggs in semi spicy tomato sauce...yes, you have seen this before, but it's always so perfect when it's presented!

That evening, Helen and I went next door to LHEA Bistro.  I thought they were closed, but they stopped serving breakfast and lunch, and now don't even have a menu.  You get what the chef serves.

Started with Plantain stuffed with cheese, breaded and Fried with a white wine sauce and Olive Oil. Then Watermelon, topped with Beef Tartare with Lime and Chile-blended sauce.  Then, Tamale with Bacon and Squash Blossoms, and ended with Beef Taco with Pickled Onions and Nopal with Guacamole. Not bad for $35 included 2 glasses of wine and a tip.
On 
Sunday, we attended a Flamingo Dance at the library, featuring two talented musicians, a wonderful singer, and, of course, the Dancer.

Here are three videos to click on :

Not the greatest quality, but to be there was a wonderful experience.

Pool hall with Harley, then lunch at Santa Sabor...Mexican Meatballs and Smoked Pork with Mango Sauce included a nice Fruit and Veggie salad, and dessert.  Photowalk afterwards.

Today, Helen and I had lunch at TastyVin. Helen had the Salmon, and I broke tradition and had the Pasta Bolognese. 

We met Lynn the next day at "Uncle something". A wonderful restaurant on Garcia Vigil that has daily Comida specials.  We were a little too early for that, so I had Huevos Rancheros, and they had a Salad with Chicken.  All very good.

I attended a lecture at the library about the erasure of controversial murals and posters put up around Oaxaca.  There has been a movement by the "forces that be" to "clean up Oaxaca or sterilize it is more like it." In the past 7 years, street food vendors have had licenses revoked, and artists have had their paintings and posters taken down in an effort to make Oaxaca "A World Heritage Site" non-offensive to get more tourists, and I believe it has had the opposite effect by not allowing the Oaxaquians to express themselves and make a living.  

Photo walks today with a lot of Bands around town.  

Never a dull moment in Oaxaca.

Another pool hall day. Lots of players today.  Some were babysitting their children. After I took some photos, I went to Tasty Vin #1 near the Zocalo later that evening for the Iberian Ham special and salad.

A N.Y. Bakery with Special Cookies named Manhattan, Brookyn, Bronx, Hudson, Sinatra, Soho, Tribecta...I got the Hudson.

Saturday was Helen's last day in Oaxaca.  She departs on Sunday.  I stopped over to the Marriott where she was staying her last few days,  to share my "Hudson" Cookie with her over coffee. Turned out to be too sweet for me, but Helen finished it and then left to have lunch with her "Polish Gang of wonderful ladies".

Sunday morning, I arose early to ensure Helen was up and her Taxi to the airport was on time. She was, but it was scheduled for 7am, so the desk clerk called, and a taxi was there in 5 minutes.  I took a selfie of us, then waved goodbye and headed late for a Gallery I heard had a unique showing.  It was.  I loved it.  One large room devoted to one artist who uses unusual canvases.

 I saw a few other artists, then left for Marito & Magolie for a Greek Salad, and on the way home, stopped at a new Taco Place.

The taco was excellent, but the Boing drink was 224 calories.  74 more than my daily allowance of sugar. All in all, it was a wonderful February, and having Helen as a guest turned out to be a real treat. Been over 20 years since we met in Spain, when I discovered she lived at 43 Vick Park B, and my first apartment of my own was at 43 Vick Park A in Rochester, N.Y.  Hope you got home O.K., Helen?

I will start a new post tomorrow and get this out today.  Enjoy!

amigo david