Desayuno and Candela
Oaxaca, Mexico |
Oaxaca, Mexico
Feeling a bit sentimental, given it’s my last day here in Oaxaca. The place really grows on you.
Slept in this morning as I didn’t have anything planned for the day but simply take it easy. After a chat with Zoe, I excused myself to book my ticket to San Cristobal de las Casas for tonight.
Guadalupe and Parque
I passed by the Guadalupe which is in front of a park. there were three fountains. Nice place to hang out. One of the fountains danced to a recorded music blaring in the background, Mexican of course. Reminiscent of the Bellaggio fountain in Las Vegas, only this is a very simple one, on a very small scale. Makes for a great visit nonetheless. Sat there for a while enjoying the scene.
Desayuno – Brunch Mexican Style
Passed by Cafe de Moriscos (or something like that) and noted that they have Desayuno (Breakfast) Buffet for only $70. I checked it out and was impressed.
Back in the apartment, I asked Zoe to come join me for the buffet. My treat. Least I could do for her hospitality. I’m glad she liked the buffet, she just lives across the park from it but she hasn’t tried it. Something to recommend to her future couchsurfers. I highly recommend it to anyone. Best value meal I’ve had since I got to Mexico. There were four varieties of fresh juices (banana, mango, papaya, orange and a green colored was unsure of), continental spread, mexican spread, fruits and salad, bread, tortilla and hot food selection prepared to order. I had melted cheese topped with tomato sauce and a vegie-mushroom omelette. The freshly made tortilla just melts in the mouth, the best I’ve ever had since I got to Mexico! All drinks and coffee included. It’s a shame Jan wasn’t around, he said it’s the food and people he enjoys the most in his travels.
Candela and a Wedding
After continuing our never-ending conversations till late afternoon, I once again excused myself to buy the book that Zoe recommended: Confessions of an Economic Hit Man. I almost bought the “Drunken Walk”, another economics book (which I’ve been into over the past couple years) and similar message as N. Taleb’s “The Black Swan”, but then decided it would be refreshing to read another type of book so went ahead with EHM.
Along the way, I stumbled upon a parade. I found out later, it was actually for a wedding. Saw the couple at Sto. Domingo church where the parade culminated and started again after the wedding ceremonies concluded. It’s called Candela. Women were dressed in very colourful skirts, carrying baskets of floral arrangements on their heads. The children were so cute. There was dancing at the church square with a live band playing welcoming the newly wed couple.
Farewell Oaxaca!
I think Oaxaca comes closest to my ideal place to live. Zoe’s place has all the modern conveniences with a rich hub of arts and culture at her doorstep. Along the streets I passed there were singing, dancing, yoga, language and a whole of variety of cultural academies. Indigenous traditions are kept alive. There are ancient or at least, pre-hispanic structures still preserved like Mitla and Monte Alban. So many cafes and restaurants. At night, there are plenty of live bands and places for dance (especially latin dancing). Even the seniors have their danzon or cumbias at the zocalo, which I missed because of the tents and teacher’s protests. This place is just so vibrant, enticing all senses: seduces the taste, sight, sound, smell and touch (PDAs – public display of affection – are common at the parks).
This is a breathing, living cultural center and not simply a ‘museum piece’ for tourists. Everything is still authentic. Any artist would fall in love with this place!
Zoe dropped me off at the bust station for my 9PM ride. I got teary saying farewell. This is a place I can see myself coming back to.
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