Las Mariposas: Time to settle in

Sending pictures to maybe allow you to have some degree of appreciation, similar to ours, regarding our lovely accommodations in Oaxaca Mexico (say Wah-Hah-Cah). Las Mariposas, our hotel, is not only beautiful but it is a community of people, many of whom return annually. Most of us spend time in the courtyard communally which provides the opportunity to exchange insights, a valuable part of travel. We feel extraordinarily fortunate that they were able to squeeze us in for a two week stay. We expect to stay in Oaxaca longer than that, but now we have a launching pad for finding a house for a couple of months. Below are three pictures of some of our courtyard areas. The three tiers of rooms allow for several distinct sitting areas.

We lucked into getting a kitchen in our room, most rooms do not have kitchens and have to settle for using the community kitchen. Last visit here we used that kitchen and were quite happy with it. This time, due to some unfortunate booking problems (for them) we got shuffled off to the room with a kitchen. Graciously, Crystal who runs day to day business honored the price we were quoted for a smaller room. What a bargain! See our room below and other pictures.

Here are two notable facts about Wednesdays in Oaxaca. Mexico is a street vendor haven, but on Wednesdays, as a concession to the brick and mortar businesses street vendors are prohibited. Every Wednesday a group of gringos get together in a park about 5 blocks from our hotel and play music from 9-11AM. The music is 60’s 70’s soft rock folk. Two of the musicians, Pancho and Penelope are from Spokane. The event reminded me of parties at our neighbors, Dave and Louise Chadez. Dave is a well known Spokane musician and his parties always feature big soft rock, bluegrass, folk jam sessions. Below is a picture of the Mexico version.

Today is our third day in Oaxaca. We made a trip to the central square/zocalo area today because that is where the post office is. We were less shocked concerning that area than initially, but still not enamored. We will return because there are some great museums, etc. and events there, as well as a couple of restaurants there we want to visit. But, in the past two days we have been off the beaten track to some barrios we have preferred. Santo Domingo is basically an extension of Centro, still touristy, but less hectic and cleaner. There are many parks, restaurants, bars, galleries, markets and businesses but they appear to be less touristy. Many streets around Santo Domingo Church are pedestrian only and that is a real benefit in a city where pedestrians appear to be garner little respect from the motorists.

Jalatlaco Barrio is a small district with quiet cobbled streets filled with murals, sidewalk cafes, restaurants. shops and galleries. It feels much less hectic than the Zona Centro and reminded us San Miguel de Allende. We had tacos in Jalatlaco tonight, but not just any tacos. We ate at Con Vista Al Mar, reportedly the only restaurant of its kind in Oaxaca. It was opened 2 years ago by the son of a Mazatlan chef. Everything they serve is seafood related. The tacos we had were good, not great. We were impressed that such a venture was attempted in Oaxaca, and that it is nearing a 2 year anniversary. Not bad for a unique tasting venture in a city with a nearly world wide reputation.

Oaxaca is a culinary capital known for coffee, chocolate and mole. There are bound to be posts about food coming up, but for tonight that is it.