Roamin' The World: Europe And Beyond...

  Returning to Mexico City via a quick and easy flight from Puerto Escondido (a 1 hour taxi ride from Mazunte) was a breeze...and a great relief to return to 6,000 feet and MUCH dryer and cooler air! Freedom from my 4 showers a day! I visited a Yoga center, a couple parks and the historical center...most especially, the beautiful cathedral. While it cannot compete with the astoundingly gorgeous cathedrals I saw in Rome, it is still quite impressive.  I feel the usual bittersweet sensation I always do when I know that I am about to depart my beloved Mexico... but it's time! Still, it was a nice last few days in CDMX. The  Metropolitan Cathedral   is the largest cathedral in Mexico City and the whole of the Americas. It's on the main   Plaza de la Constitución   (also referred to as the Zócalo). Search Results Main results Featured snippet from the Wandering the streets downtown, I passed by a whole series of shops selling these quinceanera dresses. This is a...

  Coastal jungle... hot, humid, but gorgeous sunrises and sunsets here on the Pacific... and pretty great swimming, too! After a 7 hour journey inside of the "Linneas Unidas" van (a 12-seater, I do believe)--affectionately dubbed the "vomit comet" by all those in the know!-- it was a great relief to arrive on the coast of Oaxaca.  It is actually a pretty comfortable van, overall... for 300 pesos, a pretty good deal. It would have even been pleasant--the scenery along the way was lovely--if not for the ups and downs, twists and turns... and way too many stops. WHY does the van transport have the horrible nickname that it does?! It is because the driver flies--like a bat out of hell-- up and over the the mountain pass between Oaxaca city and the beach. It is full day's journey, and the mountain roads are VERY windy and steep. Furthermore,  the drivers of these extended vans seem to believe they are riding on Harleys!  Taking my friend Steve's advice, I reserve...

 Landing in Oaxaca felt like a home coming! As you probably know, I lived here for close to a year in 2020, and returned in 2022 for a bit--a year ago in the spring--to get dental work done. This time, I solely came to see friends and determine whether or not I might try to live here again. Thus, the 2 week trial...  My conclusion? The jury is still out. There is much that I still love about this town: The wonderful architecture and art; the churches; the people; the wonderful restaurants, cafes... abundance of both Mexican and gringo food. The fact that there is a lap pool to swim in, a bike to rent (and bike lanes/trails!), hills to hike in. The Oaxaca Lending Library, where expats and Mexicanos can mingle and do intercambio. The fact that there is the familiarity... there is a nice blending of American conveniences with the traditional Mexican culture. And finally, there is my wonderful dentist, Ernie, who charges more now but is still MUCH more affordable-- and better!-- t...