We were nearly blessed!

(This posting is out of calendar order.  I write a few days ahead of posting and missed it when our kids arrived.)

Do you believe a three year old can eat a huge ice cream (gelato no less) cone all by herself?  You better believe it and there was no sharing allowed.  This concluded a walk up the pedestrian street, the Alcala and then we all sat in the Zocalo, watching life and all the families of Oaxaca pass by, while Eliza ate ice cream, and with amazingly very little mess.  Today was the orientation day in the Zona Central for Eliza, Geoff, Amanda & Katy.  I thought we would be limited by Eliza’s day, but we made it 5 hours!

The Zócalo was packed with people, vendors, balloon salesmen, and all the life of Oaxaca.  By the way the balloon vendors are covered with huge balloons, and inflated animals and toys.  They obviously are a big hit with the kids here. There were many ladies with their Día de la Candelaria dolls heading for the Cathedral.  We trotted right along and found the blessing service just starting in one of the side chapels.  Katy asked to take a photo of one of the young women with a huge doll which is attached.  Great photo to remember the experience by.  As we did not have a baby Jesus doll to be blessed we did not stay for the service.

Then off towards the Alcala with a stop at a money changer.  With Katy fluent in Spanish, and a person who talks to everyone, she was directed to the one with the best rates. It seems that Eliza’s life revolves around food.  Katy asked a guy sitting on the sidewalk for a suggestion for lunch with a three year old.  He suggested Mayordomo, just two block further on, which became a big hit (B-s = Bobsite).  The food was fine, but the best part was the children’s area with a merry-go-round and rocking horse.  You can’t please a three year old too much.

We then walked up to the Santo Domingo church, but it was closed as they appeared to be doing one wedding after another.  We saw a lot of people dressed to the “nines” in tuxedos, gorgeous wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses. It was a hot afternoon, sunny in the 80’s so back down to the Zócalo, crossed through and then to the Mercado Juarez.  We did our shopping from Mary Ann’s list, who had stayed home as we did not have enough room in the car.  Mangos, bananas, grapes, pineapple and anything that looked good.  On the way home we stopped at Bodega Aurrera for more baked goods, a resupply of cervezas, dairy products and the opportunity for the kids to see the supermercado.

Upon arrival at the Casa El Studio (our home), it was time for a swim for all of the residents under age 45.  Mary Ann and I appreciated their bravery as the water was somewhat cool.  Tomorrow, we are getting a driver and van to head for Mitla (ruins) and the Sunday market at Tlacolula.  Stay tuned!

 

Eliza on the restaurant merry-go-round

 

Gelato in the Zocalo

 

Quirky Living Note

 

The Electric Company – The electric company in Mexico is the CFE, the Comisión Federal de Electricidad.  The CFE is the most powerful state owned company, after the gas monopoly PEMEX.  As with all government monopolies, it takes care of its own.  On the way to Villa de Etla there is a brand new CFE headquarters building which is the nicest building I have seen in Oaxaca.  Sebastian tells me the rates for power are not too bad as the government gives you a 50% subsidy on your power bill.