The Ball Gets Rolling
Trip Start
May 01, 2006
1
3
25
Trip End
Ongoing
Oaxaca City, Oaxaca, Mexico
Thursday, May 4, 2006
That's what the ticketing agent in San Diego's commuter terminal told me upon check in. "Not likely," I thought. I mean, we're talking two different airlines, two different countries, and four airports in about 20 hours. The closer I got to Oaxaca, the more I prepared for the first setback which, considering the contents of that bag, would be pretty big...
Imagine my delight as I stroll into the terminal, weary from little sleep, only to see my backpack come gliding along the conveyor belt, right into my hands. Nice! That was the first great thing to happen here, but it certainly hasn't been the last.
Oaxaca is a wonderful city. The weather this time of year is perfect; cool mornings give way to 75 degree afternoons with low humidity. Each afternoon, thunderheads build over the mountains, threatening a downpour, but amazingly, a light sprinkle is all that ever comes. The locals seem to know this pattern - they continue about their business well into the evening, by which time the skies clear again.
Speaking of the Oaxcans - what a friendly bunch! I've been met with nothing but smiles and politeness. It's such a simple place - the town's people seem perfectly content going about the day's business, which, from what I've seen, consists mostly of two things. 1} chillin around the Zocolo {center plaza}, chatting and generally kickin back, or 2} retailing food, drink and-or clothes.
I've stayed three nights in two different hotels. Both have been very nice with private bathrooms, although running at around $30 per night, I will definitely step down a notch in the coming weeks to stay on budget.
The food has been incredible! Breakfast {~$5} has consisted of omelets, bread and cafe americano {very dark and very good, for all you coffee swillers out there}, while lunch and dinner {~$8} have consisted of traditional Mexican fare.
The city is literally bursting with all manner of beautiful buildings and historical sites, but Monte Alban takes the cake without a doubt. This ancient Zapotec city, about 20 minutes away by bus, is perched high atop a mountain overlooking the Valles Cetrales {Central Vallies}. It's estimated the city was inhabited from around 200BC to 900AD when it was finally abandoned and left for ruin. At it's peak, around 300-700 AD, historians suggest its population reached 25,000 or more! What a fantastic sight to see. By it's own rite, Monte Alban is as good or better than even Macchu Pichu.
Well, tomorrow I'm hopping on a bus and heading to the coast, so tonight is my last night in Oaxaca. My overall impression? The Mexican Board of Tourism, in their 91x radio commercials, put it best - With it's cobblestone streets, magnificent weather and friendly people, John invites you to visit and enjoy the splendor of Oaxaca!
Comments
Talk about five stars!
Man, what a nice hotel, you're really roughing out there in the world. The only thing more glorious than that hotel was the five star guns I noticed you toting up there at Monte Alban. Sounds like a nice way to start your trip cuz. And I was on the edge of my seat and truly surprised at the outcome of that baggage story because I know the horrors that can befall even the most diligent of traveller. Anyway, I can't wait to meet up with you in South America, whenever and wherever that may be... take it easy, and if it's easy - take it!!!
Re: Talk about five stars!
Right, Right! Livin like a King, just looking to eeeeease my way into the travel thing, cuz!
RE: the pic from atop the ruins: here's what I said down at the ticket office just minutes before 'I'll trade one ticket to Monte Ablan for one ticket to The GUN SHOW!' (obviously it worked... props to Jeef on that one!)
Can't wait for you to come down cuz... let's see if we can top Peru!
Melon
Please post a close up of that new bald melon of yours. Did you shave your bikini line too? Please post pics of you in your speedo at Puerto Econdido. Sounds like you are off to a great start Zhan Bole. Hope the sun shines bright on the great pacific for you.
Thats So Rahhdd!
Yo B,
I'm glad your bags were packed, and made it to their home...that would have really been not rad. It seems like you have seen so much already in a short time. You will probably find many more places down south with such nice people...I know you will in Costa Rica.
Good luck down there gringo, and speak Spanish as much as you can.
Re: Melon
I´m waiting until my gringo melon tans a little before I post a picture! The speedo pics will no doubt be up as soon as I get to P.E. Thanks for the kind wishes Jeef, wish you were here!
Re: Thats So Rahhdd!
Mike... MIKEY!
Thanks brother... you´re right, I´ve already run into a ton of great people, looking forward to more. I´ve heard the same about Costa Rica - will be there soon.
Hope all is well and you´re holding down the fort in SD - say hello to the crew for me.
Que Unda?
Your TravelPod says you are online right now. Is that so? Did you make it to Puerto Escondido? Checked flights to Cartegena, and there were not many and they were expensive compared to flying to San Jose, Costa Rica. I realize that I know very little about Central America, but my gut feeling is that Columbia is a place to be avoided. Please reply to my new email account at CynthiaGail01@gmail.com.
My passport is in the processing stage, and I might get it as early as the end of May. Looking forward to going like you wouldn't believe. Love, MM