well, we made it...

Wow, what a place!

We arrived last night about 11pm or so. Both flights here were just fine. We took a very small plane from Houston to here. Just fine though.

The Casa Arnel is a very interesting place. The people are amazingly nice and the hotel is fascinating. The rooms are built around a courtyard of big leafy plants and many, many loud and whistling parrots. Plus, there are a ton of gringos staying here. It is nice and it's cheap.

But our apartment is across the street. It is tiny and sparce. Nothing but bed linens are supplied. We had to buy toilet paper and bath towels. It has a small fridge, a kitchen sink, and a two burner gas stove. It'll do considering it cost $400 for the month.

The neighborhood is old and is somewhat centered around a church that was built in 1872. Our apartment is right next to it. Last night was a celebration for their patron saint (not sure which one). So there was lots of singing and then the fireworks began. The loudest booms I've ever heard. So loud, our apartment shook. Then the congregation came out of the church with several members playing brass instruments and everyone else singing. They marched the street outside and went all around the neighborhood. It was a truly wonderful welcoming.

Amelia and I slept like never before. Even though I only got 6 hours of sleep, I felt truly rested.

Today we walked to the Zocalo only to find it completely ripped up. It is a mess. To add to it, the teachers of Oaxaca State are on strike and have created tent villages in the surrounding streets. Thousands of people sitting and laying under tarps. An incredible sight to see.

The weather today was overcast and it poured for about 60 minutes. When it rains, it gets cold. Then the rain stops and it gets hot again.

I love this place. I am so glad I had the opportunity to do this.