This afternoon, I headed to the Mercado Benito Juárez to stock up on my favorite coffee — 100% organic and grown in the highlands of Oaxaca — El Grano de Oro, Cafe Pluma.
As I entered the Alameda, it had been transformed into a parking lot — 42 new, spotless white, small Mitsubishi trucks, Dodge vans, and a couple of large Ford trucks.
According to Noticias, this is part of a 24.6 million peso (approx. 2 million dollars US) project to improve the health of the people, including a major vaccination effort. Governor Gabino Cue was present to unveil the program.
People in white coats milled around, posed for photos, and gave interviews after the governor’s speech.
And a new ambulance, earmarked for the municipality of Miguel Hidalgo, had a place of honor in front of the Cathedral.
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
I know where you pick up your favorite coffee…because that it where I pick up MY favorite coffee, “maragohype- dark roast”. the first year I bought several pounds from Mario. The second trip…a few years later I was smart enough to buy 25 pounds! Yes, that was expensive but I was not to be denied the divine cup, second to none. Sadly, as it goes a couple years pass between visits to mercado Benito Juarez. I hope to return in December and always hope that Mario and El Grano de Oro will still be there with a warm greeting, a perfect cup, and plenty of my favorite beans. I was absolutely thrilled to read this blog…now I know I am not the only soul who knows and loves this cafe vendor in Oaxaca! Judith