I’m baack in home sweet home Oaxaca! Exciting flight — Andrew Zimmern and crew were on the little Embraer from Houston to Oaxaca. I see an episode from Oaxaca on Bizarre Foods in the future. Chicatanas, anyone?
Got home, turned on the lights — indoors and out, threw open the doors and windows, and found a couple of welcome home gifts from my night blooming cereus.
While I’ve been in el norte, Oaxaca’s rainy season has really kicked in. Thus, the garden is blooming, the hills are lush and green, and I had no hot water this morning. Ahhh… it’s good to be home!
Mexican Peso Converter
View From Casita Colibrí 
I have never seen one of these in person. Lovely.
My first introduction to night blooming cactus was from cuttings I’ve added to my container garden. I had no idea how large and fragrant the flowers are and they truly only last one night.
How lucky you were not to miss these beauties!
There were a few before I returned and have been several since!
Mr. Z. was in Oaxaca several years ago. The segment that aired was good, but he didn’t follow up with any of the Oaxaqueños he used. Luís, who has the tapetes shop on the corner of Alcalá y el Pañuelito asked only for a picture of Zimmern in the shop. Never heard a thing. I wrote when I was back in the states to let him know that I’d be glad to take something to Luís the next time I went down. Heard nothing.
But — loving your postings. Will be back in November. Can’t wait!!!
Thanks for reading! I wonder how many of these food/travel shows ever do follow up with the people they meet, interview, and use? Alas, the nature of these kinds of programs require a continual “moving on” to the next location. I suspect cultivating relationships is rare.
Shannon: I really enjoy your blog. My family (wife and boys, ages 10 & 8) and I are visiting Oaxaca in July and spending a month. Some language classes with Instituto Cultural Oaxaca, but lots of just poking around. Could I ask you just a couple of questions in the coming days? Finding some friends/ activities for my boys is on my mind. thanks, Joel
PS–As avid readers, the lending library is going to be one of our first stops!
Joel, Thank you for the kind words! One of these days I’m going to add a page, “Oaxaca for the kids” to the blog. Off the top of my head, a couple of favorites: El Quinto Sol , an archaeological museum for children. There is also the Biblioteca Infantil (beautifully designed children’s library), Museo del Ferrocarril del Sur, Museo de Filatelia de Oaxaca, Museo de Cultura, Centro Cultural San Pablo has a small satellite of the Biblioteca Infantil and often has children’s activities, and the Guerreros beisbol triple A team’s season runs through August.
Are you on Facebook? If so, let me know and I will recommend you for membership in the Clandestine Oaxaca Appreciation Society. It would be a great place to pose questions and meet others with kids.