I Love Oaxaca, but...
Jun 26th, 2016, 02:21 PM
#41
Just when I think I've decided, I realize I haven't. So, having spent some time today on Airbnb, I'm feeling discouraged about the whole thing. A timely distraction, baldone. I'll have look, thanks. There's something about the name, Veracruz.
A writer friend of mine, Tom Miller, has a thing for the song, 'La Bamba', and writes about it & Veracruz: http://tinyurl.com/znh5lhe
A writer friend of mine, Tom Miller, has a thing for the song, 'La Bamba', and writes about it & Veracruz: http://tinyurl.com/znh5lhe
Jun 26th, 2016, 06:40 PM
#42
Good read by your friend, tho I think he confused Gran Cafe Del Parroquia with Cafe Del Portal. The former is some 6 blocks from the square near the malecon, while the latter is on the corner of the plaza. But that's nitpicking as both places are such classic Veracruzano cafes. Agree he captures the essence of Veracruz very well, I think. And that essence I think is unique to the rest of Mexico.
Jun 26th, 2016, 07:53 PM
#44
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I also fly out of SMF. I know your pain. Not many flight options and too many of them leave between 11 pm and 6 am. I am too old for that crap.
That being said - have you considered Guatemala? (Just what you needed - another option.)
It's about a 45 minute ride to Antigua from the airport. I really like Antigua. There's something inherently relaxing about it and there's a ruin or a park around practically every corner. There are no condos but quite a few expats and tourists.
If your time there is during Lent, you can enjoy the alfombras (carpets made out of colored saw dust, pine needles, fruits and vegetables) on Sundays.
Once you've gotten settled in you might want to explore other regions - maybe Lake Atitlan or visit some ruins in the Peten.
Decent flight times out of SMF.
That being said - have you considered Guatemala? (Just what you needed - another option.)
It's about a 45 minute ride to Antigua from the airport. I really like Antigua. There's something inherently relaxing about it and there's a ruin or a park around practically every corner. There are no condos but quite a few expats and tourists.
If your time there is during Lent, you can enjoy the alfombras (carpets made out of colored saw dust, pine needles, fruits and vegetables) on Sundays.
Once you've gotten settled in you might want to explore other regions - maybe Lake Atitlan or visit some ruins in the Peten.
Decent flight times out of SMF.
Jun 26th, 2016, 08:15 PM
#45
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I Spent 3 more months this year in Guanajuato (My 4th trip there) loving it more each year.
However the Ex-Pat community is small. Less than 500 by the estimate of The US Honorary Consul there.
So it most definitely helps to know some Spanish but not absolutely essential as many waiters, store clerks etc speak some English. In addition many of the University students love to practice their English,
With tons of culture, Opera, Ballet, Symphony, plays etc great architecture & a number of quality restaurants I find it ideal for me.
PS In spite of the small Ex-pat population we do have a free English language library were I volunteer one day a week.
However the Ex-Pat community is small. Less than 500 by the estimate of The US Honorary Consul there.
So it most definitely helps to know some Spanish but not absolutely essential as many waiters, store clerks etc speak some English. In addition many of the University students love to practice their English,
With tons of culture, Opera, Ballet, Symphony, plays etc great architecture & a number of quality restaurants I find it ideal for me.
PS In spite of the small Ex-pat population we do have a free English language library were I volunteer one day a week.
Jun 26th, 2016, 09:15 PM
#46
Shanti, no, I hadn't thought of Guatemala, was hoping for something closer. But I was reading about San Cristobal de las Casas today and Guatemala isn't much farther, is it. One stop on United, times better, if not wonderful (leaving 6am both ways for a decent arrival time, yuck). But Antigua looks very pretty. And relatively small.
Does anyone know if airlines allow one to break up long flight itineraries with an overnight long enough to actually go to a hotel and sleep a whole night? I see overnight connections but the ongoing flights they offer aren't long enough for a real rest, late arrivals & 6am departures. Might as well just keep going.
Stewbear, it was looking for likely rooms & apartments today in Guanajuato that wore me out. Have you found a place you like where you return? The library is good news.
Does anyone know if airlines allow one to break up long flight itineraries with an overnight long enough to actually go to a hotel and sleep a whole night? I see overnight connections but the ongoing flights they offer aren't long enough for a real rest, late arrivals & 6am departures. Might as well just keep going.
Stewbear, it was looking for likely rooms & apartments today in Guanajuato that wore me out. Have you found a place you like where you return? The library is good news.
Jun 27th, 2016, 08:10 AM
#49
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You can also fly out at 8:05 am on American - I flew that way in March. There's also a United flight at 12:55 pm. I think I've taken that flight before.
There's a good flight time to San Jose, Costa Rica on Southwest (which I'll be taking this weekend)- but Costa Rica doesn't sound much like what you're looking for while Antigua sounds similar to but smaller version of Oaxaca. Since I haven't made it yet to Oaxaca I can't say for sure.
There's a good flight time to San Jose, Costa Rica on Southwest (which I'll be taking this weekend)- but Costa Rica doesn't sound much like what you're looking for while Antigua sounds similar to but smaller version of Oaxaca. Since I haven't made it yet to Oaxaca I can't say for sure.
Jun 27th, 2016, 08:31 AM
#50
I posted this link as a trip report about 6 months ago. If you didn't see it then, Shanti, have a look at Oaxaca:
http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/port...my-of-a-trip-1
http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/port...my-of-a-trip-1
Aug 29th, 2016, 02:38 PM
#51
Update, which may or may not be the last word: I'm now feeling very much like just returning to Oaxaca. I like it there, I've found some decent-looking & inexpensive accommodation options, I know a few people already and I'll just bite the bullet and go on United through Houston for ease of travel.
I hope this doesn't sound too flip-floppish, anyone who travels to any extent knows the anguish of decision-making when the choice isn't obvious. I like the hills, as I've mentioned but the photos of Guanajuato look intimidating, even for a hilly person. And then there's the comfort of knowing the town to the extent that I know which neighborhoods I like. Also, flights to Leon though shorter, seem in the same ballpark as those to Oaxaca. We shall see.
I hope this doesn't sound too flip-floppish, anyone who travels to any extent knows the anguish of decision-making when the choice isn't obvious. I like the hills, as I've mentioned but the photos of Guanajuato look intimidating, even for a hilly person. And then there's the comfort of knowing the town to the extent that I know which neighborhoods I like. Also, flights to Leon though shorter, seem in the same ballpark as those to Oaxaca. We shall see.
Aug 29th, 2016, 07:16 PM
#54
Oaxaca was our wintering place for a number of years in a row. We celebrated our 25th anniversary there back in '06 with our Mexican friends that we still visit, and them us, to this day. We seriously thought we'd move there, but since we still have a business interest NOB it proved to be too far. So, we ended up in San Miguel. We still go every year, and we miss it a lot. I think Oaxaca is the best destination in all of Mexico, hands down. Food, coffee, ruins, beaches, architecture, music, culture, weather. Good choice.
Aug 29th, 2016, 07:43 PM
#55
That's good to hear, Baldone. Other than last fall's 3 weeks there I'd only spent a week in Mexico previously, in Alamos, Sonora. So not much to compare. It does have everything, though, as far as I'm concerned. I was very comfortable and, at this point in my career, that's what counts. It ain't broke so think I'll stop trying to fix it.
Aug 30th, 2016, 08:16 AM
#57
There are beaches in Oaxaca state, Puerto Escondido for instance, but not near Oaxaca city. Google says 250 km from the city. But for me it isn't an issue, too fair to have ever cultivated a beach habit.
Aug 31st, 2016, 05:24 PM
#60
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As far as beaches and weather go, Oaxaca can't be beat (beach areas). It has everything over PV, Max, Cabo, etc. hands down. The flight are just so hard from here we hardly ever go. I've also never seen a cleaner place in my life than HUX anywhere in the world. It always amazes me. This year we are not planning a family vacay, only doing a last minute this winter spring for whatever comes up. Last year HUX came up great so hoping for that this year as well
Fingers crossed!!!
Fingers crossed!!!
