MmePerdu

I tend to be a non-planner myself, more a list maker and choose from it as the spirit moves me. So don't spend too much time looking for the card as I know it will all work out. Thanks again.

Leely2

We just got to chatting with the lady who rented the audio guides at the Oaxacan Regional Museum in the former monastery of Santo Domingo (do NOT miss), and she asked us if we'd be interested in a tour of Monte Alban.

Also check oaxacacalendar.com for ideas and events. There's another one too; you can probably find it on TA.

MmePerdu

That looks like it will keep me busy!

suze

<have now arranged the day tour with a couple who will be there too.>

Whoo-hoo!!!! I knew something would come from Trip Advisor, even on a less than frantically active forum.

And thank you kindly for chiming in Leely2. We need all the help we can get here on the Mexico branch!

MmePerdu

I don't worry if there isn't loads of action, just a few generous souls is good. Sometimes it can be too much around here, as we all have experienced.

Leely2

Found our Oaxaca guide to Monte Alban. Works for a company called Amigo Tours (people the audioguide lady referred us to). The guide was Raul Quiroz: ruly-oax AT hotmail DOT com

Good English, easygoing, interesting perspective. Grew up in Mexico City but parents were teachers from Oaxaca.

I think if I were seeking English-speaking company in Oaxaca, I might do one of the weekly hikes listed in oaxacacalendar.com . I like to hike and the surrounding area is very beautiful. Had we stayed longer, I would have arranged some sort of activity like that.

Have a wonderful trip! I recommend Catedral Restaurant, Origen and Casa Oaxaca for upscale/expensive meals. Inexpensive and delicious: everywhere. Where are you staying? I especially loved the area around Santo Domingo, a little less hectic than right around the Zocalo. Zocalo is still occupied, by the way.

MmePerdu

I'm staying 3 blocks east of the zocalo. I'd somehow managed to miss the fact of the occupation. By "Santo Domingo" do you mean by the botanic garden? It's on my list, as well as walks up into the Xochimilco area for the organic market & weavers.

Thanks for the guide information, am making a note of it. I don't bother with upscale restaurants on my own, tend to eat as I go without company to make a leisurely dinner worthwhile. I think in general, even with friends, I prefer casual eating and it sounds as if there are plenty of opportunities for it. I'm excited by the possibilities as I sit here, eating in markets and neighborhood places.

Thanks again, Leely2.

MmePerdu

A week to go, very excited about my first trip to Oaxaca. Topping this thread in case someone would like a meet-up.

Cheers,
Joanna

MichelleY

Have a nice trip and please report back!

MY

MmePerdu

Thanks Michelle. I've already started a blog series on the trip, part 1 of 12 or so, here:

http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/anat...-where-to-go-1

Leely2

How is it going? I checked your blog but it looks like all pre-trip notes...? I hope Oaxaca is unfolding beautifully for you.

MichelleY

Our nephew, his wife and little girl will be down there next week.

baldone

Some food for thought for next week, specifically for those arriving Monday:http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/teac...states-monday/

MmePerdu

It has been a bit hit & miss. I was not pleased with my Airbnb place so moved to a hotel north of the zocalo after a week, much nicer neighborhood. Enjoyed some activities with a couple from Portland I met during the second week. Have spent about 18 hours over 6 days volunteering doing what I love, my old job, at the Oaxaca Lending Library. Had a private mezcal tour in the countryside, 3 of us, with Alvin Starkman, did the botanic garden tour yesterday, markets of course and have been taking loads of pictures for the continuation of the blog. The real Oaxaca part of it will begin on Wednesday in about 12 days. I'll be going home Sunday.

Have unfortunately had a bit of GI struggle this week after doing a monumentally stupid thing, eating in an Indian restaurant. You'd think that getting sick a number of times in India would have taught me something. Apparently not. I've managed to keep moving in spite of it but I'll be happy to sleep in my own bed 2 nights from now.

Thanks y'all for checking in. I'm touched.

MmePerdu

From what I've gleaned about the reforms that the teachers are against, it involves requiring teachers to have sufficient education to be considered competent to teach. It would apparently be implemented over a number of years to allow more teachers to be properly trained and presumably for those now teaching to up their game as necessary. Currently the situation is, I was told, one of, for instance, teachers with a junior high education teaching elementary school. Likely in rural schools. In any case, it seems that the unions, as unions do, are postponing the inevitable. At least this was what I was told by a long-time North American resident very involved with local families.

Leely2

Bummer about the GI distress and the bad apartment. Both can put a damper on a holiday. Glad you were able to move to a better place.

baldone

it's not just the evaluations they are protesting. These people are terrorists: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/exce...ue-to-surface/

http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/bene...o-didnt-march/

http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/diss...e-another-hit/

MmePerdu

Wow!

MmePerdu

The 'arrival in Oaxaca' blog is up now and there will be 8 more posts on successive Wednesdays.

http://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/anat...g-acquainted-1