Saved by the Beauty of the World

Back to Marriott where our nights are paid with points. Huge suite with all of the amenities including hot showers and TV. A swimming pool. The kids are so happy that they forgot our delayed Volaris flight. Btw Volaris was great. Delayed yes, but just great otherwise. 

One of my favorite ways of experiencing travel is via my mouth. Eating is essential, and it is social. Much like an accent, the foods you enjoy and share identify you with those you feel close to. I like to try some of the unique things on offer when I visit a new place. Not necessarily what's at the top of the menu, but it can be fun (or at least memorable) to give something unknown a shot.  The first night we stayed in Oaxaca City, of course I had to try crickets. "Chapulinas" around here. I felt a little dangerous as I asked to add some to the salsa I was ordering. Then I discovered that the tamales they had given me were chock full of 'em! The whole family tried them, and thanks to Rosie's reticence I got a free tamale out of the deal. Myles didn't bat an eye, and I'm pretty sure he'd eat them at any meal. And Allyson, seasoned adventurer that she is, seemed impressed but unfazed by the crunchy buggers. I enjoyed them quite a lot - they're like...

It has been an amazing few days with the boys here. They came directly to Patricia's home and she served an amazing meal at nearly midnight.  In the morning, we woke up to tamales con mole. Long preplanned and paid for, we moved to our hotel. It is a fine place and we were fortunate to weather the storm here. We have had several funny calamities. A boiler went out, screaming loudly on and off in the night. A broken toilet. Cold water showers.  We ended up moving rooms a few times, but given the extraordinary weather, we felt lucky to be dry and safe. If you're going to be retreating from a storm, this place is a beautiful hide- away. I will say without question- without school, without Patricia, being here felt a little jarring at first. Thankfully, Mason and Myles are wonderful  companions. They became our world and, as a family, we set in motion a whole new adventure.  Tomorrow we say goodbye to Oaxaca. I'm at an age where this may or ma...

Today at our homestay, our hostess Patricia provided a cooking class for Rosie. It was a wonderful gift of time, material, and talent. This was not planned before this morning. Patricia created this experience to comfort and support Rosie, who has been terrified by the news in Texas.  Patricia, aware of what took place, also knew that Rosie likes to cook and that Rosie often cooks for our family when I work. In fact, Patricia had already offered to help Rosie In the kitchen via What's App -any time if she needed help. So when Patricia saw Rosie was heartsick and homesick before we left for our language school, she suggested they cook together after school. They cooked all evening. Patricia was a little strict and directive. Rosie was focused and open.  Afterward, Patricia told Rosie these recipes were her secret and that Rosie could make and sell them back in the USA. Then Rosie could have a business and provide for herself. Then Patricia ha...