Arriving in Oaxaca

Both Flo and I were excited about returning to Oaxaca. We first traveled there over 20 years ago. This was our fourth trip, and the first in 9 years. 

We arrived at Oaxaca's pleasantly small airport around 9 pm. Having gotten some sleep on the flight, we had the energy to make it through customs, hit the ATM for some pesos and negotiate tickets for a collectivo to the Casa Arnel. We have stayed there twice before and are eager to see the Cruz family after all these years. Their hotel is staffed with family members and is a warm, friendly place. 

One of my favorite features at the Arnel is the breakfast area. There are two communal tables and you soon find yourself conversing with other travelers over coffee and fresh fruit. On our last trip, Flo met a woman who became her favorite Spanish teacher. I have met archeologists, novelists and travelers from all over. 

On this trip we were fortunate to share the Arnel with Michael Cantwell, author of Chasing Mayan Dreams  along with a hearty group of Belgians, some adventurous missionaries and a variety of Canadians.

The breakfasts at the Arnel are simple and healthy. Flo's favorite was the fruit salad completa which included a variety of fruit, amaranth granola and yogurt. I was partial to the eggs scrambled with bacon. This is one of Flo's ensaladas de fruta completa.

After arriving from the airport, we were assigned our rooms then ran into Brian and Heidi. After a short, happy reunion, hunger called. Cary, Flo and I took off to find some food. After walking east for a few blocks we saw tacos al pastor being prepared through an open door at the corner. This turned out to be the Taquería Pal'antojo, site of many good, casual, reasonable meals, throughout our trip.

After stuffing ourselves with tacos al pastor and tacos costilla we used our last bit of energy to walk back to the Casa Arnel and sleep soundly with dreams of Arnel's fruit salad dancing in our heads