Postcard from Oaxaca!
Greetings from the radiant Oaxaca (wah-HAH-kah), Mexico!
I’m sunburned, 10 pounds heavier, covered in mosquito bites, and missing a nail. I’ve also been swimming in the ocean, so despite all my efforts to keep my hair moisturized, it looks like the strands you’ll find on dried bush meat along a Nigerian Highway.
By the time this adventure ends, I’ll be even less put-together than I arrived. For me, that’s usually the price (and proof) of a great adventure. And that, it has been.
Life is good!
Currently, I’m in Oaxaca City for Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)—a cultural event I’ve always wanted to experience since I was a teen! Thanks to my gracious hosts, Jules & Eric, who live in Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, it felt like an opportunity to attend with friends that I couldn't pass up. They felt the same way too, so we drove down to the City for the weekend of festivities.
It’s a little tough to gauge the true pace of Oaxaca City during such a major celebration, but Puerto Escondido is muchhhhhhhh slower compared to Mexico City—and I love it. I have often talked about how much I appreciate being able to escape to some form of countryside after a big city stint; only this time around, it’s a surf town. Tomato, Tomate.
Adventure around here is different too. I spend a lot of time outside just wandering and seeing where the day takes me. I’m more introverted, so I’m not talking to as many people. I’m hitting up beaches myself, people watching more…I’m eating a lot more, and most likely in bed before midnight, too. It’s been chill!
Unfortunately, I arrived at Oaxaca City two days ago with the worst cramps of my life due to fibroids. Plus, the meds my doctor gave me to help reduce the pain and excessive flow was making me projectile vomit. Honestly, I’ve cried a lot—because these things are tougher to deal with away from home, in addition to missing some major events i’ve been looking forward to for years.
Anyway, I got Mexico’s Ibuprofeno and that stuff got me at least 60% back on my feet, so I managed to catch some Day of the Dead festivities yesterday, and a bit today.
I’ll definitely be back for a do-over—Oaxaca will forever have my heart, it’s easily one of the best places I’ve ever visited. Here are some fun things I’ve done here so far:
Spent a full day at Playa Carrizalillo. Had plantain, a cold chelada, and got slapped into some rocks when I refused to relax while swimming (I love how the ocean bullies us when we refuse to surrender).
Jules, Eric, & I woke up at 6 a.m. to catch the sunrise at the beach. Eric was surfing with his friends while Jules and I went for an ocean dip.
Rented an ATV to explore Puerto Escondido. Did random things like hitting up a grocery store, eating a delicious meal at a spot behind a car wash, and spending most of the day at Playa Coral—a truly magical beach.
Visited the Lagunas de Chacahua National Park. Saw so many cool birds in the vast mangrove system; the bird watcher in me was thrilled. I also can’t remember the last time I saw so many stars in sky. Even caught a bit of the bioluminescence—soooooo cool!
On our drive to Oaxaca City, we stopped by the Amarás mezcal factory for a lovely tour of the place.
Jules, Eric, & I visited Panteón General cemetery and shared mezcal with a local family by their loved one’s grave. There were candles everywhere, families singing, eating, and honouring their dead with such warmth.
That’s all the recap for now.
In the event I don’t lock eyes with a gazillionaire who sweeps me off my feet and insists I spend the Winter in Mexico, I’ll see you soon.
(A girl can dream, ok?)
Osẹ̀
P.S. WATCH: Coco (2017) // LISTEN: to Leon Thomas new EP titled “PHOLKS” // READ: “I know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou—I don’t have time to explain, just trust me here. #OkBye
Im living for the postcards, really beautiful to live vicariously through your adventures, its inspiring. I really enjoy the energy of letting the vibe take a lead and going with that flow, Im glad you got your escape to something a bit slower pace in this trip. Pholks was dope, My Muse is my jam. Coco is such a timely watch for the period, Just borrowed the maya angelou book from the library. Will see how that goes (I barely read so i make no promises, but try i definitely will guarantee)