- As I found with living in Havana, spending a month in Oaxaca gave me the opportunity to experience things I’d would not have otherwise encountered:
- I registered for Spanish classes at Oaxacan Spanish Magic. Classes were small and had a relaxed feel to them. The owner Flor was very fun, and my teacher Lily was a great teacher: intelligent, kind, and patient. Now it’s up to me to practice what I’ve learnt.
- I was an extra in a commercial for Oaxacan Tourism promoting a Guelaguetza 2013, a large dance festival that takes place every July.
- I moved into an apartment for two weeks! My new friend Steph Dunn from Melbourne rented an amazing apartment for the month and shared her place with me. We called it Melrose Place, but strictly based on the esthetics.
- Just two blocks from the Santo Domingo Church on Porferio Diaz, the colonial complex has five units that overlook a large courtyard. The apartment ‘departamento’ itself has a gorgeous painted concrete floor, and bright yellow walls with exposed brick. I loved watching the afternoon sun flow into the apartment and I forgot how wonderful it is to prepare a home-cooked meal.
- In the evenings, after the afternoon heat finally softened, the courtyard was the perfect place to enjoy a small glass of Oaxacan mezcal.
- Critical Mass Bike Ride - Oaxaca has a regular police escorted critical mass bike ride, taking place three times a week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 9 pm departing from the Santo Domingo Church. We went out on a Wednesday, and although it threatened to rain, there were approximately 100 people who came out - almost exclusively locals. Bike rentals are available on Quintanaroo.
- Tahitian dance classes: I never thought I would do a class in this, but it was so much fun, and my abs also hurt for days afterwards! Think of Hawaiian dancing on fast-foward.
