Feliz Navidad!

A little break from the Havana Chronicles.

Merry Christmas from Oaxaca!

La Iglesia de Ixtlán de Juárez

I'm not particularly sentimental about Christmas or the celebrations usually involved with the holiday, but I do like to acknowledge that it's a very special time of year for many people. Although I avoid all the modern trappings, it's still a day that is spent wallowing in the break from work life and honoring all that I am blessed with as the year comes to a close. 

Mexicans do the bulk of their celebrating on Christmas eve which is time to eat, drink and party into the wee hours of the night, setting off a barrage of firecrackers which climaxes at midnight but continues for days. In Oaxaca it's almost like any other day where firecrackers are concerned so I'm used to it now. 

I'm currently staying in an apartment that is part of a small complex owned by a lovely woman named Susana. It's been the perfect situation for me to have my own kitchen where I can very handily nurse myself back to health on the heels of that post-Havana, second wave intestinal attack. It helps that the complex is not only quiet but also a wonderfully beautiful oasis of lush garden in an otherwise bustling little city. The view from outside my little estudio:

Lush

Last night Susana had family, friends and some other guests from the complex celebrating under an awning in the courtyard. Despite the fact that it poured rain off and on throughout the evening we carried on way into the early morning - little things like rain don't stop Mexicans from partying. Ever. There was loads of food, hot cider, booze, music and lots of cheer. Yes, I miss my family back home, but this was a pretty good substitute. It was also a nice opportunity to socialize and meet some new folks. Travelling alone can be somewhat isolating and pulling oneself out of isolation mode can often be challenging but I won't miss an opportunity to rally, especially if the opportunity is literally outside my door. I stayed up way too late, but well worth it. 

Today I am lounging in the sun, taking advantage of warm  break from the rain and moving slowly. I'll be meeting a new, if rather odd, friend for early dinner and then meeting up with more new, not at all odd, friends for a mezcal night cap before calling it a successful Christmas day abroad.

Whatever the day holds for you, my dear readers, I hope it is filled with everything you want your holiday to be filled with and then some. I'm thinking loads of warm and loving thoughts for all my friends and family and very much looking forward to connecting with you all on a more personal level when I get home. 

In the meantime, I leave you with this. No, I didn't go to the event, but probably should have. 

Hi, pretty!

Merry Christmas!