After a week in Mexico City we decide to head south. Our ultimate destination is las Bahias de Huatulco, or the Bays of Huatulco. Huatulco is located in the state of Oaxaca on the Pacific coast where the Sierra Madres meet the ocean. 

We jump on a bus heading south for the 6 hour ride to Oaxaca, the city in the state by the same name. Next time I will make sure to purchase my tickets in advance so I can get seats in the middle of the bus. The middle is definitely the most comfortable for longer journeys. However, this time we are in the back…just a bit more bumpy being over the rear wheels. There are drop down screens and movies playing to keep you occupied when you’re not enjoying the scenery that passes by as you ramble along. Once you leave Mexico City you see rolling hills and green forest while traveling down the two lane highway towards Oaxaca…the land of Mezcal and Oaxaca Chocolate

The trip went by quickly and we arrived in the early evening. We are amazed at all the activity going on as we pull into the bus terminal with cars, trucks, and people everywhere. The city is the capital of the state and is really quite large. When you exit the terminal there are rows of marked taxi’s licensed by the city that are safe to take. 

Our driver helped us load our luggage into the trunk and of course, with one suitcase too many, he had to leave it open while we traveled to the Hotel Casa de Sotano. In Mexico, do not be shocked when you see strange happenings around you. People will cross in the middle of the highways; five people will ride on a moped, workers carrying ladders while riding their bikes. It is an anything goes kind of society. The Mexican culture believes in personal responsibility. You need to keep this in mind when visiting here. 

We traveled a couple miles down a major street to our hotel. As we approached I was a little leery as to the location. We knocked on the big wooden door. As they opened up, we were pleasantly surprised…there was a beautiful garden terrace surrounded by rooms with a little cafe for breakfast. 

Once again we are challenged with the task of communicating to our host in broken Spanish. Luckily we have our trusted Spanish dictionary app on our phone to help us translate. 

The bellboy stares at my big green suitcase in awe but is quite helpful in getting it to our room. There are no elevators or luggage carts in many of these old historical buildings. 

My advice…travel light.

Lesson learned for our next adventure. 

The room is very comfortable. There is a beautiful antique armoire perfect to hold some of our clothes for the next few days. After settling in we head back to the reception desk and speak just enough Spanish to get directions to a nearby restaurant. We open the big wood doors to the sound of traffic and head down the main street towards the town plaza.

Two short blocks later we are at the restaurant Don Juanito Taqueria y Pozoleria and are delighted with the smells and atmosphere coming from within. As we enter we notice everyone is gathered in the main dining area engrossed in watching their beloved football. In Mexico, there seems to always be a match playing no matter which restaurant, bar or hotel you enter

We figure… when in Rome. We make sure to find a seat close to the action. Our waiter approaches and speaks only Spanish. I look at Eric and smile. I know enough Spanish to order my drink and request my new favorite, “Una cerveza michelada, por favor” - A beer with smashed lime in a glass with ice and salt on the rim, please. The local beer selection is Corona, Pacifico, Victoria, and Tecate. These brands normally cost around 20 pesos or a little more than $1.00 US, depending on the exchange rate. If you want a Bud or Coors Light, well, you can easily pay double or more as these are imports here.

While the waiter gets our drinks we browse the menu. This restaurant does not have an English version, so this could take me awhile. I decide it is best to just have Eric order for me. It’s helpful to have your own personal translator in these situations. 

When the waiter returns with our drinks I notice mine is red in color but say nothing and drink it. We are now in a different region of Mexico and here when you order a cerveza michelada it comes with clamato juice, lime, and a salted rim. In Mexico, there are regional variations to the same recipes. Even if you think you know what you’re ordering, depending on where you are, the final dish may be something completely different. You just politely smile and try what is brought to you. Many times you will be delighted with the change. But if by chance you are not, whatever you don’t finish will be quickly whisked away by your server. 

We have since learned that outside of Mexico City a chelada is a beer with smashed lime and salt on the rim. A michelada is clamato juice, lime and a salted-rim. Both come with ice.

Luckily Eric orders the tacos and when they arrive we are quite pleased with their appearance and taste. One bite and I realize that these are some of the best tacos I have ever had. Perfectly seasoned beef. Fresh avocado, onions and cilantro. The ever present lime wedges and your choice of red and green salsas. Needless to say, they don’t last long.

We order another beer and settle in to watch the end of the game. The crowd is excited as Mexico is winning. We are enjoying our first evening in Oaxaca, surrounded by locals, watching football and savoring another wonderful meal.

And yes, Mexico won the game that night. Perfect.