My Neighborhood - For Now

I think part of the reason I feel very at home here in Oaxaca, and in my neighborhood (called San Luis de Beltran) in particular, is that it reminds me of where I used to live in Costa Rica. This view of palm trees against a backdrop of green mountains, with the misty threat of rain is very reminiscent of the Central Valley. 

This is a moto-taxi, which is what I take when I want to go to Melody and Chris' house.

A school in my neighborhood

I have another week in this Airbnb, and it's been good overall. Roci is extremely nice and helpful (she brought me a quesadilla the other day while I was working!) and the apartment itself is really spacious and has lots of windows, which I love. My one issue here has been the Internet speed.

Morning view from my bedroom window

Working remotely, this is pretty much my number one concern, always. I think it's actually not the speed here that's the problem, but my distance from the modem, which I assume is in Roci's home. The connection can be good for me at times and then it just slows down to almost unworkable. I don't think it would be a major problem for most people, since it rarely cuts out completely, but with my constant meetings, Skype calls, and screen sharing, it's been an obstacle. I am thinking I need to buy a portable wireless router if they have them here. I probably should have bought this long ago!

The field next to my house

Why not paint your stand half yellow and half green?

Next weekend I move over near Melody and Chris. Although I love my current neighborhood, with its country feel and mountain views, San Felipe is beautiful, too. It's just a lot more polished and has a few more conveniences.

I was there last night having dinner with those guys and afterward I walked through the town a bit because the air is so crisp and cool in the evenings that I love being outside. When I got to the town center, the church, there was a carnival going on. This was at 9:00 p.m. on a Thursday, and it was complete with rides, a bounce-house for the kids, a band,  and people dancing. You've gotta love Mexico.

Money spent yesterday:
Moto-taxi and taxi to Melody's and back - 120 pesos
 = about $6 USD

Suddenly felt this guy breathing down my neck
while I was taking a picture. Woof.