Mexican tarantula takes siesta on trail.My advancement in Spanish is coming along well. I found an English-speaking Spanish teacher and what a difference it has made in my progress. However, disappointment has come along in the medical volunteer scene. I’ve been in contact with a local that works with an NPO and places volunteers at clinics in the area. She informed me after the holidays she can put me with a physician at a local clinic and would be in contact with me. Since our return and several attempts at contacting her I have not heard a word. Interesting and hard to understand as dermatology providers are the busiest and one of the most in-demand specialists in the US. It’s disappointing that I’m not able to use my Spanish as much as I would like, use my medical skills and learn more about the practice of medicine here in Oaxaca. I guess there are worse things.
Meanwhile, our van has taken some wear and tear and is in need of repairs. The brake problem was the master-cylinder which was replaced by expert mechanics. Two days later Bruce made a return visit to change out our leaking water pump. The mechanics that worked on the van were top-notch guys; however, Bruce bemoans the fact that he is not able to work on his “own stuff”. He loves nothing more than to get his hands greasy and without the proper equipment to do the work, he’s at the mercy of local mechanics.
Enough complaining though, our days start with a walk on the beach just before sun up, then a leisurely fruit breakfast, by 11am we’re either reading, going to the market or just lounging around. By 1 or 2pm we take a nap, play tennis in the late afternoon, and have an early dinner, then watch a movie on our laptop on the terrace under the stars. Movie watching has always been a rarity for us, so we have a lot of catching up to do. By 830pm we’re ready for bed.
Trail goes between farming property in ancient riverbed.
Nursing donkey on trail, Bruce kept his distance.
River crossings are safe this time of year. They are too swollen to cross during rainy season in August, September and October.To break up the monotony Tami took us out on a hike to Manialtepec hot springs. Fifteen miles west of Puerto on Hwy 200 we drove to San Jose de Manialtepec, a small pueblo where we parked our car and walk about 3 miles to a hot springs. Millie, Tami’s Golden Retriever gladly accompanied us. To get to the hot springs we have to make 5 shallow river crossings. The spring’s hot water was collected in a cement pond that we all sat in once acclimated to the temperature, which I’m guessing was 110F. The small spring bubbled from under large rocks and had the common sulfur aroma. It was a refreshing stop. We snacked, relaxed, and watched butterflies and birds.
Hot springs dipping reservoir.
Hot springs runoff.
Flat Stanley joins Tami in Puerto and on all her excursions. Visiting shrine at hot springs.On our way back we stopped by a Manialtepec lagoon restaurant for fresh seafood. One of the wonders of Mexico is the cost of fresh seafood. An expensive dinner out in the US; a common meal for Mexicans. We three had fresh shrimp (large ones!) and some sort of bass made Mexican style, quesadillas, home-made tortillas and totopas (chips), various salsas and three beers for $20USDs (230 pesos) including tip.
Restaurant shows off alligator carcass along kayaks.
Bruce and Millie enjoy ride home.
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