In The Clouds

Goal!

 We were like a pack of stray dogs spreading into the street in a diamond formation, scowling with hunger, and growling when a car or bus came our way chasing us to the sidewalk.  Our plans to hike in a nearby cloud forest were somewhat spoiled by our exiting the bus at the wrong spot and then making circles in the winding, cobbled streets of the quite lovely San Felipe del'Agua which sits just north of Oaxaca.  The uphill walking, bright sun, and uncertainty of where we were headed lead us to abandon our trek once we finally arrived at the correct location.  Also, I really had to find a bathroom.  We did get to see a little of the base of the mountains, breathe fresh air and other natural scents, see and hear donkeys and roosters, gaze at beautiful houses, and feel all around refreshed from the urban chaos.   After we returned home, Pat wanted to verify that we were in the right spot and in fact we were, and he also read that the guard at the beginning of the "trail" has been known to lend his dogs out with groups since the dogs know the way.  Apparently if you hike an hour in you'd find a beautiful waterfall and swimming spot. Que Lastima! We will venture into the cloud forest later in our trip with an actual person guide at a different location.

That afternoon we ventured on relatively vacant sidewalks as the majority of the city was watching Mexico defeat Croatia.  We'd hear the announcers give the plays, catch glimpses of the action on TV's all tuned in at every business, restaurant, and bar, and then we'd hear the entire city erupt into cheers with each goal.  Those in their cars listening on the radio began honking in unison a distinct "TA TA ta-ta- TA" pattern.  It was very exciting.

Returning to the English language bookstore we each made selections before going to Brujula, a cafe, for smoothies, coffee, and hot chocolate. It was the perfect location for sitting in a courtyard with old columns and cactus trees reading, sketching, and sipping.  Finally we grabbed a couple slices of pizza from the corner stand owned by a couple of transplants from Umbria and munched on them in the zocalo while watching/listening to street performers.  We headed home, Abe in his new jersey, receiving thumbs up and approving nods all the way.  Sports fandom  may be the quickest way to make friends----or enemies---depending.