Living The Life

 As we walk deeper into our adventure, I'm increasingly aware at how well our kids have rolled with all of the changes they confront daily.  From brushing teeth with bottled water and throwing TP into trash cans to being surrounded by Spanish speakers and unfamiliar foods, they have adapted surprisingly well.  That said, we are realizing that a little kid time goes a long way in keeping everyone happy.

We've had to be a close unit--especially walking around town and crossing streets. This colonial town while well planned on a grid with a central plaza etc., was never intended to be clogged with herds of cars and roaring, oversized buses.  Sidewalks are narrow at best and often pocked with holes.  So, navigating the city on foot requires a lot of tethering and prodding of the children to keep them alive.  I forgot to mention that pedestrians do not have the right of way which is a difficult concept for them to understand--those cars will not stop for you.  Needless to stay, it is the most stressful part of our day and tiresome for them to not be able to be as carefree as they are meant to be.

So, in an effort to expend some of that energy, the kids played some soccer in a small plaza on the way to the big park with swing sets, jungle gyms, and all of that good stuff.  After eating lunch at a restaurant specializing in Oaxacan food, we explored another new neighborhood.  The kids loved where we ate because of the chatty parrots that lined the patio wall, and I loved the absolute clutter of plants, colorful murals, and our shady, magical outdoor spot.  The neighborhood of Jatatlco, originally a separate town, is now absorbed into Oaxaca City.  Its church, San Mateo, has a distinct facade, a colorful Guadalupe shrine, and two enormous old trees in its plaza.

I'm continually struck by the colorful buildings and homes in Oaxaca as well as the residents dedication to plants.  They are both so good for the soul.

Back at our apartment the kids played with the neighbor boy in our enclosed courtyard.  This has been a saving grace for Abe who misses his friends so much.  It is also great because the kids are able to roam the patio but are safe from the street. We are both free from each other which gives both parents and kids a much needed break from each other.  Still we can keep an eye and ear out for them.

Traditional green pottery from region