I stood in the Detroit airport terminal gazing out at my plane. This hasn’t been a cold winter so far, but much colder weather is coming soon, and a storm as well.
In front of me as I waited to board, a grizzled 757 stood parked, waiting to take me to warmer climes to the south.
I would usually plan a scuba trip this time of year, but given how long it took me to recover from the concussion last December, as well as the associated dental work, I’m honestly a bit nervous about diving. Next summer I will try some local dives in Michigan, and maybe next year visit another set of reefs.
For now I’m going to Oaxaca, Mexico, which has been tempting me with some of the best food in the country for several years.
Out of Detroit, we departed late due to snowy weather, but soon pierced the clouds and the pillowy blanket of white was well below us and a pristine blue sky was above.
Several hours later we arrived in Mexico City. We were about 50 minutes late, but I still had plenty of time to make my connection. Ominously, however, my ticket from Mexico City to Oaxaca couldn’t be printed in Detroit, and when I received it in Mexico City there was no seat assignment – rather it just read STB.
Yup – the flight was oversold, so when the time came to board, I had been downgraded to standby because I hadn’t checked in early enough (I didn’t know that was a thing). As a result I got a few extra hours in the Mexico City airport. They tried to make it up to me with a 5500 peso (~$320) voucher for AeroMexico, but given that I don’t expect to fly that airline in the next year, the voucher is insulting. They also gave a food voucher to use outside of security, which is also farcical. Who wants to go through the security process more than necessary?
So my final arrival in Oaxaca was well after sunset, and my driver from the airport had long since departed. Instead I took a taxi (easy) and was quickly checked into my hotel.
My hotel was much closer to the center of town than I anticipated, and I was soon out into the nighttime streets where crowds of people milled about and the last of the Christmas decorations still lingered.
But slowly they are coming down.
I was exhausted from the long day, so didn’t tarry long, instead quickly finding food. I had tried to ask the receptionist at the hotel where to eat and she said “Just find food,” implying that I probably couldn’t choose poorly.
The dive down the street was filled with both locals and tourists alike. I had a tlayuda, overflowing with meats.
I didn’t know what the bean next to it was but since it was on the plate it must be food. A friend I texted suggested eating the entire pod like a snow pea and I can confirm one absolutely shouldn’t do that. I soon discovered that the seeds inside are edible and tasty, however.
I would later learn that the pods come from the guaje tree, and are relatively specific to this part of Mexico.
My meal done, I was ready for bed. It had all been truly delicious and sating. Most importantly I was primed for my time here in the beautiful town of Oaxaca.
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