We are in the capital of Oaxaca. Aptly named Oaxaca. Pronounced Whoahaka – if you are an Aussie. Or if you are me. 

It’s a stunning city, filled with vibrancy, colour and sound.

English is not really spoken which has been a little challenging, given my under-confidence with pronouncing any other languages. Our grandson did better than me. But then again, he also did better than me on the roller coaster rides at DisneyWorld. 

We are right in the centre of Oaxaca where we frequently hear street processions and the large banging of what we think is fireworks.

The police presence is huge. Our airport transfer driver told us it’s just that. A presence. Not to be alarmed by many police with many big machine guns. 

Driving in from the airport, seeing ‘utes’ drive by with police standing in the back tray clutching machine guns was a tad disconcerting. 

On the other hand if you have issues with feeling safe, those issues are alleviated.

We haven’t felt unsafe at all.

Having said that, we are staying in a ‘resort’.

I can’t speak highly enough of Grana B&B. The wedding party has the whole place to ourselves – thanks to my son and my new DIL. 

And it’s perfect.

The rooms are beautiful with everything catered for. You leave your room for the evening meal and come back to find your bed turned down and some little biscuits to get you through the night.

Hell, I think if I asked they would probably prepare and serve me a hot night time milk. And hold the cup so I could sip it whilst lounging in bed.

The staff are incredible. They can’t do enough to make sure your stay here is spot on. They have ear buds where they talk to one another, transporting our wishes. Ask for anything, they whisper in their microphone, and suddenly it all appears.

Breakfast is provided every morning, and not just any breakfast. There is a menu where each day is a different special Mexican dish. Or you can order avocado on toast with egg. Yes, that was me. Not because I didn’t want to try anything. But because I don’t really love breakfast. What I do love however is the coffee machine. Available 24/7, it spits out a damn decent cappuccino or latte. As you know I am a ‘real’ coffee drinker now. Until I get back to Chch anyway.

We have been on quite a few walks around town, just taking in the culture of art, music and dance.

Celebrations here do not go unnoticed. Unique to Oaxaca is the Calenda, the announcement of festivities. Essentially the celebrating party follows some effigies around, whilst they are being followed by a band. Of course there is laughing and hollering and drinking. It doesn’t appear to matter what time of day this may occur.

It’s also an open invitation to anyone to join in the parade. A rather large one passed us on our travels (see above photos) where we were repeatedly gestured to join in or partake shots of whatever this drink was….

Hmmmmm probably not. 

We just wandered. 

Doorways held hidden surprises, usually shops, cafes, art galleries or museums.

It truly is a fascinating city. 

But be warned, the water is unsafe if you use it from the taps (don’t despair my friends, Coca-Cola comes in 3 litre bottles).

The food is amazing but best not to eat lettuce because it has probably been washed in tap water. So the story goes. 

The pièce de résistance? Don’t flush your toilet paper down the toilet. That’s what the bin beside the toilet is for.

And therein lies the only negatives to a very special place. 

And a time we will remember with much love and joy, not just because we were part of an amazing wedding here.

More about that later.

Night folks.