Monday June 12, 2006

Before sunrise, in the San Antonio Airport, the Oaxacan bound group consisting of 9, (Gisselle will be arriving by bus), students, 2 Professors and 2 family-members, Professor Richter's husband Blair and daughter Aeydan, arrived in time for the first flight no. 378 to the Houston Intercontinental Airport. Passports, birth certificates and driver's license all presented and luggage checked in. My tip for any married person, who did not keep their maiden name on their driver's license, bring your marriage license with you. Here are my professors packing up boxes full of goodies for a children´s home in Oaxaca. The initial flight went by quickly and it was fun to watch Mel, who experienced her first flight. Here is Aeyden very comfortable flying. The flight that almost got away. However, the transfer flight produced some unwarranted exercise in Houston. After receiving wrong directions to Terminal B, we made it just in time for our connecting flight. After landing in the deserted looking airport of Oaxaca, the group entered the building and happy to say all passed the inspections of customs. The simplicity of how passengers are selected for further inspection always generates a chuckle. One simply walks up to a pole with a traffic light on top, pushes a button and prays for a green light. Jewelette's un-mistakable Pink luggage The $3.00 taxi-van ride to our hotel, La Casa de la Ti­a, 5 de Mayo, Checking in, there's Giselle in the back,wearing green, she beat us here. Professor Marcotte waiting in the Hotel lobby http://www.prodigyweb.net.mx/latia, provided our first glimpse of Oaxaca. La Casa de la Ti­a is small and darling. Adorned in the typical Mexican flavor and open-aired atmosphere, the hotel invites you to stay forever. Most definitely, a return visit to include the rest of my family. Here is the window to my room. Room #E Edith, who works the front desk is very friendly and does not mind helping me with my Espanol. After making my room my home, Denise introduced Anna Maria Rodriguez, who, through the Alamo Community College District, is our contact person here in Oaxaca. The whole gang had lunch at the Hotel Virrey, where I had my first taste of Oaxaca, guanabana beverage, (a lemonade looking, sweet fruit drink). Anna Maria gave us a quick tour of the zocolo, the town square, where vendors of all types of food, toys, clothes, music and jewelry are available. The peddlers, of all ages, do take no for an answer, the first time. Bubbles-a universal juego. My evening, "home alone", consisted of taking a much needed shower and a lengthy date with my 2000 watt blow dryer. Before crashing, like a good nosey neighbor, I visited some of the other student's quarters and found Liz, Mel and Melanie's room had the best view, breeze, and design. I am so looking forward to absorbing more of Oaxaca. Buenas noches, Maria, Maria