Here I go again on my own...

Roughly three weeks after arriving in Mexico, I am officially moved into my new apartment.  It's small but cute and after a few purchases has everything I need.  When I arrived, I was staying with Lalo and his family on the outskirts of the city, about a 25 minute walk.  Unfortunately this means that there isn't always water in the house or that it will be hot!  Here in the city, there is always water and the apartment has a solar water heater which means I will luxiously enjoy hot showers every morning!  I am only about 4 blocks from the Zocalo or main square where many go nightly for an icecream or just a leisurely stroll.  The zocalo is almost always full of people meandering about buying up local items or eating at one of the many cafes that encircle it.  I am loving living here in the city, walking around in the sunshine and enjoying the unique shops and yummy restaurants! 
My first time here in Oaxaca I lived with a family not too far from where I am living now, which never forced me to take the city bus.  Fortunately, this time around I have had Lalo to show the ropes!  I adventured to the Bodega Aurrera (Mexico's Wal-Mart) alone today for the first time on the city bus.  My only mistake was stepping out in what I thought was a cute yellow sundress.  Rather, it screamed look at me and honk or whistle.  I get that I am a gringa and stand out, but today I truly felt like a sore-thumb!  I much prefer to blend in with the majority of Oaxacans, with the occasional glance or stare. 
I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday here in Oaxaca, and although it was a litle sad to be without my family, Lalo's family prepared a wonderful celebration!  We had tasajo and tripa from the 20 de Noviembre Market complete with guacamole, pico de gallo, and tortillas.  Estelita bought me my favorite tres leches cake and a beautiful 3 layer gelatina!  It was all very delicious!  Later Lalo and I went out with several of his cousins and a couple of friends! 
I learned today that the ex and wife had their baby, a boy named Cooper.  Again, the same weird feeling.  I had a little pity party for myself sad that he has moved on has a new family.  It's very strange how much life can change in a couple years.  Here I am living in a beautiful city in southern Mexico when just 2 years ago, I would have found myself sitting on the lovely green couch I picked out in the house we bought in Montrose.  I am a million miles away, mentally and physically, and happy to be so.  Congrats to us both! 
I am happy to be the out-of-place gringa living amidst a sea of Mexicans!  Here's to what shall come next!

Adios...besitos...Nos vemos pronto!

Adventure Part Dos

After nearly a two month stint in Minneapolis, enjoying all the lovely weather and trecherous roads that MN has to offer, I'm on my way back to Mexico.  I have to admit cashiering at the good old B'Smith is hardly my dream job but it'll do in times of desperation (and by desperation I mean arriving home with less than $50 in my bank account!). 
It has been wonderful spending time with my family and friends and I must admit this time feels a little different.  Knowing that I was going back, I never quite established a routine or really anything resembling a "life" here.  I have sort of just been living to go back.  But now that it is time to back, I'm kind of anxious.  Nervous, excited anxious but anxious all the same.  This time, I have to prove myself to all those who have put up with me saying "I've just been travelling for the last 5 months of my life".  I really can't complain, and those have been the best 5 months of my life to date, but now I have to buckle down, get a job and make something of myself. 
I'm tempted to take my tax return, birthday money, and cash that I saved up from 'Smithing and travel the western coast of South America.  There is no better time when you have people to visit!  The lure of shotty buses, cheap street food, and carrying everything you own in a small backpack actually sounds pretty inviting! 
So, for now I'm gonna go back with some tentative plans that include finding a job and getting an apartment but also leave my options open.  I'm young, divorced, with a little money in my pocket and it is my time to decide what I want to do with those options. 
As I once again set out on yet another chapter I'm going to make myself one promise:  Be true to myself!

Adios...Besos...Nos vemos pronto!