Do you live in 2 places? ...then you get it.

 I just had to share a quick thought about a small irritation when you live in 2 places. Well, I'm usually into several books at once, probably not a good idea, but my interests are all over the place. I do, actually, finish most books, though sometimes I conclude, before reaching the end, that either I've derived the meaningful sum of its contents, sometimes after a quick scan, and I've gotten enough from the read, OR the book sucks, ...at least in my opinion. But that leaves a lot of books that, well, are open on a shelf or bedstand, etc., and I'm reading, thank you very much. They are sitting around and I plan to, unless I'm hit by a bus in the very near future, complete. And, there are some major literary conquests I have begun.

I'm referring to Marie Arana's very popular and thick, juicy summary of source material, "Bolivar". Written for the masses, this light and entertaining, biography tells a fascinating story about the wealthy South American and self-interested revolutionary, Simon Bolivar "(24 July 1783 – 17 December 1830) was a Venezuelan military officer and statesman who led what are currently the countries of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela to independence from the Spanish Empire." He is known colloquially as El Libertador, [the Liberator," of America.]" Well, after buying two paperback copies at home, quite by accident and probably years apart, upon the second purchase, and realizing I had two, I gave one to a friend, determined to read the other. Having read about a third of the way through, it was time to pack for Casa Sur in Oaxaca.

The "Trade Paperback" copies I purchased at home are fairly large and readable but we pack pretty lightly when we travel. We stick to one medium suitcase and a backpack each. It's plenty with our heavy backpacks sporting our laptops, phones, and necessities. I usually have very little room for books, and yet brought 4 small paperbacks on this trip - leaving "Bolivar" behind.

Well, imagine my chagrin when I found, in the "Used, for Sale" bin of the Oaxaca Lending Library, a hardback copy of "Bolivar"! And at the price of 60 pesos (about $3. USD)! Now I have to finish it this winter.

[BTW, If you've read this book, I'd love to hear what you thought of it! And thanks for reading. -BD]

"El Lago de los Cisnes" performed by the acclaimed Royal Ukrainian Ballet at Oaxaca's Beautiful Teatro MACEDONIO ALCALÁ tonight. We will be in a box on the 2nd level!

 

Arriving early and grabbing a snack is always a great part of the experience! In this case, we have Elotes, boiled in water with seasonings such as tequesquite, epazote or the Santa Maria herb, pericón. The boiled ear is served with condiments such as butter, mayonnaise, and grated Cotija cheese, and in the case of Mexico, chili powder, lemon juice, and salt, and 

Esquites, generally made from white corn kernels that have been boiled and softened in water, served in plastic or styrofoam cups, (hence the name in English, "corn in cup"). additionally you can find them being served in corn husks as they are here. The ingredients vary; toppings for esquites in Oaxaca include (but are not limited to) combinations of lime juice, chili powder or hot sauce, salt, Cotija cheese, and mayonnaise. What a treat!

Also here this evening is a Crepes cart. Oh the food!

The line grew, a wait, and then, into the theatre!

Yes, another performance of "Swan Lake", but it's always a winner!

We've learned to arrive early and we sat in the "Palcos Segundos" (second balcony)...which filled up completely.

First, though, the older picture above is not of the desecration the ceiling received with it's newest artistic rendering of The Muses. I have a feeling the locals are pleased to just let this rendering peel away until they can justify a new masterpiece.

We enjoyed the performance immensely as we got to see the ballet as it was meant to be enjoyed in a typical hall as when it was composed in 1876.

Bravo!

Back to Oaxaca, and lo and behold! The Organ Festival is going to be here in February. Whoo-hoo!

 

SAVE THE DATE!    XVI International Organ and Early Music Festival Oaxaca, México February 4 – 8, 2027

We are honored to announce the IOHIO’s 16th Organ Festival, a unique opportunity to hear more organ music than at any other time of the year and to experience Oaxaca off the tourist track.   This is a preliminary announcement to help you plan your trip to Oaxaca. Please visit our web site iohio .org.mx in November for the final schedule of activities, the daily participation fee, and the registration form.   As in past years, participants are responsible for their own transportation and lodging in Oaxaca. Meals are included with the festival activities. Please make your travel arrangements as soon as possible, since February is a month of high tourism in Oaxaca.   THE 16th FESTIVAL WILL OFFER THE FOLLOWING:   Seven concerts on seven restored historic pipe organs. Concerts by renowned organists Javier Artigas (Spain), Jesús López Moreno and José Suárez with Horacio Franco, recorder (Mexico), and Cicely Winter and Oaxacan colleagues with Valentín Hernández, percussion Visits to five unrestored organs and their churches, some of which are usually inaccessible to the public. A collective concert in Santa María Tamazulapan presented by professional organists and advanced students. The opportunity for interested organists to play the organs in the Basilica de la Soledad, the Cathedral, and the church of Jalatlaco. Scholarships for Mexican organ students to cover the cost of the festival activities. Meals showcasing Oaxaca’s famous local cuisine. A guided tour of the archeological site of Monte Alban. Safe and comfortable transportation for all events.   CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES (preliminary, details to follow)   February 4 (Thursday) 10:00—12:00: Registration in the Museo de Filatelia de Oaxaca (MUFI) 1:00 PM: Presentation about “Oaxaca’s historic pipe organs and the work of the IOHIO,” Cicely Winter, Biblioteca Francisco de Burgoa Lunch on your own and the opportunity to explore the city of Oaxaca 8:30 PM: Concert in San Matías Jalatlaco, Javier Artigas, organ   February 5 (Friday) Visit to the unrestored organ in Santa María Tinu 12:30 PM: Concert in San Andrés Zautla, Festival organists Buffet lunch 7:00 PM: Concert of Oaxaca Folk Music in the Basílica de la Soledad, Cicely Winter and Oaxacan colleagues, organ, with Valentín Hernández, percussion   February 6 (Saturday) Visits to the unrestored organ in Santa María Tiltepec Lunch in Yanhuitlán 1:00 PM: Concert in Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán, Horacio Franco, recorder, José Suárez, organ Early dinner in Tamazulapan 6:00 PM: Concert in Santa María Natividad: Franco, Suárez, and Oaxacan organists   February 7 (Sunday) 11:00 PM: Concert in San Jerónimo Tlacochahuaya, Javier Artigas, organ Visit to the unrestored organ in Teotitlán del Valle Farewell meal in Teotitlán 5:00 PM: Concert in Santa María de la Asunción Tlacolula, Jesús López Moreno, organ   February 8 (Monday) Optional activities for Festival participants only Option 1 Guided tour of the archeological site of Monte Albán Option 2 Festival organists may play the organs in La Soledad, the Cathedral and Jalatlaco in the morning and the afternoon (lunch on your own). _____________________________________________________________ I decided to include the whole announcement in case you have a chance to attend. Life is never boring here. Drop a line if you are coming. We'd love to get together.