Mexico - Oaxaco and Mexico City

When we came back from Peru at Christmas the airline we flew with mucked us around so we were given $300 each of vouchers to fly anywhere we wanted- so we had to use them! We decided to visit Mexico because it was the cheapest location to visit from Quito. We arrived in Mexico City and only stayed for one night before heading to the city of Oaxaca. In Mexico City we found a great place to stay called Dakota Bed & Breakfast, it was a really funky designer place that was in a great location, near the World Trade Centre. The casa de cultura was down the road from our B&B so we explored it before heading to Oaxaca.
Oaxaco is a beautiful colonical city to the South East of Mexico City. It took us 6 hours to get there on a bus. We stayed in a hotel called, 'The Swallows,' which had a beautiful courtyard with flowers hanging everywhere. We wondered around the tranquil streets of Oaxaca and enjoyed the ambiance of the place.





After a couple of days of relaxing we took a tour to some local sites outside of the city. One of the most impressive was the 'Arbol del Tule,' which is the widest tree in the world. It has an incredible circumferene of 58m!! The pictures don't do it justice. We also visited some local ruins outside of Oaxaca, which were pretty amazing. Below are just a few of the pictures I took.


On returning to Mexico City we stayed at the same B&B. The whole city is really modern and funky. There are pieces of modern art everywhere you look. We loved it. Not unlike Columbia, we had been warned about this dangerous place but felt really safe and enjoyed every minute of it. We were lucky enough to attend an amazing free photography exhibition by Willy Sousa depicting pictures and films of the different Mexican cultures. It was one of the best exhibitions I have ever been to. The clip below shows you a glimpse of his work.

During our 2 days in Mexico city, we also visited the impressive Anthropology museum and wondered through some contempory neighbourhoods. Below are a few pictures.

BBQ and pool at Ewan and Miranda's

During our half term break (only 2 days!)we went for a BBQ at Miranda and Ewan's place. It's a great place to hang out as they have amazing views over looking the Canyon, a lovely swimming pool and a pool table! Some guys from work came along to celebrate carnival. It was a lovely afternoon........

We found a new hang out right next to school

A group of us from school have been playing sport most Friday's after work - it tends to be volleyball, football or cricket. Last week we wondered down the road from school after our volleyball match and found this cool little place. It's a typical ecuadorian place with the local chickens, dogs and kids all playing together - a nice find, I'm sure we'll be going back regularly from now on
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Walk at the bottom of Ilalo with the Castro's

We went for lunch at Sally-Anne and Orlando's place last Saturday. Dani and Debbie then wanted to take Harper and their dogs for a walk. He looked rather fetching in my shades! He loves going to play at Nena and Scottie's as they are his good friends, he used to go and play there every day when Sally-Anne and the girls were at school!

BSQ raising money for Haiti

After the recent earthquake in Haiti, Evelyn and I decided to do some fundraising at BSQ to help the victims. We managed to raise over $2700! In the Primary school, we held a sponsored silence (which was great for the teachers!) and were able to come in non-uniform for the day. We also brought in tinned food and water. The proceeds were given to the red cross and another charity based in Quito who are flying lots of engineers and Doctors out to Haiti to help the survivors. Below are some pics of the kids dressed up.

I'm famous!

Here is a picture of the massive billboard on the main road between Cumbaya and Tumbaco. Yes, it is me, on the school advert! I was asked if the school could use one of my photos. I said yes, thinking that it was one that I took. I had the shock of my life when I saw this monstrosity on the way back from Quito one night!

Victoria comes to visit us at BSQ

Pati, my lovely assistant, has been off on maternity leave for 3 months after giving birth to her beautiful daughter, Victoria. Here is a picture of her when she came into school to visit us. The children were so excited, we can't wait to have her back!