Puerto Escondido

Having lived about 100 miles from the beach for 2 years now, this Colorado girl finally made it down to one of Oaxaca's many 'hidden' beaches with my sister this past weekend. Yay!

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We took the bus, a 10 hour ride - which is one of the reasons I have not been to the beach yet. We did go the overnight route, so at least it was 'easier' to sleep during a good part of those 10 hours. Nothing quite like waking up at sunrise along with 50 other people around you... ;-)

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We arrived to find a very hot and humid Puerto Escondido - and gained an appreciation of the air conditioning at the local supermarket :). But soon we were settled in and able to relax on the beach and enjoy sights like these.
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The beach we stayed on is famous for surfing. I realize these guys were mainly pros making it look easy, but after a while of watching them, I began to want to become a surfer myself - not enough to take lessons though, so that dream will have to wait... ;-)

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There one goes!
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One website claimed that, at any time of the year, the surfers were outnumbered 10 to 1 by spectators watching them. It seemed that the website was correct :).
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Here I am one evening, spectating with the rest of them. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.
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The undertow of those waves was incredible. We took heed to this sign and did not swim - we did splash around some though... I think this sign is funny - I call it 'The Happy Drowner"
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Mary's good at spending her energy while I watch :). Here she is playing chicken with the powerful waves.
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This meandering cowboy was of course selling horseback rides down the beach. We didn't take him up on it - but it was a nice sight anyhow.
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One of the neat pictures Mary took.
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And there you go. After 2 1/2 short, relaxing days on the beach, we boarded the bus back to Oaxaca. Thankfully the driver took the corners slower and the other passengers were quieter on the way back. Here the sun begins to light the sky on the Oaxaca valley.

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"The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is mighty. "

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Psalm 93:3-4

Tasty Snacks

I am still here! My sister visited the last few weeks, and I think I'll use that as my excuse for not posting for a bit :). But, yesterday morning, after passing a health check in the airport lobby with flying colors :), she headed back to the U.S.

As we waited at the airport, we noticed and were grossed-out by some huge ants on the floor of the airport (thankfully we only saw two). However, as I walked through my neighborhood on my way home, it was all I could do not to step on any of those ants as there were SO MANY! I didn't know where they all came from, but I did know I was thankful that I have never had any in my apartment.

Then came the weird part - I saw an old man walking down the street picking things up! His wife followed and I got a closer look as, sure enough, she picked up the ants that he had missed. On the next block there was a young family out for a morning walk gathering ants in a plastic sandwich bag. I heard the woman call to a neighbor, "Yes! They are delicious!"

I thought, oh man, she can't mean the ants, can she? But, I mentioned it to Katy Dockter (another short term missionary) later that morning and she said one of her students that morning had in fact offered her some of these tasty treats to her. While I try to keep an open mind, all I can think is "Ew!"

I've tried to find a picture of these ants online to show you, but I'm afraid I can only stand looking at pictures of ants for so long - sorry :). I have finally gotten used to the idea of eating grasshoppers - even taking a children's home kid up on his challenge to eat a few more the other day - but giant ants? I'd rather not get used to that idea.

Maybe later on I can post some pictures of my sister's and my mini-vacation to the beach - much more pleasant to view than ants anyhow :).

At the bus stop

Since I seem to be on a video kick, here's one more for your viewing pleasure :).

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Walk with me

Brief Explanation: This video is a result of me staying inside because of everything being closed for the flu. This was videotaped on Saturday April 26th, when word of the flu was first really starting to spread.

Brief Disclaimer: It will win no awards :), but I thought it might be fun for some to see the streets of Oaxaca. However, in efforts to be nonchalant about taking video, I just held my camera in my hand. Hence, it is rather bumpy (<-- understatement). Sorry!

On that note, hope you enjoy! :)