WE ARE EXCITED!!

We live in the state and city of Oaxaca (wa-ha-ka) and our home is in barrio Jalatlaco (ha-lat-la-co).  Today we decided to explore a new barrio.  It is called Colonia Reforma.  Sam saw a market located in this barrio on the map.  In order to get there, we had to cross a major road by the first class bus station which is only a couple blocks from our home.  Before heading out, we aked Elpedia if this is a safe area and she said, "Claro qui si", "Yes, of course". 

It was only about a 15 minute walk from our home.  It was a nice walk in a nice area.  Just before we got to the market, Mercado Hildago, we saw a nice carniceria (meat market).  It had some pork loin in the meat counter that looked good.  We didn't buy anything because we wanted to see what was available at the mercado that would go with our pork.

When we walked into the mercado, we fell in love with the place.  It was neat, orderly, and clean.  No foul smells.  We walked through the aisles absorbing all the sights and sounds.  There was a stall that had a gentleman that was selling homemade tamales.  He had several varieties.  We just had ceral for breakfast so we weren't too hungry; however, there is always room for a good sweet, "dulce" tamale.  We each had one.  They were delicious.  He told us that on Sunday, "domingo", he had all of the varieties, about 8 different types.  Three of the types were with different moles.  We will definitely go back to see him.

We continued our browsing and found wonderful fruits, vegetables, breads, meats, flowers, fresh chocolate, fresh honey, etc.  We were definitely going to cook in tonight.  We decided to go back to the carniceria outside the market to purchase some pork loin.  We asked the young man if he could cut us a small piece because there were only two of us.  "Claro que si", he said.  After cutting the small piece, he continued to clean the fat and silver skin from the meat before he weighed it.  We were pleased with our selection.

Now it was back to Mercado Hildago.  We went to one of the fruit and vegetable stalls that had a wonderful display.  We bought mushrooms, garlic, an heirloom tomato, small new potatoes, red onion, bananas, mango, ginger, strawberries, and asparagus.  It is nice to buy just what you need.  This way, we can have fresh every day.  The most expensive part of this adventure was the asparagus;we bought 16 tips for 30 pesos...$2.43.

 

The workers were very friendly.  We chatted with them in Spanish, of course.  The only English they know are the names of the fruits and vegetables.  Our new friends are Lucy, Carmen, Orlando, and Esaelias.  We love this market and of course, the people.  When we go back, we will have to take their picture.

After purchasing all of our goods, we decided to continue our walk in the barrio.  We really liked it.  We commented several times that it reminded us of a nice downtown area of a small town.  The area had a lot of well-kept small tiendas, restaurants, (which we will check out) and schools.  It was quiet and clean.  No wonder Elpedia responded, "Clario que si".  We also found another larger grocery type market for canned goods, dry goods, etc.  Sam even found some maple syrup she wanted for pancakes, and Bob found some inexpensive wine.

So for dinner, we enjoyed pork tenderloin with a fresh mango and ginger salsa with raisins, garlic, red onion, jalepeno and lime juice, sauteed new potatoes with fresh rosemary and onions, asparagus (they were tender and delicious), sauteed mushrooms with fresh garlic, and chopped heirloom tomatoes with red onion, olive oil, and fresh lime juice.  And of course, a glass or two of wine.

Of course, because the weather is wonderful, we decided to dine outside on our patio.  We love this country, and we are excited!