Arione Tri
11 years in Oaxaca, Mexico - The personal discoveries
I have been living in Oaxaca for more than 11 years and I feel more at home here than in the Big Apple, where I was born. When I came here, I would go to the states once a year, but now I have not been there for more than six years and, indeed, I did not even miss it. All the amenities that people have in the states are mostly absent from living here in the middle class. Hot water is a luxury that most not have, nor need, forget the carrot peelers or TiVo. I can not even remember what it is to have a long hot shower, not only because of the lack of a heater water but also due to the ongoing water shortage here ... turn the shower to get wet - turn off shower and lather up - turn back into the shower and rinse - depart shower and dried. No Jacuzzi bath salts with jasmine in my near future, but ... and why.
Oaxaca is worth all the luxury that lack a sense of freedom rarely felt in the states. The freedom to not worry about the car today, the freedom to take time to visit a good friend, without looking at his watch, the freedom to enjoy a stroll with your loved ones and give them your full attention, in the end .... a freedom to be and stop doing for a while. I hope I'm not being too abstract, but I think you get the point. Living in Oaxaca is the perfect amalgamation of a hard working week of 80 hours and long vacations in the Caribbean. Not too hard or too soft ... Just right!
No matter what your level of education in the states, if you come to Oaxaca or Mexico in general, and has one of the most sort after and desirable abilities in all ..... you speak English. This opens many doors here is ridiculous. I do not think you could be mediocre if you tried. You are treated with a deference immediately after meeting people (in most cases), and if they shake hands with a bolero or a senator to be equally respected just for being a foreigner from a third-world country. If this is deserved or not, I do not know, but it sure makes life easier here to say least but be careful ... will also be a possibility "as possible." What? That's right. What do I mean? Well, people will want to take advantage you think you have what they want ... money. Taxis can charge more, beggars ordering information, pick up her goal pocketers more etc. .. The trick here is to downplay yourself. Enter the rate of Oaxaca. Dressed casually buy clothes from local shops. Leave a straw hat and cameras at home and try to memorize the map of the city at home and avoid pulling it out on the street corner.
Now I am a lucky man. No I have blond hair and blue eyes so they can blend in. .. remain hidden. Even when an American approached me to ask for directions, I'll answer them in English, I answer in Spanish, (unless you are really lost;). But even I have been treated like a tourist. You see, I find a website, title = "Oaxaca Video Guide"> OaxacaVideoGuide.com which offer free video and audio guides for tourists who can download to your cell phone or iPod to come to Oaxaca to be moved without removing the map. The other day I was recording a trip to the bus station of the second class at the Central Wholesale Market (a place where you really do not want to go), and just because I was holding a video camera, a not so well groomed, and most likely drunk, yells at me, "Hello, how are you?" in English, as if we were friends for life. "Well, thanks," I replied that I quickly moved away but not before sharing a hug almost friendly. So you see, Oaxaca is small and the ways of the people of Oaxaca are well ... Oaxaca. So a stranger can be seen from a mile short ... unless mixed in.
At this point you will find that the Oaxacan people are extremely courteous and careful at the same time. They are quick to open their doors to you, but never guard is down. They can not be blamed, however, foreigners are quite rare. They dress funny, they walk funny, smell funny, talk funny and above all they think they're funny. Which brings me to my next topic ... "Double Meaning" Spanish. American humor is very different from Mexican humor which could also have his best game and jokes thrown in the trash. Mexican humor, and humor of Oaxaca in particular, is based on two-way commonly known as "Sapwood." Sometimes described as "G" but most rated "R", albureo not taught as much in local schools to Spanish here and can only be learned over time. You will feel like an idiot at least once or twice when everyone is laughing at you and you have no clue as to why, but do not despair, once the rules are learned, a good offense and defense are very close.
Ah, of course, another warning ... the people of Oaxaca can be extremely sensitive, so do not try to say anything that could be interpreted as offensive because the party will go on will and laugh and drink with you, but the next day when you call on your mobile phone that will give a busy signal as many times as necessary to get the point.
Without a doubt meet many people here in Oaxaca and all of these people will be able to manage their strange foreign customs, but the few that will become a close and loyal friends who always be there for you through thick and thin. This is the way to Oaxaca. With this I leave you until you write the next ..... Adios.
About the Author
Arion Diaz runs the website OaxacaVideoGuide.com, raises his 9 year old son, draws, writes and gives private tours in Oaxaca, Mexico. If you´re coming down to Oaxaca for business or vacations, give him a call locally at 951-127-1454 or email him at info@oaxacavideoguide.com. See you soon:)
US $209.99
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Fizik Arione Tri 2 w/Braided-Carbon Rails
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DescriptionGet the most out of the bike leg with Fizik's Arione Tri 2. This top-notch saddle features braided-carbon rails for ultra-light weight and Fizik's |
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Fizik Arione Tri 2 Carbon K:ium Wing Flex/Twin Flex Triathlon Bicycle Saddle List Price: |
DescriptionFi'zi:k designed the Arione Tri 2 Carbon K:IUM Saddle for the triathlete with a flexible frame who primarily focuses his or her seated weight on the sit-bones. The Arione has a flat and narrow shape to allow the greatest range of motion... |
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Fizik Arione Tri 2 Carbon Braided Wing Flex/Twin Flex Triathlon Bicycle Saddle List Price: |
DescriptionCarbon rails with additional nose padding for comfort.Does not have the Integrated Clip SystemCarbon ShellSeamless nose cover designTwin Flex: Kevlar/carbon shell is bonded to a stiff outer shell and provides a hammock-like feeling; sweet spot for pressure distribution in the perineal regionCarbon Braided Rail: sleeve of braided carbon fibers filled with unidirectional carbon fibers that are capable of expanding and contractingK:ium Rail: special alloy with a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent vibration damping; 8% weight reduction compared to solid titaniumItem SpecificationsColorBlackWeight189gWidth132mmLength302mmGenderMen'sRailCarbonClamp StyleStd RailsDefined ColorBlack |
