This is it!

Hola family and friends...

Mere and I leave for Oaxaca tomorrow (Friday 08/07) and we’ll immediately start the preparations to host you all. So I think this is truly our final group update with some helpful information. But feel free to text us with questions (just be mindful of time difference) and we’ll get back to you ASAP. 

The first important thing to know is obviously what will be happening and when. We mentioned it in previous posts but let’s put it all together here: 

• Thursday, August 13th, 3pm: Meredith, myself and 12 other guests will check-in at the AirBNB (Molly, Lucas, Iêda, Barbara, Paul, Lauren, Allie, Arthur, Glenn, Louise, Eric, Adriana). The address is Ave. de la Independencia 1106, Centro, Oaxaca. The entrance looks like the picture above. 

• Friday, August 14th, early in the morning (I’m thinking 8am so we can beat the heat): Tour to the Acheological Zapotec Ruins of Monte Albán & to San Bartolo Coyotepec (Black Clay craft makers). Cost: ~$35 per person (includes transport + entry fee to Monte Albán). This tour takes about 4-5 hours. 

• Friday, August 14th, at around 7pm: Dinner at the AirBNB. You are ALL invited to join in for a traditional Tlayuda dinner at the AirBNB. It will be casual, relaxed, fun, and delicious. There will be a self-service “bar” where you can get soft drinks, beer, mezcal. Feel free to make yourself whatever cocktail you want. We’ll try to get some “águas” so you can either drink them as is or spike them with some mezcal. 

• Saturday, August 15th, 10am-ish: Tour to Hierve el Agua (“petrified” water falls) and to an Ancestral Mezcal Producer. Cost: ~$40 per person (transport + entry fee + local fee). This is a beautiful experience. Bring swimsuits and towels if possible (or you can just air dry). This place one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and I’m sure you’ll enjoy too. Bring cash in Mexican pesos and in small bills if you plan on getting a snack there. 

• Saturday, August 15th, 6pm to 10pm: Party time at Oruga. Time to dance, have a good time, drinks and eat. There will be food provided to all guests but you’ll have to buy your own drinks (it was easier this way). 

Sunday is a free day. You can choose your own adventure and Mere and I can give you suggestions or even tag along. Go explore the historic center on your own or in small groups. (Textile Museum, Mezcal Tastings, Markets, Museum of the Cultures, Jalatlaco neighborhood... so many options)

Monday, Aug. 17th. Mere and I leave Oaxaca SUPER early in the AM (so sad).

If you have a later flight you can stay at the AirBNB until 11am (check out time). If you need any arrangements let us know so we can help you figure out a place to store your luggage or different accommodations. We’re there to help. 

A few other important things: 

• Bring bug spray! Or be ready to buy some when you get there. 

• It will probably rain in the evening. Oaxaca is famous for its random showers in the evening but the rain only lasts a couple of hours. 

• One dollar currently gets you about $17.20 pesos. For comparison, a mezcal cocktail at a tourist-y spot will cost you between $180 and $250 pesos. But you can also pay about $80 pesos for 5 street tacos from a street cart. 

AIRPORT TO HOTEL/AIRBNB TRANSPORTATION

Arrival in Oaxaca (aka Airport to Centro Historic logistics): It's a simple process, you can get to your hotel by using the van services (colectivos).  The airport is a 20-25 minute cab ride south of town.  You buy a ticket at the booth situated right before you exit the airport (after the rental car counters).  A private cab (for just you and your party) is about 510 pesos and an airport van (called colectivo) is around 140 pesos per person for downtown locations. Meredith and I normally take the colectivo. It’s safe and cheaper.

Once you pay for your ticket, they'll give you a receipt, then you'll walk outside the airport and hand the receipt to the uniformed driver. Once you're in the van just let the driver know the name of your Hotel or address of your AirBNB and he’ll stop right there for you.

We have quite a few local Oaxaqueños in our guest list and we’ll gladly connect you with them in case you’re extending your trip and I’m sure they’ll gladly help you. 

Alright. This is it mis amigos. 

Next stop… OAXACA!