Steven L. Smith, Bellingham, WA Home Inspector (King of the House)

I have only positive things to say about my recent vacation in Oaxaca, Mexico. We stayed healthy and good-natured, loved the food, and we found the people to be friendly and honest. A couple times I paid too many pesos to a vendor and was quickly corrected and given the right change. Wow! I never would have known the difference had they not done that. Once I forgot my credit card at a cafe and the fellow chased me down the street to return it.

My wife and I often go to Italy -- she really likes Italy. Mexico, however, is so affordable that it becomes very appealing financially. We hired a combination driver/tour guide one day and, while we were out about five hours, the cost for the private tour, time and gas, was only about $75.00 US.

I will be writing, here at Active Rain, some posts about the great service we received. I know that other Active Rain members might be planning vacations, and this is a wonderful area. There are many ancient buildings and ruins nearby that go back 500 years BC. Oaxaca is a colonial city. A contingent of weavers, carvers and other world-class artisans are nearby and their products are available at shops inside the city. Or, as we chose to do, you can drive out and visit the artisans where they work. Another great feature of southern Mexico is the weather -- we were there mid-January and the temperature probably averaged 75 to 80 degrees F. It was not sweltering hot, but very warm.

Probably the single most important element of our splendid trip was staying at La Casa de Mis Recuerdos. This bed and breakfast -- more like a hotel really -- except they feed you in the morning, was tranquil, peaceful and gorgeous.  Below are photos of the scenery we had from the comfortable balcony outside our room, which we used as a reading and lounging area.

That is the view, both sides. The lime tree produced fruit that was turned into margaritas -- killer margaritas -- each and every night.

The B & B is family owned. A highlight of the casa was visiting with Nora. Nora is the adult daughter of the owner. The family owns four facilities and Nora is charming and vivacious. She speaks excellent English and she will help her guests with any problem, big or small. She arranges taxis and tours for you, even runs some tours herself if you want. She is, also, one of the top cooks in Oaxaca. People from all over take her cooking classes. My wife and I did so and the classes begin with a walk to the market where Nora buys that day's supplies and introduces you to all the bounty of the region. You see Nora, on the left, explaining things to the class.

Anyone thinking they would like an affordable, warm and fun vacation ought to think about Oaxaca. Other friends had told us about it before but this is the first time we have tried it. We are, seriously, thinking about turning this into an annual trek. Next time we might, also, try to spend some time at one of the beaches, a few hours from the city. But, one thing is for sure, we will spend most of the time staying at La Casa de Mis Recuerdos and enjoying Oaxaca.

Steven L. Smith

Bellingham WA Home Inspections

Thanks for stopping by,

Steven L. Smith