Real World on Wheels

When I met the other travelers at the hostel, I just assumed that I was sharing a bus with them.  Well, it was like the real world on wheels.  They include the following characters:

Arturo:  Driver, but more than just a driver.  He is a partner in Bomba Express.  He bought us mezcal to drink at the bars (kinda like tequilla), convinced the chicas to dance with us, and took around town.   He was called the "pimp" by the other girls, and he was a great guide.  He was fun to hang with.  He spent so much money on us that I'm sure that he lost money taking us down south.

I am a friend of Vincente Fox...

MacKensie:  She started off by asking if I knew Saddle Creek Records.  Her boyfriend started it.  She is a barrista from Omaha, who is planning to work at an organic farm in Southern Oaxaca.  Miss Alternative.

Mora:  An Isaraeli who calls her boyfriend everyday but is currently traveling for three months.  She's sweet and has a cute voice.

Nadar:  Part Yemenese, she lives in Israel as well.  She has super curly hair, and is traveling with Mora.

Saraf:  An Israeli, who I got into argument with over globalization.  He was trying to argue that India did not benefit from the explosion of call centers while I was championing free trade.  Then, he went dirty and called me "republican".

On our way to Oaxaca, we stopped in a cacti forest where we learned about how one could smoke, drink, or use as medicine a number of plants that grow in the desert.  We stopped at Pachita's a hole in the way, that served quesadillas, a kiwi-like cactus fruit, arroz and frijoles.

In Oaxaca, Arturo took us to Elefante where we proceed to dance and drink the night away.  The next morning was difficult, but we made our way to Monte Alban, the white mountains, where we saw the Zapotec ruins from 750 A.D.  Beautiful place.  In Oaxaca, I tried the hot chocolate, tcayludas (mexican pizza), mezcal, and even some hot churros.  The food here is great, and the scene is fun.  Last night, I check out a funk band.  The iglesia of Santo Domingo and its botanical garden are worth checking out.  My new found friends were embarrassed that I kept repeating that I am a friend of the former president  Vincent Fox.  (Mexico 2005).  By the way, that's like saying your are a friend of Bush in San Francisco.  Now, I head to Puerto Escondido, and I will be the dee jay for this portion of the trip.