Cultural Immersion in Oaxaca with Friends

Seaside Adventures and Market Finds

Today was a delightful blend of coastal relaxation and bustling market exploration. Leaving Hotel Camba behind for a day trip to Huatulco, and diving headfirst into the vibrant energy of Central de Abastos de Oaxaca, made for a truly memorable experience. It's amazing how much you can pack into a single day when you're fueled by curiosity and a desire to soak in every bit of a new culture.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Camba in Oaxaca, a charming base for your adventures with free Wi-Fi and tour assistance.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at La Azotea. I opted for the huevos rancheros, a classic Mexican dish that never disappoints. The rooftop setting provided a stunning view of Oaxaca as the city slowly came to life. Hans enjoyed his omelette, and we both appreciated the strong, rich Oaxacan coffee. It was the perfect way to start our day before our journey to the coast. I made sure to pack my sunscreen, remembering the mistake I made on our first few days here!


Experience exceptional Oaxacan cuisine and breathtaking views at La Azotea, one of Oaxaca's premier chophouse restaurants.

The drive to Huatulco was an experience in itself. As we wound our way through the Oaxacan landscape, I couldn't help but marvel at the scenery. The mountains, the valleys, and the glimpses of rural life offered a stark contrast to the bustling city we were leaving behind. It reminded me a bit of the countryside back in Vietnam, although the vegetation was quite different. I found myself reflecting on my journey from Buon Ma Thuot to Berlin, and now here I was, exploring the beauty of Mexico.


Experience the breathtaking beauty and vibrant culture of Huatulco, Oaxaca – a coastal paradise filled with adventure and tradition.

Huatulco greeted us with open arms and sunshine. The air was thick with humidity, a stark contrast to the drier climate of Oaxaca City, but the promise of the Pacific Ocean was enough to make me forget the stickiness. We spent the morning exploring the beaches, each one seemingly more beautiful than the last. The coastline is stunning, with golden sand and crystal-clear water. I took a dip in the ocean, the warm water a welcome embrace. Hans, ever the cautious one, preferred to relax on the beach, reading a book and soaking up the sun. He even managed to get a bit of color, despite his best efforts to stay pale.

Sometimes, the best travel experiences are the ones that surprise you, the unexpected moments that linger in your memory long after you've returned home.

For lunch, we chose Viento y Agua, a charming little spot known for its fresh seafood. I had the pescado a la talla, a local specialty, and Hans opted for the shrimp tacos. Both were delicious, the flavors vibrant and the ingredients incredibly fresh. The restaurant had a laid-back, beachy vibe, which perfectly complemented the atmosphere of Huatulco. It was so refreshing, and I made a mental note to try and recreate the flavors when I got back to our apartment in Berlin. Maybe I could even find some Oaxacan ingredients there; one can only hope!

After our leisurely lunch, it was time to head back to Oaxaca City, but not before making a stop at the infamous Central de Abastos de Oaxaca. This market is not for the faint of heart; it's a sprawling, chaotic, and utterly captivating experience. My friends, who have been to Oaxaca before, warned me that it was huge and easy to get lost in. They were not wrong!


Discover the heart of Oaxacan culture at the Central de Abastos, a lively fresh food market filled with local flavors and vibrant experiences.

As soon as we stepped out of the taxi, we were engulfed in a sea of sights, sounds, and smells. Vendors hawked their wares, music blared from every corner, and the air was thick with the aroma of spices, street food, and fresh produce. It was overwhelming, but in the best possible way. I felt like I had been transported to another world, a world where commerce and culture collided in a vibrant explosion of energy.

We wandered through the maze of stalls, marveling at the sheer variety of goods on offer. There were mountains of colorful textiles, handcrafted pottery, and an endless array of food. I was particularly fascinated by the chili vendors, who had every imaginable variety of chili pepper, from the mildest to the most fiery. I even bought a few to take back to Berlin, hoping to add a bit of Oaxacan spice to my cooking. I was able to pick up a few things that I had forgotten to pack, like a hat.

Of course, no visit to Central de Abastos would be complete without sampling some of the local street food. We tried tlayudas, giant crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, and meat. They were messy, delicious, and utterly satisfying. We also sampled some tejate, a traditional Oaxacan drink made from corn, cacao, and other ingredients. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, slightly bitter, slightly sweet, and surprisingly refreshing.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to La Toscana for dinner. After a day of Mexican flavors, we both thought it would be fun to have some Italian food. The restaurant is known for its fusion of Italian cuisine with a Oaxacan twist. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, and the staff was friendly and attentive. I ordered the lasagna, which was rich, flavorful, and surprisingly light. Hans had the pulpo sarandeado, grilled octopus in adobo sauce. He said that it was delicious.


Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Toscana, where every dish tells a story amidst the vibrant culture of Oaxaca.

The drive back to our hotel was quiet, both of us tired but content. We reminisced about our day, the beautiful beaches of Huatulco, the chaotic energy of Central de Abastos, and the delicious meal at La Toscana. It was a day of contrasts, a day of exploration, and a day that I will not soon forget. It reminded me why I love to travel, why I love to immerse myself in new cultures, and why I love to share these experiences with all of you.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Fuente de las 8 Regiones and the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. I'm excited to see what cultural treasures await us. I've heard so much about the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, and I can't wait to finally see it in person. I know Hans is excited to visit Txalaparta!

Until then, goodnight from Oaxaca! I hope you all enjoyed reading about my adventures today. Stay tuned for more tales from this beautiful city!