After six weeks in Oaxaca, Mexico, my husband and I arrived home yesterday. We always have mixed feelings when we end a trip; sad to leave the people, sights, and sounds we’ve enjoyed on our travels; happy to get back to our home, friends, and our familiar routines.
Once I’ve had some time to organize my pictures and re-read my travel journal, I’m sure I’ll have a few more blog posts about our experience. But first, while the trip is fresh in my mind, here is what I already miss about Oaxaca, and a few things that I’m happy to enjoy now that we’re home, sweet, home.
What I’ll Miss
Friendly Faces. The people in Oaxaca – both the native population and the expats – are warm and welcoming. Most people smile as they pass, often saying Buenos Dias, Buenas Tardes, or Buenas Noches, depending on the time of day.
Wonderful Food. Oaxaca is known internationally for its delicious cuisine, and most of it is very affordable.
Walkability. We didn’t have a car and didn’t miss it in the least. Just about everywhere we wanted to go, we could walk. Bonus: despite the copious amounts of food we consumed, we both lost a few pounds.
Free, Live Music. It was a rare day that we didn’t encounter music on the streets or in the parks. A well-known singer performing for a large crowd in an outdoor auditorium, a symphony orchestra playing in the central square, a band playing dance music, a guitar and maracas trio, students practicing their drum and bugle music; music is everywhere in Oaxaca.
Celebrations. Weddings, quinceaneras, birthdays, anniversaries, who-knows-what saint’s day; they are all joyously celebrated. And, often, everyone is invited – maybe not to the actual service, but once the celebration spills onto the streets, the more, the merrier.
Art. It’s everywhere. The churches and historical buildings are gorgeous, museums and galleries are abundant, homes and business are brightly painted, murals adorn many of the walls, and local artisans display their creativity in shops and on the streets.
Colorful Money. Pesos put our boring greenbacks to shame.
Exchange Rate. Right now, the dollar is very strong, and our money went far.
Weather. Mid-seventies to low eighties during the day, cool – but not cold – in the evening
Laundry Service. Our apartment didn’t have a washer/dryer so we took everything to one of the many lavanderias around town. For 20 pesos (about a dollar) per kilogram, they washed, dried, and folded our clothes. They even folded our underwear… I never fold our underwear.
What I Love About Being Home
What’s Familiar. Our house, our neighborhood, our friends, our food, our routine.
What’s Easier. Being fluent in the native language, drinking water out of the tap, being able to put toilet paper in the toilet.
Wherever we travel – whether around the United States or to another country – we love to embrace all that is delightful and unique about the places we visit. And, whether we are gone a few days, a few weeks, or longer, as sorry as we are to say good-bye, we always appreciate returning to that special place we call home.
Retirementally Challenged 
There’s certainly pros and cons when it comes to travel. But for me, there’s no place like home. I’m happy you had a nice trip, Janis. I’ll look forward to your photos! Welcome home!
Hi Jill! It’s nice to be back… but I have to cook dinner tonight rather than walk a few blocks to a local restaurant. Sigh.
LOL…sorry, Janis!
After reading the overview of your vacation town Oaxaca< I can't wait to see your follow-up. My first impression is that the town is a beautiful and affordable place to visit.
It is a great place to visit, Peter. A lot of expats have decided that it’s a wonderful place to live also.
Welcome home.
Thank you. It’s always nice to return to the familiar.
Sounds like a great way to escape the routine of home for a while. I think Oaxaca sounds delightful – haven’t seen it since I was a child in the 70s!
Wow, I would love to have seen Oaxaca back then! I imagine that its changed quite a bit. Same historical buildings but more restaurants… and probably a few more people.
Welcome home, Janis.
I hate to break it to you — but this post solidly confirms it.
You are going to need to quit retirement and become a professional photographer. Your photos are absolutely stunning!!
I look forward to seeing more of your photos from this trip.
It’s good to be back. I’m pretty sure I’ll have one or two more photos to share. Oaxaca is a visual delight.
Welcome home, Janis. I’ve heard many good things about Oaxaca. I look forward to your upcoming posts and more of your photos from this trip.
I really love the colonial cities in Mexico. So much to see and do. I know you love to explore on foot so you’d fit right in.
Welcome back, Janis! It sounds like you had a very positive, exciting, and special time in Oaxaca. What a beautiful, artsy, and welcoming place it is. I miss it as well, just reading your first post! A change in scenery and culture is always a nice change, but I totally understand how glad you are to be back in your gorgeous home and familiar city as well. Thinking back about our time(s) in San Diego, I think I miss that more than our time in Oaxaca!!
I’m glad we were able to return for the Dia de Muertos celebrations… they were colorful and fun. As we were leaving, we were told how lovely the Christmas holiday celebrations are. Perhaps a reason to return a third time… But, you are right, it’s nice to be home.
My only trip to Mexico was spent camping on the beach for a week in Ensenada many, many years ago (yes, in an old Volkswagen van). You make it sound very inviting…perhaps it’s time to pay another visit.
My early trips to Mexico were to its coastal areas. Now, I prefer the interior, colonial towns. Lots of history and beautiful scenery. Yes, you should pay another visit! Btw, I saw a lot of older VWs around town.
I have enjoyed Oaxaca in the past as well. Interesting colonial architecture. I also found the archeological site at Mt Alban very interesting. Everywhere I go I. Mexico I love the people.
During our last trip two years ago, we visited many of the archeological sites, including Monte Alban. It was fascinating. And, I understand, the vast majority of sites are yet to be uncovered.
I look forward to further posts about your trip.
A few years ago, a couple of friends were seriously considering a move to Mexico, to join the expat community – so far as I know, they haven’t taken the plunge. Is it something that you’d consider?
We’ve met many expats on our various trips to Mexico and they (for the most part) seem very happy with their decision to move there. I think some start as part timers, then decide that they prefer the lifestyle – and cost of living – to what they had in the US or Canada. Although the idea of living out of the US (especially now) is an attractive idea, I think we’ll probably stay put… at least for the time being.
Hi, Janis! Happy to hear that you and your husband had another delightful stay in Oaxaca and are safely home. That “re-entry to reality” period is always rough – catching up on laundry, groceries and mail – but I do love the feeling of walking through the door and knowing that I’m Home. That from a confirmed, road trip loving traveler. Looking forward to your follow up posts!
I think we’ll be playing catch-up for a while. It’s amazing how much mail can pile up over six weeks, especially during the holiday season. Fortunately, most of it is junk and can be tossed. The hardest adjustment I’m having is with the weather… it was in the eighties when we left home in mid-October. Now, brrrrr.
I looked up Oaxaca, and it is quite a way south, but it sounds like you have a found a favorite place to really enjoy and relax. That mural is handsome and applause to the artist. Yes, no matter how much you enjoy a trip, it usually is good to get home, well, except for having to cook. 🙂
Fortunately, since we live in SoCal, the flight is pretty easy for us – about 4 hours nonstop. I made my first dinner since our return last night… good thing I remembered how to cook.
Sounds wonderful. This is another city for the very long bucket list. Welcome home.
We have so many places on our list… good thing I plan on living well into my 100s.
Look forward to reading more about your time in Oaxaca ~ have heard and read so much about that region. Well, primarily the food! Your photo made me want to be there ….
A decade back this is how we ended up moving to Nicaragua! We took a trip, fell in love, bought a place, restored it and started spending all our holidays there ~ so much so that every tine we got back to Chicago we realized we missed it more than we enjoyed returning home and that we wanted to experience living there and making it home (for six years).
Peta
We talked to a lot of expats that had a similar story. Often, they lived where it snowed and started to just spend each winter there. I’m not sure we’d do that but I have to admit that it’s tempting. We don’t have snow here in SoCal, but it’s a lot colder here than it was in Oaxaca!
Janis, welcome home…after your long ‘welcome back’ in Oaxaca.
Thank you. It’s good to be back home. Now, we need to figure out where we are going next.
It looks and sounds like you had a wonderful time. I’ve never been to Oaxaca, but have been to the Yucatan Penisula, and a couple of other popular tourist cities.
I’d miss not having someone to do my laundry, cook, and clean, but it would be nice to be home with all my stuff.
How did you like your new camera?
The new camera worked well but, as usual, I found myself using my phone camera the most. I have yet to download my DSLR images so my fingers are crossed that I got some good ones 🙂. Thank you for asking!
I’m looking forward to seeing more images from your trip.
6 weeks is a long time! I would get homesick for sure. I spent a month in Hawaii when I was young and enjoyed every minute. No responsibilities, just fun!
I did much the same thing when I was young… I wonder if we ever ran into each other? Even though we were on “vacation” (if there is such a thing once retired) in Oaxaca, there is a difference traveling while an adult vs. when young and carefree. For example, there were no bills or home maintenance projects facing me when I returned from Hawaii at 18. 😎
That’s true. Also no work back up on the job when you go back. I loved it and could live there if I could afford it. You need so much less stuff.
Lovely reflections on your trip, Janis! Everything about your trip sounds wonderful, but you are so right, it is very nice to be home. My hubby says this every time we travel.
Isn’t it nice to have somewhere to come home to that you actually want to be? I was so happy not to be going back to five feet of snow.
Hi Janis,
I had heard that there are a lot of expats in Oaxaca…there must be reasons why…possibly some of those that you already mentioned.
Can’t wait to see more of the photos; we are always looking for new places to visit.
Hi Nancy! Oaxaca is really an interesting city. Lots of art and color, also there are several villages in the surrounding valleys that specialize in a specific craft: weaving, pottery, embroidery, alebrijes, etc. Also, tons of historical sights if you are in to that… and fabulous food. Something for everyone!
It looks like a six-week stay in Oaxaca is a win-win – you could do a promotion for the tourism board with your plusses. I will look forward to all your colorful photos, doors or otherwise … we got a preview of coming attractions with the sunset over Santo Domingo – that was gorgeous!
Hi Linda! It’s nice to be back but I miss many of the wonderful things about Mexico… including the slower pace. I hope to be sharing more of my pictures and impressions soon.
Yes the pace is luxurious isn’t it Janis I visited Spain in 1974, along with family friends – she was born and lived there until her 20s. Every afternoon you had to plan around a siesta and “shutdown” … I look forward to seeing your photos and impressions.
Six weeks! I’m married to a homebody who has to be talked into taking overnights and weekend getaways. 🙂 But it all sounds wonderful, Janis. Good on the both of you for doing what you both love. Welcome home! – Marty
Thank you, Marty. It’s good to be home. I like my nest too, but my love of travel (and the knowledge that I won’t be able to do it forever) takes priority right now.
Hi Janis! Welcome home…although it didn’t seem like you were EVER coming home. Six weeks! I’m totally jealous. And yes, I remember Oaxaca well but was only there for a week. I’ll have to pick your brain about the longer stay and/or whether you exactly the same the next time around…then again, maybe you’ll be putting that in your next post??? ~Kathy
I’m not sure I’ll do a whole post about it, but I definitely would have some input for you. One week in Oaxaca isn’t enough, for sure… six weeks might have been a little long this time.
Janis, I am glad you had a lovely time. Welcome back to our side of the border with the less sane leader. Keith
We definitely were on the fun side of the wall! The people were very nice and some wanted to talk about our current political… ummmmm… challenges. They were quick to point out that all is not perfect there too.
I can see why you enjoyed your time in Oaxaca so much! It does sound like a wonderful place to visit, and even to live in. Still, there is always something about going back home that warms the heart….
The expats seem to love being there full time. I’m not sure it would be something we’d like to do, but it’s an easy flight down, so I’m pretty sure we’ll be back one of these days.
It sounds like you had a wonderful trip, Janis. I’m glad. It’s kind of amazing to think about going that long without a car.
Not having a car is interesting. Traffic can be somewhat nuts, so I’m not sure I’d want one even if I lived there. Cabs are cheap for distances that aren’t walkable, but most everything was within walking distance.
Great to hear you had such a good trip! I haven’t been to Mexico – yet. The only people I know who have went to beach resorts which will NOT be on my agenda when we get there …
The beach resorts are nice, but they don’t strike me as the real Mexico. I much prefer the colonial cities with their history, culture, and traditions.
It looks like you had a fabulous time Janis. It is one area I will most probably never venture too, so I do enjoy reading about your take on Mexico. Isn’t it great that everyone can enjoy the wedding celebrations, very generous and community-minded culture by the sounds of it?
It was funny how, on Saturdays, when the church doors were closed, the crowds would start to gather. Then, once the doors opened and the wedding party and guest emerged, everyone joined in the celebration. It was a lot of fun to see.
I can imagine it would’ve been heaps of fun to experience. Wonderful and the world needs more community celebrations.
I always get the same feelings as you when we return from a trip – sadness that the adventure has ended, but happy to be in familiar surroundings once again. One thing we don’t have to worry about any longer – that dreaded going-back-to-work feeling!
I know, right? I remember vacillating between wanting to squeeze every minute out of a vacation (and arriving back home the night before I had to go to work), and coming home at least a day before, so I had time to relax and decompress. Now, it doesn’t matter. Yay, retirement!
Lucky you! It has always been on my list of places to visit in Mexico.
I hope you are able to get there some day.
Janis, I can relate to the mixed feelings when a trip ends. “Warm and welcoming” says a great deal about the people in Oaxaca. Win/win on the eating and walking. I appreciated you sharing your stunning photos on Instagram.
And yes, I agree, there is no place like home.
By the way, I never fold underwear, either. Welcome home!
Haha! I’m glad I’m not the only slacker in the folding of underwear. I told my husband not to get used to it 🙂
Great list, Janis. Spending six weeks in Oaxaca must have been an out-of-this-world experience. The lavanderías are so convenient and cheap, especially with the favorable exchange rate. I also miss the markets, mole sauces, family atmosphere, second class buses, collectivo taxis, handicraft villages, and so much more. Next month, I am taking our daughters to Mexico for three weeks. We will be going to the Nayarit Coast, Mexico City and Puebla. I can’t wait!
You are right, Joe, I only listed a tiny portion of what we enjoyed and what we will miss. I hope you are planning on sharing your next trip with us. I haven’t made it to any of those locations so I’m anxious to read more. We talked about making a week-long side trip to Mexico City from Oaxaca but never made the plunge. Are you staying in the same areas in Mexico City and Puebla as before, or are you going to explore other neighborhoods?
Hi Janis. I know it is impossible to list all the enjoyable things about Oaxaca in one short post. Besides re-visiting some of my favorite places in Mexico, the objective of my upcoming trip is to introduce our daughters to the sights and wonderful character of the country. I am not planning any blog posts, but will surely look to share some photos on Instagram. I am also anxious to hear more about your Mexico travels.
Six weeks sounds like a great length of time to be away, and what a nice time of year to be in Oaxaca!
Jude
The weather was really nice. The last time we visited, it was pretty hot.
Wow! That is so much fun
Thank you… it was a great trip!
Very nice pictures and interesting post, I am from Mexico but have never traveled to Oaxaca, sounds like a place I want to visit.
Mexico has so many wonderful places to visit but Oaxaca has a special place in our hearts. Thanks for the visit and your comment!