Friday, 31 January 2025: in the Pacific aboard “Sammy “

 

Happy birthday to Justin. We are in the right place to celebrate.

We explored a bit yesterday but not so much to be able to say we had a full day.  We did book our boating tour for today though.  

We started this morning way too early but we made our way to the playa for a whale watching and dolphin and turtles.

With only 8 other adults and two children, Captain Fernando piloted “Sammy” and we were on our way.  We saw at least four whales or our way 6-8 miles off shore to a school of at least 500 spinner dolphins.  We only saw two turtles and they were in the distance but it was ok since the whales and dolphins had already stolen the show.  The dolphins were relatively small, typically 6 to 61/2 feet long and maybe only 150-160 pounds but simply spectacular.   At one point Fernando stopped the boat ahead of the dolphins — Justin was the first one in the water.  It was really quite warm for the Pacific.  As many times as I wouldn’t get in the Mediterranean and as many times as I wouldn’t get into the pacific, today the water was quite warm and perfect.  Plus, we had all the dolphins.  Fernando certainly earned his tip for the day when he had to help me get back aboard…poor guy. Justin videoed the extraction and I need to delete that not only from my phone but also from my memory.  All in all, it was so worth having to get up early.  

We’d heard that the food in Oaxaca offered more variety than that in the Yucatan.  We found that claim to be factual.  A couple of days ago we had a ceviche that claimed to have been marinated in “leche de Tigre” — tiger milk was actually coconut milk infused with herbs.  It certainly elevated the traditional ceviche.  A couple of nights ago we had a tuna taco that will also go into the rotation.  Seared tuna topped with sprouts, red onions, guacamole and daikon.  Breakfast today was memorable.  We had a Oaxacan Huevos Rancheros.  I’ll need to replicate this.  Dip a tortilla in enchilada sauce, top with a fried egg.  Top with another tortilla dipped in enchilada sauce.  Top with shredded cheese and avocado slices.  Yummy!!!  Oaxaca is known for their mole and while I’m usually not a fan, Justin had some a few days ago that might have me changing my mind.  I’m eager to get to Oaxaca City to try more.  

As nice as the ocean view is from our hotel room the location also means that we are front and center for the sounds from the street.  Even on the third floor, the music was close to unbearable …and almost until 5am.  We were ready for a nap by the pool when we returned from our boat trip.

Justin’s birthday dinner called for pasta and pizza.  Not typical Mexican or Oaxacan fare, but that’s what the birthday boy needed.