Arrival at Casa Pancita's

Casa Panchita's...warmth and hospitality

We arrived in Oaxaca yesterday after two flights, first Mexico City then a connecting flight to Oaxaca.  We had to awake at 3 AM in Roca Azul so that Mark’s friend could drive us to the airport and watch over our rental vehicle which needed servicing. (good timing)

Once again, the airport specail service was wonderful.  A young nimble Mexican attendant had a wheelchair ready for Ivan and whisked us off to the connection flight in another terminal. I trotted along thankful we just had carry-ons. We had time to spare before the second flight.

As we left Mexico City I was impressed by the snow-capped mountains I could see from the plane window, majestic, dramatic and mysterious in a blue sky mixed with wispy clouds.

We arrived at Panchita’s on time and Irme was there to welcome us,  it was an emotional meeting for Ivan who had never seen Panchita or Irme but knew all the stories and regretted he never visited during his Mother’s lifetime.  Irme was relaxed, conversational, and showed us around.  Leon’s (Ivan’s uncle) paintings were visible in two rooms, both in excellent condition and a testimony to the creativity that this place holds.  Elda (Ivan’s Mother) and Franny his aunt are cherished by Panchita and family and photos of all three (Leon, Elda and Franny) can be seen in many rooms.

Panchita, now 86, is a small but nimble woman with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.  She moves with ease and was so excited to meet Ivan.  Hospitality has been the theme, but sadly Irme is returning to LA as her (adopted) father is dying.  She did not expect the urgent call she received from Tonja today.  We will have one last meal with her tonight sadly.

Bill, a regular who has been coming here for many years, has offered to show us some small towns with famous artisans, as well as various other towns nearby.  He was a buyer for a museum in Chicago, now is perhaps 79+ and has so much knowledge about this area and the talent that lurks in places we will soon see. Once again we seem to have magical timing (in some ways).

Ivan is still a bit fatigued as his head heals, and his toes (he somehow got 4 spider bites that became infected and were lanced before we left, he is on Cipro for both head and toes).  So although we did explore Oaxaca today, Ivan rested in the Zocolo and I walked for hours enjoying the colours and pleasing atmosphere of the town.

I posted some photos of Panchita’s but hope to get some better pictures as Carrie has been wanting to know what changed, and what is the same.  This is a peaceful oasis behind a tall wall, no sign, but an electric wire above. 

It is very interesting for us to experience another part of Mexico.  On one hand we appreciate many things about our quirky less touristy Jocotepec, but the upscale talent and gentrified town feels safe, picturesque and full of opportunity.