The Early Days
No self-serve. Someone stood behind the counter then turned around and fetched items from stock. "Dame doscientos grammos de arroz" (200 grams of rice) "Blanquillos, seis" (six eggs) "A...
Forum Discussion
Can a person go back to "The Good Old Days"?
I would say in the highlands of Oaxaca if the rig is maneuverable enough a person could find a small village with a flat spot just outside the gaggle of houses.
I would recommend asking the aguacil or alcalde (civil head of the community) permission and that you are there solely out of respect to see rural life and you have no interest whatsoever in timber or mining. You are a tourist. If he shakes his head and says "no" it is not safe, then leave. Many Mixtec, Zapoteco and other indigenous believe non indigenous would only arrive to steal natural resources.
But if they think it safe, it's time to start hiring. A woman to do the authentic cooking. Keep the patio area swept, and see about getting genuine tortillas and vegetables. And firewood for chilly nights.
Don't be surprised to be swept up in community events like weddings, the arrival of a tiny Tienda Rural on wheels, and even a fiesta there or at a nearby village.
Many indigena do not speak Ingles or Espanol. Stay a few weeks and spend a hundred dollars and your money will change the very economy of the local scene. I wouldn't get carried away with over-tipping and wages but ask "Cual es la costumbre?" What is the custom? I did this for a winter and they were sad to see me depart.
With today's scene, it's wise to detect any negativity on the part of villagers. It may be they are suffering under the thumb of people you do not want to meet. But they will be honest and forthright about it.
I would say in the highlands of Oaxaca if the rig is maneuverable enough a person could find a small village with a flat spot just outside the gaggle of houses.
I would recommend asking the aguacil or alcalde (civil head of the community) permission and that you are there solely out of respect to see rural life and you have no interest whatsoever in timber or mining. You are a tourist. If he shakes his head and says "no" it is not safe, then leave. Many Mixtec, Zapoteco and other indigenous believe non indigenous would only arrive to steal natural resources.
But if they think it safe, it's time to start hiring. A woman to do the authentic cooking. Keep the patio area swept, and see about getting genuine tortillas and vegetables. And firewood for chilly nights.
Don't be surprised to be swept up in community events like weddings, the arrival of a tiny Tienda Rural on wheels, and even a fiesta there or at a nearby village.
Many indigena do not speak Ingles or Espanol. Stay a few weeks and spend a hundred dollars and your money will change the very economy of the local scene. I wouldn't get carried away with over-tipping and wages but ask "Cual es la costumbre?" What is the custom? I did this for a winter and they were sad to see me depart.
With today's scene, it's wise to detect any negativity on the part of villagers. It may be they are suffering under the thumb of people you do not want to meet. But they will be honest and forthright about it.
