Expat in Mexico... the journey continues!

 As I settle into the routines of my daily life here, I find myself infinitely appreciative of the most basic, simple pleasures. Owing to the ongoing tedium of our year-plus world pandemic, I am beyond grateful for my ability to escape the restrictive aspects of the city and high-tail it into the hills and countryside. Accessing these places on foot or by bicycle, I revel in the joys that nature bestows upon us. Equally enjoyable is my weekly swim in the lovely pool that is--miraculously--still open. Of course, like everywhere one goes in public, there is the requisite social distancing, spraying down of body and backpack, temperature-taking and mask-wearing. A nuisance, to be sure, but now a habit--a matter of course-- to be endured. Clearly, so many of the activities we used to take for granted now seem like great privileges. Thus it is that, with much gratitude, I share my appreciation for both my weekly/daily routines as well as the fine, exceptionally sweet moments with friends. (

  Yes, indeed, there is "trouble in paradise".  There are, like anywhere, molestias varias here in Oaxaca. (In English, "varied annoyances"!) In my experience, they are inherent in Mexico... and some such annoyances often seem hellbent on driving me completely crazy! Tolerance is key, and something I work on daily... The following is a list of my top ten molestias, from greatest to least: 1) You guessed the worst of it: barking dogs. Ubiquitous in Mexico, I am afraid; nowhere is exempt. Even in the relatively upscale and affluent El Centro, where I reside, it is a daily--and constant-- occurrence.  You know me: I love dogs.  But NOT those that bark incessantly and LOUDLY. It takes a powerful force of will to NOT go completely mad when such noise is so chronic!  Unfortunately, there are a great many people in the world who have no business whatsoever being dog owners. They neglect their animals, don't feed them properly (frequently overfed), don't train or di