Next Oaxaca Trip!

We just went 2 months ago, but I can't stay away damnit!

Full disclosure: as much as I’d like to admit it, the reason I’m going to Oaxaca again for the second time in two months isn’t just for the chance to find more splendid mezcal.

But it is my favorite reason.

One of my local friends here in San Miguel de Allende, Alex Engel, is a commercial video producer, and about 6 months ago while we were drinking our way through centro he asked me, “Would you take me to Oaxaca sometime?”

I was a little surprised. Alex isn’t a big mezcal drinker, but he just thought this thing some of us do—where we go down to an old world setting, watch talented artisans make this amazing spirit like they did generations ago, sample it and come back to share it—was pretty cool. Also an artist, Alex was picturing his making a mini documentary about the experience. It would simply be another fun, cool art piece.

I agreed.

Alex Engel, video producer, artist and local friend in San Miguel de Allende

Cecilia and I already had plans to do our annual thing with our Mezcal Maniac friends in February, but maybe I could take Alex down there and celebrate my birthday as well?

Today is my birthday; I’m 56.

So the plan was hatched and details worked out a month or two ago. We leave day after tomorrow (Friday), enjoy Oaxaca centro that evening, head to San Baltazar Guelavila on Saturday morning, Miahuatlán on Sunday—and the current plan is to go to the vicinity of San Dionisio Ocotepec on Monday.

This is certainly subject to change if our driver has some alternative ideas.

One of Alex Engel’s art pieces

It won’t surprise you to know that I’M GEEKED! Nor that I will be doing my best to document the experience apart from Alex’s project. So expect another slew of Mezcal Maniac posts!

Another of Alex Engel’s pieces. Cool stuff, huh?

I’m not sure when the little documentary will be completed, but I’ll be just as excited to share that when ready. Alex and I have talked about all the possible angles we want to take with it, and we think we’ve landed on one that will be nice and engaging. I hope you agree.

So that’s it for now. I’ve got packing to do! Talk to you soon!