"Hoy me Voy" -- "Tomorrow I Leave"

Everyone laughs when I say that. Pena and Lobo find it particularly amusing.

Things are getting better and better every day, there's always something, a gig, a party, a fandango, a lecture, a movie etc etc.

Its so beautiful, so beautiful..



I giddily laugh while walking the street in sheer disbelief of how good I got it.

I met Candido and his band of drummers, they're professionals trained in Africa and are doing a tour of Oaxaca with a big black African 'Lamin'. A friendly and telented crew. With them is three gorgeous Mexican/African dancers who everyone instantly falls in love with.





Candido loves life and his groove is infectious, I hang out at the Labastida and watch them play, people are amazed at their speed and talent, money pours out of pockets and into their bags, I drink another shot of Mezcal with Lobo. We head back to the house and jam.

Luck is with me everywhere I go, I hang out with the band and sit backstage, people assume i'm important, a manager maybe, they all compliment me on the band, I get free food and entry into all the venues.

At the Biznaga we are fed a three course feast after the gig, with coconut flan and cream for dessert.



El Tio is impressed, everywhere he goes I'm there, he comments on how integrated I have become, I grin deliriously and eat.



More gigs.. at the Botanical gardens, at the Jazz room, where I meet a photographer desperate for my e-mail, on the street and at the house. Music is everywhere I go, I have a blast and jam along whenever I can. Pena teaches me to play the Jarana, I pick it up but my fingers don't. I practice and practice. Eventually I can play a few songs with them and join in the all night Jarana meets.