And this I have learnt from my son: that it is better to explore one place than keep on travelling. In ten weeks I could have covered a lot of ground, filed round palaces and pyramids, ticked off countries I wanted to visit.
But then I wouldn't have had the chance to explore the state of (being in) Oaxaca. Become familiar with the grid of streets in the city, the highways of the central valleys.
Learnt to consider Jaltepec as my own. Clocking different aspects of the hill as I move round the village. Delight at catching a glimpse of the red roof of the church framed with a deep blue sky. The smile of recognition at the sight of Tia Maria's comedor through the arches of the bandstand.
Made new friends. Found a second home. A place I know I can always come back to, and be welcome.
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