The Funniest Book Ever!

Okay, I know this isn't a book review club, but we've had a bit more time to spend reading by the pool and when I like something I have to tell you about it!

When we were in Prague in early July, one of our couchsurfing hosts passed a paperback book over to us. She said that because we were from an area of Canada where the English and French languages sometimes clash that we might enjoy this book.

It's actually hilarious.

"A Year in the Merde" is about a young single British guy who moves to Paris for work. And then of course all of the different language and cultural difference that he encounters.

"There are lots of French people who are not at all hypocritical, inefficient, aggressive, arrogant, adulterous, or incredibly sexy. They just didn't make it into my book..." Author Stephen Clarke.

I have to say, this is the only book I have ever read where I found myself actually laughing out loud every second page. And at least snickering on the other pages. 

I have since found out that the author, Stephen Clarke, has written four sequels to this original book that was written in 2004. I now have my eyes open for copies of the other four!

Anyhow, I just had to tell you about that. Now, on to our daily activities report...

Yesterday morning we went out early. It's all fine and dandy enjoying these warm temperatures, but they are not conducive to getting any exercise. By 9:00am it is simply to warm. So at 7:30 yestersday morning, we went for a walk on the beach and we were gone for two hours.

Playa Zicatela at 7:45am. Quite a few people try and get a walk or run in before it gets too hot.

Pelicans and Puerto Escondido.

Ruth on Playa Zicatela with Puerto Escondido in the background.

We walked all the way down to the main tourist zone near Playa Principal. In all the time we have been coming to Puerto Escondido we have never been to the tourist zone. You're not surprised by that are you??!! Typical higher prices, a few signs in English...but nowhere near as bad as Puerto Vallarta or Cancun.

We hadn't had any breakfast yet and it was quite a way to walk back so we decided to have breakfast out. We saw one spot that was really busy, and I'm sure it was good...but populated with mostly tourists. We checked the menu and when we saw that they wanted 22 pesos ($1.80) for a small orange juice we didn't even bother looking at the food prices!

But a few steps further on we came across a little cafe with a sign advertising breakfast specials. Coffee, orange juice, Mexican style eggs, beans, bread and tortillas...for 35 pesos ($2.85) each! It was great!

View from our breakfast table.

Anybody want to buy a castle? Apparently it's a "very, very, good price!".

And then we walked back. We had been planning on taking Mary and her kids to a peanut butter factory, but received a note saying the Gael had an ear infection and she was taking him to the doctor. So we relaxed for the rest of the day and headed over there late afternoon.

Alfredo's father is with the Ministerial Police in Oaxaca City. He only comes home every second weekend because it's a six hour drive. But he was home yesterday, so it was good to say hello to him again. He's giving us his phone number in Oaxaca and we can visit with him when we get there in early March.

Alfredo's Mom has a little taqueria (food stand) on their property so we went down there for dinner. We Tlayudas! (Pronounced "Clai-oo-dahs")

A large tortilla with spiced chicken and beans and salsa then folded and toasted. Delicious!