Sunday we celebrated Beth's birthday. It had been a couple of years since we had a fiesta, and Beth's birthday was a wonderful opportunity to get together with friends. I usually take photos at events, but I decided to enjoy the fiesta and have someone else take the photos. Beto's daughter Yesenia volunteered to capture this event. Beth and I thank her for her work. We also want to thank Vic and his crew who worked hard. Vic came to Beth's birthday from Puebla by bus. That's a five hour trip! We sure appreciate his expertise with sound and lighting. 

This turned out to be a special fiesta for us. Having so many friends at the same place at the same time was incredible. Beth and I never could have made it here in Oaxaca without the help of so many people. Aside from celebrating Beth's birthday, the fiesta gave us the opportunity to say thanks. 

We began preparing for the fiesta about four weeks earlier. The custom here is to invite your guests personally. Emails, messages, and calls are considered impolite. So.... we invited everyone personally. Many of our guests arrived by bus or taxi which made their attendance even more special. 

A family from Union Zapata makes pork carnitas. We purchased a pig and they did all the preparation which included refried beans, salsas, a salad, pork rinds, and guacamole. Beth and I purchased twenty kilos of tortillas to complete the meal. We also bought twenty cases of beer and twelve liters of mezcal. Many guests also contributed additional bottles of mezcal and cartons of beer.  After the fiesta we ended up with eleven liters of mezcal and six cases of beer. We had several visits the day after from folks that couldn't attend or just wanted to stop by to visit. 

The cake we purchased is call tres leches. Three types of milk are used. Evaporated, condensed, and regular milk make the cake moist and very rich. The kids quickly learn that the cakes are about to be cut and are right there in front waiting for their piece. 

I normally play Latin music at our fiestas but decided to play American music, mixed with a little Latin. 

Beth and I talked and talked and talked. Having the food prepared by others gave us the time to spend with everyone. This was the most diverse group we've had at our home, from farmers to businessmen to professionals. Because things are so different here, I doubt I'll ever tire of listening to people. Five people spoke English! How sweet it is to be able to converse in our native tongue. 

Yesenia made the letters while her sister, Shela, and brother, Armando, assisted hanging them.

Everette is serving mezcal to our friend Rodolfo and his wife, Holga.

Getting ready to serve carnitas.

I believe in total we had about a hundred guests.

I have no idea how many cups of mezcal I served. 

I've known Lalo for many years. In the background are his wife, Victoria, and one of his daughters.

Dancing in front of everyone was a little embarrassing especially when some friends started to clap.

Beth enjoyed dancing with Lalo's mom.

We loved watching the kids enjoy themselves.

Beth and Yolanda shared the same birthday but they each had their own cake.

Everyone loved watching the two bite into their cakes.

And some captured the event.

Everyone loves cake!

Agustin with his granddaughter Diana. 

We became friends with these men through Felipe before we moved down. Right after we moved in they all showed up and made tamales in front of the house. 

Rodolfo works for the electric company and his wife, Holga, is a high-quality seamstress. 

We met Lidio back in '94 when he was just a kid; we have become good friends. He is one of the few Christians here in the valley.

Jose delivers propane to our house. He is a wonderful gentleman

This gentleman came with his daughter. You can see his personality in the photo.

The gentleman on the left is our auto mechanic. The young man and young woman (Armando's daughter) are both studying Linguistics in Oaxaca. We are going to spend Christmas with them. Ricardo, the young man, plays guitar to American music. 

The husband of this woman owns a nuts and bolts store. They have been very good to us.

Lalo's family from Tanivet.

The other birthday girl. Yolanda.

Beth and I are going on a month without listening to or reading American news. The change has been very dramatic. We both feel more peaceful inside.