My husband, Mr. Spicy, and I just returned from 5 BLISSFUL {aka, without kids!} days in Oaxaca, Mexico, where we celebrated our friend’s Mexican wedding with lots of mole and mezcal.
Why You Should Add Oaxaca, Mexico, to Your Travel Bucketlist…
If you’re unmarried and thinking about a Mexican wedding one day, I can highly recommend Oaxaca.
Even if you’re already married or never plan on getting married, I highly recommend a trip to Oaxaca, Mexico.
It is a beautiful place, with lovely people and, oh, yes, the most delicious mole and mezcal.
But back to wedding talk.
Not that I would change anything about my own wedding, mind you…
Mr. Spicy and I were married in a beautiful church not far from the Pacific Ocean on a romantically foggy day in October.
The fog was quite fitting, actually…
We celebrated my hubby’s Scottish heritage with Stewart tartan vests and bagpipers that surprised everyone as they burst into song at the end of the ceremony.
After that, we had a fabulous party across the street with all of our family and friends.
As I said…
I wouldn’t change a thing.
Oh, except for maybe the two missing groomsmen would have been there for the ceremony.
But that’s a whole other story…
This wedding went completely as planned.
The ceremony {in English and Spanish} took place in the garden of a 16th-century convent that had been converted into the Camino Real Oaxaca hotel.
After the ceremony was over, we adjourned for mezcal margaritas in the poolside garden.
Finally, we took our seats for dinner in the former choir hall.
I wish I had pictures to show you, as it was simply stunning…
Try and imagine 50 + foot vaulted ceilings, stone walls, gossamer white silk, candles EVERYWHERE, and the scent of Casablanca lilies perfuming the air.
Then the food was served…
Oaxaca, Mexico, is a Foodie’s Travel Paradise!
First, two salads to share: One a watermelon salad, and the other, a fresh tomato and quesillo {a local Oaxacan cheese} salad.
Next, a cream of pepper soup with chunks of plantains inside.
Divine.
REALLY divine!
Then, then main course of beef with an almond mole sauce.
{FYI: Oaxaca is known as “The Land of Seven Moles”. While we were there, I got to taste 3 out of the seven- red, almond, and negro. All were delicious, but I think the negro was my favorite. If you’ve never had a mole, you really must try some. It is a sauce that always has some varieties of chilis, then depending upon the type of mole, it may include spices, dried fruits, nuts, and often chocolate.
Finally, after the mole main course, 3 desserts were served, all of which looked delicious. Alas, I could only try one mango crema, which was gluten-free.
This was probably a good thing after all that other food…
Plus, there was more Mezcal to enjoy too 🙂
“Chocolate” flavored mezcal.
A little FYI about mezcal: It is a liquor similar to tequila, but unlike true tequila, which can only be made from the blue agave plant and only in the region of Tequila, mezcal can be made from many different varieties of agave, and in many Mexican states.
Additionally, mezcal is prepared differently than tequila. The agave is roasted in earthen pits fueled by wood, which imparts a smokey taste and aroma to the mezcal, and in my opinion, is quite delicious. You can read more about mezcal here.}
Then there was the dancing.
Until 3 am.
After which, we gorged ourselves on the most amazing chilaquiles ever.
A little exercise was DEFINITELY in order after all the mole, mezcal, and chilaquiles 🙂
As you can imagine, it was a fabulous wedding and trip.
Before I sign off, I’ll share a few more photos of Oaxaca with you in case I’ve enticed you to go there for a visit.
The ruins at Monte Alban. These steps are REALLY steep!
Coloful stucco and wrought iron, typical of Oaxacan buildings.
Pottery on display at the Regional Museum in Oaxaca. You probably wouldn’t want to mess with these guys!
