Maybe it’s the colour.

Or the fact that the elevation combines with the sunlight to create such dramatic shadows.

Or maybe it’s the architecture, those glimpses behind walls into courtyards, flowers, fountains and hidden lives.

It could be the excellent coffee shops, the wonderful English-language bookstore or the smell of woodsmoke that floats at the edge of everything.

Maybe it’s the incredible graffiti or the artful way of presenting one’s business.

Perhaps it’s those endless Mexican smiles, all that glossy black hair and quiet dignity.

It might be the food, the chocolate, the endless ice cream and those churros…

I’m guessing it’s a combination of all those things; along with my fond memories of my month-long writing retreat from a few years ago.

Whatever it is…the city of Oaxaca continues to be one of my favourite places on the planet.

We’re back in Puerto Escondido now.

So, until next time…adios Oaxaca. We’ll be back.