Interversity.Org

It doesn't seem possible that Jim is returning home tonight! We both wish that he could stay longer.

The last few days we have been exploring the coast, downtown and Old Town. On Tuesday we bused to a snotty resort with snotty employees who were employed to keep out the riff-raff who deigned to join their guests. We talked our way to pool side and ordered a delicious lunch. (Mexican food is another reason to visit this country!) Our waitor, however, redeemed the reputation of the resort, but we still determined that we would never darken their doorstep again. Besides eating, there are no other reasons to go there, unless you wish to see the set of The Night of the Iguana. I prefer seeing the iguanas in the flesh.

The ride south to this area, Playa Mismalayo, was spectacular with lush and abundant foilage. It gave me the feeling of really being in a tropical area. The bus careened around corners on the steep hills past outstanding homes which caught my attention and diverted me from concentrating too much on the driving. The serene looks on the faces of the Mexican passengers did not, however, placate me, and I was relieved to arrive at my destination--downtown.

For several days I fretted because my e-mail to IMAC (my Spanish immersion school) was unanswered. Normally I avoid telephones while travelling in foreign countries because I never seem to be able to make it work for me. Yesterday with Jim's help I was victorious and was able to contact the school that was "just about ready to send me an e-mail with all my information." They followed through. One of the employees here helped me get a ticket and a reserved seat on an ETN (primo bus service) to Guadalajara on Friday. When I arrive, about 5 hours later, a taxi will take me to my family. The employee who helped me with my bus ticket originally is from Guadalajara and commented that my family lives in a nice neighborhood. Apparently they take me to the school on the first day to demonstate the route there on public transportation, and then after that it's up to me. I feel far more confident and less anxious now.

Because my flight arrangements are round-trip on Sun Country out of Puerto Villarta, I will bus back here after my school ends in four weeks. I need a place to stay for one night before I return home in February. Yesterday Jim and I checked out all the "cheap" hotels around the airport since I certainly cannot afford to stay here after checking out of the condo with all my friends. It was fun, but frustrating, because we got to see all the luxury places and those which were, but weren't, economy. We found two, much like traditional 1950 motels.

After I get settled in Guadalajara, I plan to call the school where St. Paul Academy has a student exchange with our elementary students in March every year. I will offer to tutor students in English to see if they are interested. It would be fun to be able to stay here until March 12 when the students from the Twin Cities arrive for their annual trip. Perhaps I could even find a family to board me if I teach/tutor at the school here. Perhaps unrealistic but I'm going to try it. I'll be busy learning Spanish myself so it might not be practical.

Before I return home I'm going to try to find a shop in Old Town where I saw a sculpture in the window. There were three figures dressed about six inches high of brides, each dressed in lovely white gowns but the faces were death masks. Spectacular artwork! I want one. Sounds a bit weird I suppose but they're quite lovely.

That's all folks!