|  |
 |
|
|
Although it was the worst weather I’ve ever had on any trip to Mexico, we still had a great time. I know I’ll have trouble getting a trip report done, (I still never finished our wedding trip, or one for last June’s trip) so I thought I’d jot down some ramblings to at least get started. It would be more fun with pictures, but I don’t have them downloaded to the computer from the camera yet – let alone uploaded to my on-line site.
From our first day:
Getting through MSP and Cancun on Monday mornings – and/or with someone in a wheelchair is a breeze. Although we took off late because we waited to be de-iced, we made good time and arrived early. It only took about 10 minutes to get through immigration, get our one suitcase, and pass through the green light at customs. It is before noon – and we’re ready to go.
If you want to exchange money at the airport, leave the arrival side, and go to the departures side to do it. Here is an example of the differences for exchanging: arrival 10.4; departure 10.7, on IM 11.1. I don’t normally exchange at the airport, but this trip I did – you’ll see why in the coming paragraphs…
For those of you who have the dilemma of “private transfer” or “go the cheap route” my story may help you decide…Actually, I somewhat let fate decide this trip. I had the possibility of a couple different associates able to escape the office to have lunch with us, since we arrived around noon. We weren’t sure if they could meet us or not. I figured if neither could get there, we were meant to try the collectivo. When no one showed, I went to get tickets.
The man behind the counter did not speak English, but another man “volunteered” to help. The posted rate was $95MP to PJ. The man asked for $12.50USD. I explained that I knew the exchange rate should be about 11 to 1, so that it should be less than $19USD. He wouldn’t budge. So I proceeded to walk over to the departure side and exchange money. I then paid my $190MP for 2 tickets to PJ – an unknowing newbie would have just paid $24USD. I also made a deal that Bruce and I would have our own row to sit in, due to his injuries.
Tickets in hand, I went back to Bruce (patiently waiting in his wheelchair) and we waited about 10 minutes for a van (there were several there, but they didn’t seem to want to put us in any of them). We got in a van and waited another 5 minutes. Another couple got in, and the 4 of us waited about 20 minutes. Finally we were leaving the airport – Yippee! WRONG! We only drove to terminal 2 to start the waiting process again. After another long wait, a van pulls up, 4 people get out and pile into our van. In a little bit, 3 more come down the sidewalk and get in. One girl thinks that she is sitting in our row, because we’ve got one in front, three in the next, the two of us, three in the back. I explain that these vans are set up for 1, 3, 3, 4 – and she’s going to be #4 in the back, NOT #3 in our row. It is obvious that with both of our long legs – Bruce in his brace and his crutches in our row – there is no room for her. She’s not happy, but the others in the van convince her that I am correct – they normally put 4 in the back row. OK – we’re full now. But, we still sit for quite a while before leaving.
We drop 4 off at the south end of the hotel zone, 2 about mid-way up, 2 by the Embarcadero, and then the last solo rider at the downtown bus station. Finally we’re dropped at PJ. I’m a bargain hunter with the best of them – but my time is important too. Instead of paying $40 to Cancun Valet for a one-way private transfer, and arriving at PJ about 12:30 – we arrive at 2:45. So, I saved just over $21, but we had to endure more than an extra 2 hours to get there. Was it worth it? NO! Would I do it again? NO!
We’re really hungry and thirsty by now, so a stop at Mandingos is in order. If you haven’t been there, it is the restaurant right before the docks. I know that we’re all in a hurry to get to IM once we hit PJ, but it really is worth the stop at Mandingos. Sharon refers to it as “foreplay.” For me, I just can’t wait any longer for some good seafood, guacamole, salsa and Margaritas. The shrimp cocktails there are excellent – and they have some of the best salsa and guacamole too. Not to mention the fact that you can’t drink more than one of their awesome Margaritas if you want to walk straight when you get on the ferry! I can’t remember what we paid for everything, but it is inexpensive, and good.
Our tummies full, and bladders relieved, we’re ready for the trek across that beautiful turquoise water to my favorite island in the world. The 15-minute ferry ride seems to take forever. We’re packed in like sardines on this one – Bruce was sitting next to a guy who just returned from Cuba. He was there for quite a while, and I don’t believe they had showers wherever he stayed – YIKES! I look behind me, and there is Ralph. He’s just returned from shopping and eating Chinese food for lunch in Cancun. How I envy him – 6 months on IM would be wonderful.
As usual, I tear up as we approach the dock – home at last. There is just no way to describe the way I feel every time I arrive.
Our first night will be at Nautibeach Condos. I figured this would be the most “handicapped-friendly” place for him. Even if he can’t get around easily at many places, he can sit on the terrace, and get to the pool or Sunset Bar and Grill. I figured we’d need to get a taxi to get Bruce to Nautibeach. Jorge, one of the tricycle guys offers to take our luggage, but I tell him that Bruce needs a taxi. “No problemo…just sit on the luggage.” This is where I really wish I had those pictures downloaded right now. Jorge pedaled through town, with Bruce riding on top of the suitcase, and me jogging to keep up and snap pictures. A 6’8,” 200 pound guy with his leg and crutches sticking out was quite a site! Jorge even brought him all the way to the office to check in at Nautibeach. That was quite a feat getting him up the little hill. Then he pedaled him back to our unit, and carried in our suitcase. When I asked how much, he just shrugged his shoulders and said, “how much you want.” I know a taxi would only be $10 or $20 pesos – but Bruce had a ball – and Jorge filled him in on some of the recent island politics along the way. I gave him $100MP – Bruce said it was worth every cent – he worked for that money.
We realized right away that Nautibeach was a great choice for Bruce. I’d stayed there before, but he hadn’t. He was really impressed.
I hung up clothes and got Bruce situated – he needed ice on his foot – it was twice the size it had been that morning. He was very happy to lie down. Once he was settled, I grabbed the collapsible cooler and headed to town to try and line up a golf cart for the week – that would be the easiest way to deal with Bruce’s immobility. I also needed to find Veronica, get to the bank, and pick up beer and pina colada ingredients (for breakfasts…). I had made a conscious decision to leave the camera behind so I’d get things done quicker.
I went to Ciros – they insisted on $450 for each 24-hours. No price breaks for a week. They always give me a break for multiple carts or multiple days. I figure I’ll try the next day. We can get by for the first night without one – it certainly isn’t worth paying $450 with the day almost gone.
Off to Chili Loco’s to say hola to Jorge. He’s one of my favorite people on the island. I told him about Bruce’s accident and my quest for a golf cart. He was gearing up for dinner and was the cook for the night, because his cook never showed up. So although he couldn’t leave just then, the price was too high for the golf cart, so he’d help me at 10 AM the next day to find a deal. What a guy! I promised to return later with Bruce for dinner.
At the bank and the lines were long. I decided to use the ATM instead of going inside. Only one of the two machines were working. I made a mistake that I seem to repeat. My first withdrawal I took $200 (thinking in dollars instead of pesos). With a $3 service fee, the ATM is not a deal for getting pesos if you don’t withdraw in larger quantities. I quickly withdrew another $1500 after kicking myself for not remembering to get my brain in MP mode.
Although I’d hoped to get to Sergio’s for the first sunset, I realized that if I wanted to watch it, I’d have to do it from right by the bank. I walked across the road and stood by some fishing boats, watching a beautiful sunset – kicking myself for not bringing the camera, and wondering how all the Isleno’s could just continue with work – not stopping to watch this amazing gift. Human nature is the same everywhere – we get used to things and take them for granted.
I found Veronica in her shop on Juarez – just across the street and a few shops closer towards the ocean than Poc Chuc. She does the best braiding on the island. I had brought a big bag of beads with me, and we made a deal that she would braid my hair in the morning for the beads plus $150MP. This is a great deal – if you know how much hair I have! We agree that I’ll come back in the morning after Jorge and I find a deal for a golf cart.
A quick stop in a tiny local shop for some beer and I’m off to Nautibeach. On my way, I see Jorge the tricycle guy on a scooter. I asked if he was done working – he was. I said, “too bad, because I wanted to see if you’d pedal Bruce in for dinner.” He asked me what time, and said he’d come get him. Once again, he wouldn’t give us a price – “for tips.” 7:00 sharp and there was Jorge – he’d strapped a plastic chair in the luggage area for Bruce. Bruce arrived at Chili Loco’s for dinner just like a king on his throne! I paid $50MP and Jorge offered to come get him after dinner, but I had no idea what time we’d be done. We’d just get a taxi.
Dinner was wonderful as always – a few Margaritas, my favorite Chili Loco (poblano pepper stuffed with cheese and shrimp, with a white sauce over it) and I was in heaven.
I took off to the market with the collapsible cooler to finish what I didn’t earlier. On my way I saw my friend Johnnie working in the same shop. He looked at me and before he could ask, I told him that I couldn’t’ find any green ones. He laughed and said, “o.k. – he would take any color.” I’ve been on a hunt for a green Jansport backpack for him. I’ve found other colors, but no green. Before he wanted to hold out for green – now any Jansport will do. Before my next trip back I need to remember that backpack. His English is better every time I see him. His job wasn’t originally secured, because the owner told him he needed better English. When we first met, he wanted me to sit and practice his English with him. He works hard at it. He can make much better money to support his wife and young child at the shops than working road construction for long days. He’s determined to speak very good English.
At the store, I grab a bottle of rum (only $38MP), 6-pack of beer, 3 limes, 2 bananas, yogurt, 2 cartons of pina juice and 2 of coconut, and I’m out of there for less than I’d pay at home for just beer and some chips. I say a quick hola to several familiar faces along Hidalgo, as I head back to Chili Loco’s.
Bruce had endured a long day of travel – especially since this was the first time he’d been out of the house for more than a couple hours in 5 weeks. He’d had just enough alcohol to help take the edge off the pain, and he managed to make it all the way back to Nautibeach on his crutches. His foot had swollen to the size of a football, so I iced it down again for him. We were in bed well before midnight – not normal for me – but soon to become a pattern in our “not normal” trip. We drifted off with the window open, a cool breeze, and a faint sound of waves lapping at the shore – fully content.
...thanks for an interesting first installment. You'd better come up with more. Makes for a great read! Oh, and my sympathies for your having to be back. At least we're having a "warm" spell for you! Looking forward to those pictures, too.
: Great report! I have a question--did you bring your cooler from home or buy it on Isla? Do you know of any store on Isla that might sell styrofoam coolers?
even though you "convieniently" left your camera home so you could get things done more quickly--i still think you should have stopped and bought one of those disposable ones at the KODAK shop--across the street from the dock. and I HOPE that is what you decide to do--TOMORROW or VERY SOON THEREAFTER!
so far--besides the camera thing--everything sounds GREAT! in fact, you are making me homesick for the FACB!! GREG and i haven't been back there in almost a year and IT'S KILLING ME!!
but as long as i keep reading your posts on this trip, i'm sure i'll be fine for another month or three. (i hope)
anyhow, DO NOT go off and NOT finish this report like those others YOU mentioned, please! i mean, you forgot your camera--just DO NOT FORGET to finish this report! (por favor!?!)
GRACIAS! 
I must have missed it somewhere--what did Bruce do to his leg???? My husband has had TWO torn quadriceps muscles in the past three years. Quite an injury & rehab. We've gotten very good at what we call "crutch-nastics". The act of balancing while I help him into his clothes...or in the shower...or into the car. I really feel for you traveling with Bruce on crutches, bless his heart. Randy was in a full immobilizing leg brace (fixed straight) for many-many weeks. VERY interesting to ride in a car...we called it "Driving Miss Daisy" because he had to sit in the backseat! I can't even imagine having to fly--my goodness! I'm looking forward to more info from the trip. It's so awesome that you have so many friendships there!
: Although it was the worst weather I’ve ever had on any
: trip to Mexico, we still had a great time. I know I’ll
: have trouble getting a trip report done, (I still
: never finished our wedding trip, or one for last
: June’s trip) so I thought I’d jot down some ramblings
: to at least get started. It would be more fun with
: pictures, but I don’t have them downloaded to the
: computer from the camera yet – let alone uploaded to
: my on-line site.
: From our first day: Getting through MSP and Cancun on
: Monday mornings – and/or with someone in a wheelchair
: is a breeze. Although we took off late because we
: waited to be de-iced, we made good time and arrived
: early. It only took about 10 minutes to get through
: immigration, get our one suitcase, and pass through
: the green light at customs. It is before noon – and
: we’re ready to go.
: If you want to exchange money at the airport, leave the
: arrival side, and go to the departures side to do it.
: Here is an example of the differences for exchanging:
: arrival 10.4; departure 10.7, on IM 11.1. I don’t
: normally exchange at the airport, but this trip I did
: – you’ll see why in the coming paragraphs…
: For those of you who have the dilemma of “private
: transfer” or “go the cheap route” my story may help
: you decide…Actually, I somewhat let fate decide this
: trip. I had the possibility of a couple different
: associates able to escape the office to have lunch
: with us, since we arrived around noon. We weren’t sure
: if they could meet us or not. I figured if neither
: could get there, we were meant to try the collectivo.
: When no one showed, I went to get tickets.
: The man behind the counter did not speak English, but
: another man “volunteered” to help. The posted rate was
: $95MP to PJ. The man asked for $12.50USD. I explained
: that I knew the exchange rate should be about 11 to 1,
: so that it should be less than $19USD. He wouldn’t
: budge. So I proceeded to walk over to the departure
: side and exchange money. I then paid my $190MP for 2
: tickets to PJ – an unknowing newbie would have just
: paid $24USD. I also made a deal that Bruce and I would
: have our own row to sit in, due to his injuries.
: Tickets in hand, I went back to Bruce (patiently waiting
: in his wheelchair) and we waited about 10 minutes for
: a van (there were several there, but they didn’t seem
: to want to put us in any of them). We got in a van and
: waited another 5 minutes. Another couple got in, and
: the 4 of us waited about 20 minutes. Finally we were
: leaving the airport – Yippee! WRONG! We only drove to
: terminal 2 to start the waiting process again. After
: another long wait, a van pulls up, 4 people get out
: and pile into our van. In a little bit, 3 more come
: down the sidewalk and get in. One girl thinks that she
: is sitting in our row, because we’ve got one in front,
: three in the next, the two of us, three in the back. I
: explain that these vans are set up for 1, 3, 3, 4 –
: and she’s going to be #4 in the back, NOT #3 in our
: row. It is obvious that with both of our long legs –
: Bruce in his brace and his crutches in our row – there
: is no room for her. She’s not happy, but the others in
: the van convince her that I am correct – they normally
: put 4 in the back row. OK – we’re full now. But, we
: still sit for quite a while before leaving.
: We drop 4 off at the south end of the hotel zone, 2 about
: mid-way up, 2 by the Embarcadero, and then the last
: solo rider at the downtown bus station. Finally we’re
: dropped at PJ. I’m a bargain hunter with the best of
: them – but my time is important too. Instead of paying
: $40 to Cancun Valet for a one-way private transfer,
: and arriving at PJ about 12:30 – we arrive at 2:45.
: So, I saved just over $21, but we had to endure more
: than an extra 2 hours to get there. Was it worth it?
: NO! Would I do it again? NO!
: We’re really hungry and thirsty by now, so a stop at
: Mandingos is in order. If you haven’t been there, it
: is the restaurant right before the docks. I know that
: we’re all in a hurry to get to IM once we hit PJ, but
: it really is worth the stop at Mandingos. Sharon
: refers to it as “foreplay.” For me, I just can’t wait
: any longer for some good seafood, guacamole, salsa and
: Margaritas. The shrimp cocktails there are excellent –
: and they have some of the best salsa and guacamole
: too. Not to mention the fact that you can’t drink more
: than one of their awesome Margaritas if you want to
: walk straight when you get on the ferry! I can’t
: remember what we paid for everything, but it is
: inexpensive, and good.
: Our tummies full, and bladders relieved, we’re ready for
: the trek across that beautiful turquoise water to my
: favorite island in the world. The 15-minute ferry ride
: seems to take forever. We’re packed in like sardines
: on this one – Bruce was sitting next to a guy who just
: returned from Cuba. He was there for quite a while,
: and I don’t believe they had showers wherever he
: stayed – YIKES! I look behind me, and there is Ralph.
: He’s just returned from shopping and eating Chinese
: food for lunch in Cancun. How I envy him – 6 months on
: IM would be wonderful.
: As usual, I tear up as we approach the dock – home at
: last. There is just no way to describe the way I feel
: every time I arrive.
: Our first night will be at Nautibeach Condos. I figured
: this would be the most “handicapped-friendly” place
: for him. Even if he can’t get around easily at many
: places, he can sit on the terrace, and get to the pool
: or Sunset Bar and Grill. I figured we’d need to get a
: taxi to get Bruce to Nautibeach. Jorge, one of the
: tricycle guys offers to take our luggage, but I tell
: him that Bruce needs a taxi. “No problemo…just sit on
: the luggage.” This is where I really wish I had those
: pictures downloaded right now. Jorge pedaled through
: town, with Bruce riding on top of the suitcase, and me
: jogging to keep up and snap pictures. A 6’8,” 200
: pound guy with his leg and crutches sticking out was
: quite a site! Jorge even brought him all the way to
: the office to check in at Nautibeach. That was quite a
: feat getting him up the little hill. Then he pedaled
: him back to our unit, and carried in our suitcase.
: When I asked how much, he just shrugged his shoulders
: and said, “how much you want.” I know a taxi would
: only be $10 or $20 pesos – but Bruce had a ball – and
: Jorge filled him in on some of the recent island
: politics along the way. I gave him $100MP – Bruce said
: it was worth every cent – he worked for that money.
: We realized right away that Nautibeach was a great choice
: for Bruce. I’d stayed there before, but he hadn’t. He
: was really impressed.
: I hung up clothes and got Bruce situated – he needed ice
: on his foot – it was twice the size it had been that
: morning. He was very happy to lie down. Once he was
: settled, I grabbed the collapsible cooler and headed
: to town to try and line up a golf cart for the week –
: that would be the easiest way to deal with Bruce’s
: immobility. I also needed to find Veronica, get to the
: bank, and pick up beer and pina colada ingredients
: (for breakfasts…). I had made a conscious decision to
: leave the camera behind so I’d get things done
: quicker.
: I went to Ciros – they insisted on $450 for each
: 24-hours. No price breaks for a week. They always give
: me a break for multiple carts or multiple days. I
: figure I’ll try the next day. We can get by for the
: first night without one – it certainly isn’t worth
: paying $450 with the day almost gone.
: Off to Chili Loco’s to say hola to Jorge. He’s one of my
: favorite people on the island. I told him about
: Bruce’s accident and my quest for a golf cart. He was
: gearing up for dinner and was the cook for the night,
: because his cook never showed up. So although he
: couldn’t leave just then, the price was too high for
: the golf cart, so he’d help me at 10 AM the next day
: to find a deal. What a guy! I promised to return later
: with Bruce for dinner.
: At the bank and the lines were long. I decided to use the
: ATM instead of going inside. Only one of the two
: machines were working. I made a mistake that I seem to
: repeat. My first withdrawal I took $200 (thinking in
: dollars instead of pesos). With a $3 service fee, the
: ATM is not a deal for getting pesos if you don’t
: withdraw in larger quantities. I quickly withdrew
: another $1500 after kicking myself for not remembering
: to get my brain in MP mode.
: Although I’d hoped to get to Sergio’s for the first
: sunset, I realized that if I wanted to watch it, I’d
: have to do it from right by the bank. I walked across
: the road and stood by some fishing boats, watching a
: beautiful sunset – kicking myself for not bringing the
: camera, and wondering how all the Isleno’s could just
: continue with work – not stopping to watch this
: amazing gift. Human nature is the same everywhere – we
: get used to things and take them for granted.
: I found Veronica in her shop on Juarez – just across the
: street and a few shops closer towards the ocean than
: Poc Chuc. She does the best braiding on the island. I
: had brought a big bag of beads with me, and we made a
: deal that she would braid my hair in the morning for
: the beads plus $150MP. This is a great deal – if you
: know how much hair I have! We agree that I’ll come
: back in the morning after Jorge and I find a deal for
: a golf cart.
: A quick stop in a tiny local shop for some beer and I’m
: off to Nautibeach. On my way, I see Jorge the tricycle
: guy on a scooter. I asked if he was done working – he
: was. I said, “too bad, because I wanted to see if
: you’d pedal Bruce in for dinner.” He asked me what
: time, and said he’d come get him. Once again, he
: wouldn’t give us a price – “for tips.” 7:00 sharp and
: there was Jorge – he’d strapped a plastic chair in the
: luggage area for Bruce. Bruce arrived at Chili Loco’s
: for dinner just like a king on his throne! I paid
: $50MP and Jorge offered to come get him after dinner,
: but I had no idea what time we’d be done. We’d just
: get a taxi.
: Dinner was wonderful as always – a few Margaritas, my
: favorite Chili Loco (poblano pepper stuffed with
: cheese and shrimp, with a white sauce over it) and I
: was in heaven.
: I took off to the market with the collapsible cooler to
: finish what I didn’t earlier. On my way I saw my
: friend Johnnie working in the same shop. He looked at
: me and before he could ask, I told him that I
: couldn’t’ find any green ones. He laughed and said,
: “o.k. – he would take any color.” I’ve been on a hunt
: for a green Jansport backpack for him. I’ve found
: other colors, but no green. Before he wanted to hold
: out for green – now any Jansport will do. Before my
: next trip back I need to remember that backpack. His
: English is better every time I see him. His job wasn’t
: originally secured, because the owner told him he
: needed better English. When we first met, he wanted me
: to sit and practice his English with him. He works
: hard at it. He can make much better money to support
: his wife and young child at the shops than working
: road construction for long days. He’s determined to
: speak very good English.
: At the store, I grab a bottle of rum (only $38MP), 6-pack
: of beer, 3 limes, 2 bananas, yogurt, 2 cartons of pina
: juice and 2 of coconut, and I’m out of there for less
: than I’d pay at home for just beer and some chips. I
: say a quick hola to several familiar faces along
: Hidalgo, as I head back to Chili Loco’s.
: Bruce had endured a long day of travel – especially since
: this was the first time he’d been out of the house for
: more than a couple hours in 5 weeks. He’d had just
: enough alcohol to help take the edge off the pain, and
: he managed to make it all the way back to Nautibeach
: on his crutches. His foot had swollen to the size of a
: football, so I iced it down again for him. We were in
: bed well before midnight – not normal for me – but
: soon to become a pattern in our “not normal” trip. We
: drifted off with the window open, a cool breeze, and a
: faint sound of waves lapping at the shore – fully
: content.
hey, i thought this wasn't going to be a TR??!! hehe. 
it's a Most enjoyable one! boy am i glad it went fairly well for Bruce. and Jorge gets a Gold Star!!!
Feliz Navidad Kathryn and Bruce!! tim
Bruce has gone through the same thing here. November 11 he had an accident on his 4-wheeler. The footpeg (big platform) bent down and back under the wheel - pulled his foot under, twisted it and ran it over, with the wheeling locking up while he foot was trapped. That pulled him off the machine and twisted his leg up. He ended up with a crush fracture of foot bones, along with severe sprains of muscles, tendons and ligaments in his foot - a fractured tibia - and a fracture of the knee with a torn ACL. Instead of the ACL ripping free, it took a piece of knee bone with it. So, he had the fixed straight brace for several weeks too. He couldn't go anywhere except to the doctor then. Thank goodness that I have a full size conversion van. I have to put the front seat all the way forward, and the middle one all the way back. That is the only way he could fit. Right before our trip, he got a new brace that he has to lock straight at night, but can release during the day. What a difference that makes - but you already know that. He can dress and shower on his own now - hooray! He couldn't have traveled until he got that brace - there is no where that his leg would have fit on a plane since he's so tall and it was immobolized straight out. He's still got at least 6 more weeks on crutches - next week we'll find out if he can start any weight bearing yet.
: I must have missed it somewhere--what did Bruce do to his
: leg???? My husband has had TWO torn quadriceps muscles
: in the past three years. Quite an injury & rehab.
: We've gotten very good at what we call
: "crutch-nastics". The act of balancing while
: I help him into his clothes...or in the shower...or
: into the car. I really feel for you traveling with
: Bruce on crutches, bless his heart. Randy was in a
: full immobilizing leg brace (fixed straight) for
: many-many weeks. VERY interesting to ride in a
: car...we called it "Driving Miss Daisy"
: because he had to sit in the backseat! I can't even
: imagine having to fly--my goodness! I'm looking
: forward to more info from the trip. It's so awesome
: that you have so many friendships there!
I always take along a small collapsable cooler - it really is the best way to go. They don't take much room in a suitcase or backpack - and with a shoulder strap it is so much easier to carry around.
You can purchase styrofoam coolers on Isla - it's hit and miss as to who has them in stock.
After the first day, my camera went EVERYWHERE with me. I'll try to get through the rest of this trip - and eventually I need to get back to the wedding trip - I only made it a little ways into that one - through our first night, and the wedding celebration (the whole group was there for 7-nts, and we were there for 15, so I've lots more to go). Then eventually I should get the June one in. I never did that one, because I hadn't finished February yet. All my pics from those are ready to go - just don't have the words down yet.
: even though you "convieniently" left your
: camera home so you could get things done more
: quickly--i still think you should have stopped and
: bought one of those disposable ones at the KODAK
: shop--across the street from the dock. and I HOPE that
: is what you decide to do--TOMORROW or VERY SOON
: THEREAFTER!
: so far--besides the camera thing--everything sounds
: GREAT! in fact, you are making me homesick for the
: FACB!! GREG and i haven't been back there in
: almost a year and IT'S KILLING
: ME!!
: but as long as i keep reading your posts on this trip,
: i'm sure i'll be fine for another month or three. (i
: hope)
: anyhow, DO NOT go off and NOT finish this report like
: those others YOU mentioned, please! i mean, you forgot
: your camera--just DO NOT FORGET to finish
: this report! (por favor!?!)
: GRACIAS!