Hasta Luego Jaime

7/11/04 Today we got up at 5:45 to get James to the airport for his 8am flight back to Austin. I can say I'm a little jealous that he'll sleep in a great bed and have a wonderful shower tonight. The past week has been very trying. I'll spare you all the details because I really don't want to have a negative attitude since I have so much time left here. Maybe as time passes I can put the past week into perspective for you without being negative. I'm really going to miss him. Through all of the trials of the past week he really shone as my hero and a true partner. When I returned from the airport it was still cool which made it nice for a nap. It was a day that fit my mood...cool and rainy. I caught up on my reading and studies and finally went out around 3:30 for toilet paper. All the stores were closed, it is after all, Sunday in Mexico. It is nice because the city was quiet and I could actually hear the birds and wander slowly without dodging the traffic. It was very peaceful if not productive. I went back out around 5:30 and wandered further to find a store that was open...the ONLY one I believe, and was able to get toilet paper. I'm just proud I got back home without James navigating. I had popcorn and yogurt at the posada for dinner. Around 7pm I had a new experience...I've gotten used to the water going out, but never DURING my shower. Yep, got all soaped up and the water stopped. I thought I'd use some of the bottled water we stockpiled...unfortunately, they were all in the refrigerator. I'm sure it would have been funny to watch and may be funny to hear, but I have to say...cold water isn't pleasant, but REALLY cold refrigerated water definitely not so (it's been 2 hours and still no water so I'm glad I improvised)! Anyway, I think I got most of the suds off and am ready to start a new week with a new outlook. Just keep in touch for the next 2 weeks. It is going to be difficult for me to keep in touch after the 25th as Susana's Ranch is really far out there and not equipped with the most modern of communications. It is however, a very beautiful cooking school and everyone seems truly happy to attend classes there. I'm going to help her several days next week as she has her big Guelaguetza week long cooking class and a food writer and someone from Food TV will be there. It should be a wonderful opportunity. I've been itching to cook recently and am looking forward to it. I have some pics that James took of the cooking class and I'll post them as I get a chance. I definitely will not be able to post pictures while I'm out at the ranch, so have some patience with me. I'll do my best to stay in contact.