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7/29/04

After showing up to live with Susana on Monday, she suddenly moved me out to a house in the village. It was like staying in our garage, but painted pink with dolls stapled to the walls. After the run with bed bugs I was nervous to sleep in a bed that I didn't know, but was willing to give it a shot. In the matter of 3 days I had the following experiences that helped me realize that maybe I'd do better off if I was in a situation where I could go "home" somewhere at night that I felt safe and clean. The "interesting" parts of the day would be much easier to deal with if there had been an escape at night.

Day 1 - cutting nopales in knee high brush something scurried past and I found myself praying that it was a rat.

Day 3 - at 7 am most of the village is still asleep and therefore have their attack dogs still out. I went to go pick up some chickens from Oscar, the local chicken farmer to carry them to Susana's for class. The night before it had flooded, I got lost at the very deep muddy river, carrying chickens and chased by barking dogs. It is funny now since I know that I don't have to live through that every week.

Also I was able to determine that with the family issues, the chauffering duties, sanitation issues, personal safety concerns and some other personal issues that this wasn't going to be as much learning and cooking as I had hoped for myself and for school. The cons were outweighing the pros unfortunately. I had yet to even cook Oaxacan food with Susana...with her staff and with other students yes, but not with direct information from Susana. She is very busy.

I did learn some truly valuable things and I am thankful for the experience. I hope to continue with Spanish and the traditional and cultural slants to cooking. I was truly engrossed with the way people adapt and fully utilize the ingredients available to them.

I came home Thursday. I am disappointed in myself and with the situation at the cooking school, but I feel it was best for me. I hope to work something out for my externship with my food writing in the reviews section and some of my other work.