I'm Getting There

Last night was fun. The club is on a roof deck so we spent the night dancing beneath the stars. Well, sort of. There is a roof, but it's all open-air so the breeze kept it cool. A new band plays every hour so we managed to see three acts before we left, including an incredible guitar player that made everyone want to cuddle with their sweetie.

My big adventure for today was going to the grocery store. Our car is still dead so we've been getting by on food from the market and the little store across the street. I've eaten more eggs, tostadas, and PBJ sandwiches in the past several weeks...

A couple weeks ago I walked to the Bodega (Walmart + groceries) - it's about 20 minutes away - then took the bus home. Unfortunately I didn't realize the bus driver would refuse to stop where I asked and instead keep driving all the way to the market, about six blocks out of my way. I was glad I didn't buy many heavy things, but my bags still nearly ripped my arms off by the time I trudged home.

Needless to say, I've been dreading a repeat and keep putting off another trip. That is, until this morning when my empty fridge echoed back my stomach's grumblings. I decided this was getting ridiculous and I ventured off the the store. (It was actually closer to noon; we did have a late night.)

When I finished shopping, I pushed my cart into the sun and instead of deflecting the hyper-active boys who always offer their help, I told them I needed a cab. They ran over to a man leaning on his car, then ran back and started grabbing my bags.

"Espera!" I told them to wait so I could first ask how much it would cost. I know they like to raise the prices when they see pale skin and blue eyes, so I tried my best to act like a local. The man told me the ride would cost 20 pesos, well within the amount Ibis had said was acceptable.

"Ok." I nodded at the boys.

As we rode the short distance home (it's much faster by car), the driver told me I speak Spanish very well. I had to explain where I live and apparently the lack of I live-o near the restaurant-o El Gabo impressed him. We chatted the whole way home and he even drove right into our parking lot.

I always wondered why so many people took cabs from the grocery store, since it seemed like an expensive way to get around, but 20 pesos is nothing. We paid more than that for one beer last night. And, he brought me right to my door. None of this I'm going to pretend I don't hear you and stop wherever I damn well please because you're saving 16 pesos attitude.

I'm beginning to wonder if we even need a car!



(I'm just kidding mom. Please still bring the alternator when you come to visit.)