What a strange, strange trip it's been, as they say.

I´ll call it a success, because the idea was to come and get a renewed sense of possibilities. In balance, subject to reflection back in the States, I think the magic outweighs the fear and loathing (and the depression that either causes or results from it). There are a lot of things to factor in - the logisitcs of getting here, the climate, the end of wage slavery, finances. All will be sorted out soon enough.

Now it is Patrick's turn to come and experience all the ups and downs, the turmoil and delight and frustration. If he is on board I will be, but I will accept whatever he come back with. I know he would do the same for me.

Hopefully we won't both be unsure after this round of visits.

At this moment (less than 12 hours before my morning return flight) I am still considering cancelling the return home and making an offer on a sweet little place near La Ermita (church). Probably won't happen - need to discuss with Pat in a half hour. We think he needs another visit before this kind of commitment- even though it is only $35,000. A fixer-upper of course.

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I spent a little time with our friend Enrique, who now works in the ancient hotel San Jose just off the zocolo. It is a place where you can get a room for maybe $15 a night (or less with baño down the hall). At the front desk, which Enrique is in charge of evenings six days a week, there is no computer. Everything is noted in pencil on ledger sheets. In the lobby are old yucatecan style rockers and simple tables for food service or beer drinking. There is a little basin in the corner with a sign - "Recuerde a lavarse los manos antes de comer" - Remember to wash your hands before eating". Always a good idea here, and more important than which food stall or restaurant you select.

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Yesterday afternoon as I walked to the zocolo from casa San Juan, there were two old gentlement sweetly playing alternating parts of a bolero on trumpet and saxophone. That would be in the magic category.



This will be my last blog entry from Merida. Maybe there will be some follow-up thoughts from Alameda later in the week.