Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico    December 30, 2023

I had a very slow day, not leaving my apartment until about 2 o’clock. I finished a book I just started yesterday which was pretty good called The Leftover Woman.  It’s an easy beach type read. I talked a bit with my neighbours who are from Ensenada just south of Tijuana. I walked to the grocery store looking for some seafood to fry for supper but only found frozen Basa which I didn’t want. I tried to buy one beer but they only sold them in six packs so I stopped in a nail shop and got my fingers gellished for 200 pesos or $15.62. The woman did a really good job and the boss spoke excellent English. I visited with a family from Denver who are originally from Jaipur, India so we had a good talk.

I came home hoping to eat street food close to my lodging but they weren’t open until 6:30.  I read another very short book and then set my alarm. I’m not sure how much sleep I might get because I’ve been listening to the neighbours sitting right out in front of my thin metal door visiting and playing loud music for three hours. Every time it kind of goes silent I hear another snap and another beer is opened. I’m not feeling that great – this cold is dragging me down otherwise I would be out there with them.  They listen to mariachi music- it’s everywhere and people of all ages play it loud.  I compare it to me listening to Lawrence Welk or something like that and can’t believe it’s so popular!  However, music is a huge part of a culture and they aren’t letting that go which is admirable.

I’m getting up at 4:30 because I want to leave by 5:30 for the bus depot, which is a short 10 minute walk away . I’m taking a bus to the airport to arrive at 6:30. My flight is at 8:00.  

Anyway, it’s hard to believe these two months are over and in another way some days I never thought it would end. I have enjoyed my time and look back on a lot of it with great fondness but I am also looking forward to being home with my people. 

Adios y gracias Mexico!  Te quiero!