Hello on Sunday afternoon,
The irony of the moment is I can contact people most anywhere, but I need to. I went off to the beach I was at yesterday, but learned that we by only have access to the area. While I got free drinks yesterday, I found out that was a mistake. I could not even buy water today. So an hour in the 100 heat with no water made things a bit difficult. I have texted Sr. Galán but to no avail. I am back at the suite and locked out. I am afraid he cannot get my texts, and though I have come back and forth to the suite for over an hour. I have no access. I have actually texted Melissa in New York because if he is in touch with anyone it is her and I am hoping she has gotten my texts and can relay the message.
If I had a key I would be fine. I thought about asking of I could have it, but did not want to impose. At the moment I am sitting in a stairwell. I do have a bit of money with me, but I am not even sure where to buy water. The VIP bracelet we have allows access, but nothing else, not even to buy. I have more than enough money, but it does nothing. I have some language skills, but not enough. I have some access, but it is like the song about ” you can read the menu, but you cannot eat.” It is a vestige of isolation. It was interesting to feel a bit helpless, and not all that enjoyable. It is interesting that they have changed some rules and those rules after food, water, hygiene and most of the basic things we take for granted.
It reminds me of the Interim class with Dr. Nielsen when I was roaming around Germany on my own with minimal language skills and I was sick with pneumonia. There is an irony some almost 35 years later there are so many issues the same. I made it through two weeks then – two hours now. Amazing that I got ahold of Melissa almost as soon as her father. I remember enjoying the loneliness of that experience in Germany. I enjoyed moments here too. I know that some might find it surprising, but I enjoy
solitude from time to time.
What I feel most sad about is it appears that rules have changed and Jacqueline did not know. I am considering purchasing the upgrade for the next three days for us. I know that is not what they would prefer, but it has to do with hygiene and important comforts I think. I am glad we are not eating here everyday as I noted and that we are in town. I wrote about that yesterday. I think the problem with these changes are the sweeping nature of what they affect.
As I try to compose here I am also texting and setting up the next couple of days. I think along with the visit to the restaurant again, we are going to a waterfall. Tomorrow I am doing something I have never done. I am going to a spa appointment. I have been working hard to take care of the inside of my body. Now to care a bit for the outside – and it involves chocolate. No bad images allowed!! On Tuesday an excursion and then one last day. I think it will pass by more quickly than I will wish. Of course, then it is off to Placerville for a few days. I am excited to see how Melissa and Jordan find their experience.
We have just left the restaurant again. Tonight we met the owner. Another irony: he has a restaurant and splits his time between here and Allentown. What are the chances of that happening. His restaurant is called Mi nueva casa. I am sitting in the backseat trying to figure out what is being said. I think the place we were going is already closed. Well, I did figure it out correctly, though I thought it was about days and hours and it was only hours. Each day is an adventure on the roads. When I thought I have seen it all I am shocked again. We did hear that a brother of one of the servers at the restaurant was killed trying to cross that road. I am surprised we have not witnessed an accident yet.
Well, while I am with people for whom I care and have the the most respect and love, yet I feel isolated. It is of my own making because of the language. I have mixed feelings that a ticket was canceled, but generally I am feeling more positive than negative about it. I am also feeling the irony of the day as I have noted. It is amazing how we can be alone in the midst of people. I have always felt some of this. It is those times I am most introspective. It is those times I most appreciate the gifts it have.
Thanks for reading.
Michael
thewritingprofessor55 