It’s noon and I’ve been really busy today doing nothing. I don’t know where the time goes, I’ve been up since 8, and all I’ve managed is a swim in the sea. Now don’t go thinking that it’s too easy down here, G was up all night throwing up ( dodgy burrito or perhaps the chocomilk/ ice cream/ cake combo) but she is sleeping now and I should probably have siesta as well.

Madeline is swinging lazily in our hammock reading and Nick has gone to shoot pool and have birria ( goat stew) for lunch. After being on the road for 3 weeks it has been really nice to slow down and just be relaxed for this past week. Our days unfold the same way each morning more or less; a little exercise followed by a swim, breakfast that Nick cooks, reading, play cards or scrabble, head to the beach for a few hours, siesta and then back to the beach for sunset and our evening beach olympics. The games consist of running races, long jump, wrestling, and a modified golf game using our feet and a volleyball. Finally, we get cleaned up and head out for dinner.

We had two days of heavy rain last week and although it was nice to have a break from the heat, I got cabin fever pretty quickly and we would be drenched in minutes every time we stepped out to go get food. The thunder and lightening was spectacular and we all learned a little about tropical storms. The streets turned into rivers and it took days for it to dry up. The sun is out once again, the beach vendors are out hacking their wares and I am in a panic. I’m almost done my last book and I can’t get to the book exchange until later.

We have visited with our friend Hilario and his family. We met them when their kids were small, and now we are hearing about weddings, graduations and their youngest just joined the marines. He has to stay in for 5 years but all his costs are covered plus he makes 14000 pesos a month. Most will be sent home to help the family and since Hilario isn’t working anymore, the extra money will help. Hilario had a stroke last year and spent two months in hospital in Acapulco. He has since regained most of he movement in his right side but can’t return to the labour work that he used to do. He’s not that much older than Nick but they are indigenous Mexicans and have struggled to raise their family.

We have 8 days left until we head up North. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by. The girls are excited to see their friends but I could quite easily hop on a bus, head south and keep on exploring this fabulous country.