Off and running

What a day.

We were met at the airport in Durango at about 12:15 am this morning. Our flight was delayed, so we ended up hanging out in the Mexico City aeropuerto for about 7 hours. Caden is a trooper.

My director, Joseph, and a driver (I failed to catch his name in the flurry of spanish), met us at a miniature aeropuerto, and hauled our luggage out to the waiting van/bus. I was relieved to see a familiar face, even though we'd only previously communicated through Skype. (Something to get used to- greeting with a hug and kiss...and if you know me well at all, you know how much of a challenge this will be for me.)

It was about a 25 minute ride to our apartment, which is right in the center of the city. It was after midnight, and quite dark, so I didn't see much of the outside of the city on our drive in. When the bus finally stopped, I didn't even realize we were parked outside the entrance to our apartment, as it was a metal door that blended with the wall. As it was a Friday night, in a bustling little city, I saw several people walking about, either leaving bars or restaurants, or both. All I could think about was sleeping; I was exhausted. 

After a short tour of our new home, Joseph and the driver left, and Caden and I were left to our own devices. The apartment is furnished, although we still need a few things. Whoever bought the bedding for Caden's room did a bang up job. It's black and blue camo, so he was overjoyed. It was nice to see a smile spread across his worn-wearied face. 

We unpacked just a few necessities, pj's, toothbrushes, etc, and I forced Caden to take a shower, because, well, he was disgusting. Only…the shower didn't work. It was just a trickle of icy water. So we just sink washed, and laid in bed.

Feelings: overwhelmed, unsure and intimidated. Didn't feel very positive going to bed. But I think it was just the combination of all these emotions, exhaustion, and just not knowing what was next. Fear of the unknown has never really been a factor in my life, until I had Caden, and now, I second guess everything. I want to make sure every decision I make is ultimately in his best interest. The negativity from some people in my life about this move had really begun to affect me, I think. You could say that I wasn't as excited as I was, originally. 

Anyway, we fell asleep in absolute darkness, with the sounds from the city permeating the edges of our dreams, around 2 am. Even with his tiny little arm wrapped around me, I was sick with uncertainty…and I had never felt more lonely. 

first morning, yawn

Morning bloomed a new perspective. Butterscotch curtains glowed in the morning sunshine, and painted things in a different light.  I could hear children playing outside, and one of those ankle-biter dogs yapping. Woke little man up and explored the apartment a little more. It's quite a bit of space for just the two of us. Probably as big as our house in Venus. Two bedrooms and a little study, which could be a third bedroom. The study has a desk and a couch, and also a tv. Two bathrooms- one upstairs with a shower and one downstairs. There are white metal steps that spiral up to a third floor, which has a washing machine, but no dryer, and a door that leads to the roof top "garden". Caden was thrilled at the prospect of eating breakfast on the roof, but we couldn't figure out how to unlock the door. Back downstairs in the tiny kitchen, we found the cupboards stocked with some basics: bread, mayo, strawberry jelly, sugar, corn flakes, instant coffee, and creamer. The fridge had sandwich meat, cheese, onions, tomatoes, milk and an orange drink that tastes like sunny delight. There was a toaster, blender, cups, plates, silverware, a drying rack, cutting board, coffee maker, and a giant water dispenser. (No microwave, Matt). In the dining room, there was a bowl of fresh fruit: bananas, apples, pears, peaches and some avocado. 

Little dude's closet

my room

steps to the roof

the courtyard, from the roof

After Caden inhaled his cornflakes, we started unpacking our things. Didn't take long. I did find that my perfume and some joico hair oil was missing from my bag. I had carefully wrapped those in paper towels and double zip locked them, so I'm not sure why TSA would have taken them; there was no way they could have been leaking. That's frustrating. But I'll get over it. My contacts are missing, too; I had about 8 pairs. 

Caden was eager to get his room in order, lining up his shoes and organizing his clothes in the built-in drawers we found in the closet. Joseph was meeting us outside at 10:30 to show us the school (a 2 minute walk from our front door) and take us to an event that the school was putting on for a cancer charity. He said it would be a good, informal way to meet some coworkers, teachers and students, and it was. After showing us the school (pictures to come later- Caden is beyond happy about the new school) we took an…interesting... cab ride to where the charity event was. 

We were immediately introduced to a swarm of people, and it was hard to keep up with the flurry of Spanish. A Mexican woman came and whisked Caden away to help with the crafts, and I could tell by the look on his face that he was stricken. I had a hard time concentrating on the introductions, because I know how Caden is, and I was concerned with making sure he was okay. I caught a glimpse of him at the crafts table, with the woman, and could see that he was about to cry, so I went over to him, got his hand and we walked off for a minute. He buried his little head into me and told me he was scared. He couldn't understand anyone and it was overwhelming him. It made my heart hurt. The woman, Mrs. Betty, noticed that we walked off and quickly came over, and enveloped Caden in a bear hug…and kisses. Those that know Caden, know how he is about physical interaction with people he doesn't know, but there was no getting out of this hug. However, it was plainly obvious that this woman loves children and was going to love mine, and make sure he felt comfortable. She reassured him, and told him that everything was going to be okay. Turns out, she is going to be his Spanish teacher. She made a point of bringing kids over who are in his class, and introducing them. I'm going to like her. I also met another teacher, a 4th grade teacher, Melissa, who told me that Caden could hang out in her classroom with her kids after school, as he gets out 30 minutes before I do, and I'm going to be about 20 minutes away. Caden eventually became comfortable and actually began to have fun. We were sewing together these birds, called chochos, and donating them to be sold for charity, and the proceeds benefit children who are suffering from cancer.

Exhaustion was starting to set in. I hadn't had any coffee (I couldn't stomach the instant) and yesterdays' long hours were starting to settle in my bones. Joseph gathered us up, and a parent gave us a ride back over to the school. He then showed us around town a little bit, pointed out the bank and where the grocery store was, and then took us to lunch.  Caden ordered corn dogs (naturally) but didn't really eat them because the breading was different from what he was used to. It was more like a thin, cornbread texture. He's not one to try new things. I ordered some chili rellenos and they were fabulouso. The salsa y chips were perfection. Mexican food is divine. 

I had no money on me, at all. I hadn't exchanged any dollars for pesos at the airport in Mexico City. Genius moment, I know. I'm so grateful for the hospitality; my director offered to loan me pesos to get things we need, until I get my finances straightened out.

I noticed my phone beeping at the restaurant, and realized that my phone had connected to wifi. My email and texts updated, and I tried to let Caden facetime with his dad, but he didn't answer.  Matt tried to FaceTime me, but it didn't work, and then service was gone. *Poof*

After lunch, we walked back to the apartment, after unsuccessfully looking for a jar of peanut butter in a corner convenience store (which I think Joseph found quite hilarious that that was the one thing I thought we needed to get us by till our grocery store trip tomorrow).

He deposited us back at our new home, and I met two of my neighbors, both teachers at the school. One, Joanna, has a son who looks to be just a tad younger than Caden, and and older one, who will be in my class.

Feeling much more positive about things. Also, turns out the shower works just fine. I was told that sometimes the water runs out, so maybe that was the deal last night. Making a list of things we need/want as we are going in the the morning to the grocery store. Although the place is furnished with essentials, we definitely have a few things on the list. I am a lamp lover. Can't stand harsh, overhead lighting, so I've got to get a lamp for Caden's room, mine, and the living room. I think I gave away 12 lamps or so when I moved from my house in Venus. I may have an problem. We need a dirty clothes hamper. Something to put toiletry items in, in the the bathroom. There aren't any shelves in there. Towels and washcloths. (There is one towel, but I don't want to share) laundry detergent, and clothes pins for hanging our clothes out to dry. (Jolene, you'd love the rooftop for drying your clothes). There were hangers in the closet, but I need extra for Caden. And we need a couple more pillows. The beds are fitted with sheets, comforters and pillows, but they are those decorative pillow shams. I'd also love to get some chairs and a table for the roof, but we'll see, as we will have to take a taxi to get back home, not a moving truck. The walls are fairly bare, and I'd like to get something to make it a bit more homey. Need to get groceries. You know. The necessities. Coffee. Wine. Cheese. Peanut butter. Chocolate. 

It's 6:15 pm, now. Caden is playing his ds. I'm sitting on the bed, typing. I can hear my neighbor's music like it's in my apartment, so I turned off my own because the combination was making me batty. Guess it's time to get used to Mexican music.

Thoughts: I wish I'd brought some of my Friend's dvds. I wish I'd figured out a way to get at least some of Caden's toys here. I'm nervous about work on Monday. I'm ready to be a month in so I can get over these jitters. 

Hopefully, I'll get the internets at home, soon.

9:38 pm Saturday night

around the corner

our front door

Caden and I decided to go out and take a walk around the town center by ourselves, and explore a bit. Turns out the mexican music was from a band set up across the street. The place was swarming with people, couples, and families, children playing in a fountain. We walked on and I caught several stares. I think they were more because of my tattoos, and not because we are gringos. I may cover them up more, til I'm more comfortable with my surroundings. I don't want to invite unwanted attention. We wandered around the plaza. There were probably close to 5 or 6 little bands set up everywhere, the music intermixing with each other. There were chairs set up and closed off for some political rally. I saw people from all walks of life. Beggars, teenagers absorbed in their phones, lots of dressed up couples, out on dates, business men, police officers, families with little children running around. Elderly women eating churros, while their husbands had their shoes shined. Everyone was eating, talking, laughing and seemed to be just having a great Saturday evening, hanging out and enjoying each other.

right across the street, and the source of the musica

My phone connected to some random wifi connection, so I tried Cory again, and Caden got to FaceTime with him. My email updated and I got an email from Jolene saying that she was coming to Durango for two weeks…and she'd be here…TOMORROW. Holy crap! I got to FaceTime with Matt. I tried to text a few others, but realized they didn't have imessaging. Sorry to those of you who were expecting updates. It's hit or miss on the wifi. I may get a sim card for my phone tomorrow, while we are out running errands.

Walked back home with a slight chill in the air. Maybe it's about 67 or so, slight breeze. It really has been amazing weather. Made some turkey and cheese sandwiches, and took them to the roof. While eating on the roof, I came to the conclusion that Caden isn't allowed up there by himself. Ever.

It was a beautiful night. 

Caden is bathed, and sitting in the chair in my room, playing his ds, while I sit on the bed, just across the room from him, and write. I can hear one of my neighbors strumming and singing on his guitar, I'm a creep. It's actually really good. He is also a teacher at the school. I live in what the Mexicans call "gringo-land". There are four apartments here, all occupied by gringo teachers. Our doors open up into a joint, tiled courtyard, blocked off by a locked, heavy metal door.

My plan is to get up early in the morning and head to a coffee shop that I saw earlier in the day.  I'll take my computer and hope they have wifi access so I can upload all this to my blog. For now, it's off to shower, and then lights out.

Take off

I'm writing this from Mexico City.  It's 8:30 pm now, and we've been here for hours. We left a humid Houston around 1:30 this afternoon, after arriving at the airport right at 3 hours before our flight, as suggested by aeromexico. My dad and Matt drove us to the airport. Caden was pretty subdued, but I got a grin or two out of him. Once we got into the airport, he perked up. He's definitely apprehensive about the language barrier, but he is absolutely an adventurer. There was hardly anyone at the counter and only one person in front of us at security. From arrival to sitting at the gate, it probably took about 25 minutes. Tops.  

We boarded the plane, which was much smaller than the planes we usually fly in. Two seats on either side of the aisle, so no one was stuck awkwardly close to a stranger, in the middle. The flight was half empty, too. Took a couple of hours to get to Mexico City and as it was lunchtime, they served us sandwiches, which were actually fabulous- deli turkey, thickly sliced cheese and real hellman's mayonnaise. Little better than the peanuts and pretzels we are used to. Caden immediately conked out. I tried to sleep on the plane, but I think I'm just past the point of exhaustion. So I read for awhile and then the flight attendants gave me a couple of forms I had to fill out for our arrival into Mexico City.

When we deplaned, I sorta just followed the herd. Our connecting flight didn't leave till 9:30, and it was only 3 something, so we had a lot of time to figure out what we were supposed to do. After exiting the plane, everyone had to go either through a line marked "foreign" or "Mexican Nationale", in order to gain access to the rest of the airport, and find our connecting flights.  Wasn't quite sure what they were doing at the front of the line….which was about 100 people or so in front of us. I was fairly intimidated because I wasn't even sure if this was where we were supposed to be, and although many of the signs had English subtitles, the announcements were pretty hard to follow- even the ones in English. And, I was hot. This airport is stifling.   My bags were cutting into my shoulders and Caden was beginning to get antsy. When we finally got to the front of the line, I found out that this was where they asked us about why we were going to Mexico and stamped our visas and passports. Pretty harmless encounter. The woman who helped me didn't actually ask me any questions at all, but I heard other workers asking other travelers. Fine by me. I was starting to sweat. 

We walked through automatic sliding glass doors, and continued to follow the herd, into customs.  Customs and baggage claim share the same area, so it was a mad house. I was confused as to why I was directed to baggage claim when my bags were supposed to be going to Durango, but the way it is set up, you retrieve your bags and take them through customs, where you then load them yourself onto a moving belt, which deposits them at the next plane.  So I spot our bags, just sitting off to the side of the baggage claim,  and wonder how the hell I'm going to get them all over to the customs counter, without making separate trips.  Between Caden and myself, we had four fairly heavy, large suitcases. One was pushing 50 lbs and the others probably weren't far behind it. Plus our carry on items- he had stuffed his backpack to the brim, with his ds, books, a dvd player, etc. Oh, and Bobs. I had two bags full of books and teaching materials, my laptop carrying case and my purse. All full and heavy. So I'm trying to arrange them, sweat dripping into my eyes, knocking several of the suitcases over in my attempt to stack, pull and push. Thank god, an older man who worked there took pity on me. He pulled two of the suitcases and stood with us at customs,  while I handed over our declarations sheet and passports. The guard then had me push a button. If it stays green, you go through, and don't get your bags checked. If it turns red, you've got to go off to the side, and they go through all your bags.  Luck was our our side.  We had three vacuum sealed bags. I cannot imagine what would have happened had they opened them.

Our knight in shining armor walked with us through customs, loaded all of our luggage onto the belt for us, and then pointed us in the right direction. I couldn't thank him enough, but he brushed us off, and went about his way. 

So after customs, we had to go up an escalator, and through security again, which was much more lax than at any other airport I've ever been to. We went through security and wandered around a bit. Because our flight wasn't for a few more hours, it wasn't up on the board yet, so I didn't know which gate to head towards.

Everyone has been so helpful, and most of them speak English, to varying degrees. I've repeated, "Lo siento, no hablo espanol" countless times.

The flight attendants here are rocking. They are all seriously beautiful, and more sharply dressed than any other flight attendants I've seen. They are dressed to the nines, with red accents. Red heels, red purses, stacked on their navy suitcases. I've also noticed how friendly Mexicans are to each other. I've seen lots of hugging, and greeting with a kiss on the cheek. 

I managed to get a wifi connection for a few minutes and was able to at least check in on fb, so everyone who is freaking out today would know we were about half way. Then the wifi died. 

So,now we are just sitting, waiting. 

Annnd here we go

For a bit there, I thought that perhaps Mexico wasn’t going to work out, due to multiple miscommunications with my school, and the fact that Caden’s passport took its sweet time getting here.  We were originally supposed to leave for Mexico the first week of August, to get settled in before school started, so I could attend the week of staff development, set up my classroom, meet the other teachers, etc.  Obviously, that did not happen. I was in the process of rethinking the whole thing, but the director of the school reassured me that he still wanted me there, even though we were obviously going to be a couple of weeks late to the party; said not to worry, they would cover my classes.



Durango, photos by Bill Bell

Finally got his passport in, (after I paid to get it expedited, six weeks into the process) sent it to immigration, along with an authenticated birth certificate (that I had to drive to Austin to get, after the bc was returned from the passport office), received our authorizations to apply for our visas from immigration in Mexico, and went to the Mexican consulate in Houston yesterday.  They issued our visas on the same day; it was remarkably fast. And an eye opening experience on how much I need to brush up on my Spanish. By brush up, I mean completely relearn.




Came home and looked at plane tickets. Turns out the ones I originally bought were non-refundable but could be revalidated for 200 bucks per ticket, plus any change in fare.



SO. We leave Friday.

Excited, nervous, overwhelmed.