I learned lots of new things today! I love it! I went to the cell phone company, riding the bus with the locals, and bought a new cell phone for use here in Mexico. It is a cool phone that, though it is not "smart", can show tv! Ok, yes it is only four Spanish channels but watching tv is free! Now how cool is that for only $25? Plus I got 100 minutes with that. Here is my cute phone with its antenna up. There's actually a tv show playing in that yellow square on the screen. Also has a camera and fm radio! In the background is a fun book set here in San Miguel which I have been enjoying reading.
Another thing I did was go to the Mega store, which is kind of like superwalmart. I bought all kinds of groceries and determined to make chicken soup tonight. First I had to soak the raw veggies in a vinegar bath for about twenty minutes. I boiled the raw chicken in some chicken broth with garlic and bay leaves and some onion. Then realized I needed celery. I walked the fifty steps down to the little corner store where I found the celery. It was huge! The guy in the store said you just break off however many stalks you want. Then I consulted with a knowledgable looking grandmother about which pepper would go best in my soup (my Spanish must be improving) and within 7 minutes was back at the stove!
I think my sopa turned out pretty good for my first try at cooking in Mexico. The cilantro really makes it.
The next thing I learned was something I have been very curious about for a long time, and that is medical care here in Mexico. A friend was ill in the hospital so we went to visit. The hospital was small, but clean and modern. Most of the doctors seemed to speak English, and my friend feels she is getting good care there.
The room was quite a bit nicer than the ones I have visited in Austin, with a couch to sleep on as well as a recliner and plenty of space. The nurses seemed capable, but it really helps to be able to speak a little Spanish. The small cafeteria was handy and clean. All in all, a lot better than I expected. Good to know. Oh, and one more thing, the doctor actually took time to show me how to program numbers into my new phone! Talk about service! Also, most all the doctors were really handsome, which helps if you don't feel good.
Lastly, I am happy I am conquering riding the buses around town and learning the streets so I don't get lost. Also I am getting so good at negotiating with cab drivers to get the best price. Hopefully I don't get pegged as a tourist right away. Blending in as much as possible is the way to go.
Tomorrow meeting up with a friend of a friend at the organic market for coffee and on to the fine art fair !
Location:SMA
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