Bienvenidos a Merida!

We arrived in Merida last night and were herded like cattle through customs. Once again, Allen had to have his bags checked, but Patrick avoided a second cavity search (he was thankful since he was still walking a little funny from the first one). Harvey had some of us sit on the floor in the airport while others ran errands for him while he waited for the van. (We might end up being his slaves while we're here. We'll let you know if he requires us to feed him grapes and fan him with palm fronds while he rests in a hammock.) After whizzing through the dark Mexican streets, while listening to Spanish techno, we pulled up to Casa Millsaps, unloaded, and prepared to cruise the Mexican streets. It was after 10:00 p.m. when we took off, but apparently it is the norm to eat dinner later in the evening, so we were on track to adjusting to Merida time. Harvey led us to a restauant (La Reina de Montjeo) where we had trolebuses. Trolebuses are fruity drinks that are a cross between a smoothie and a slushy. They are unbelieveable and we think the Millsaps cafeteria should start offering them during meals. As we slurpped down our drinks we had some walking salesmen stop by looking to sell us lovely fans and fragrent roses, but we purchased none of their goods. When we returned to the house we visited for a while and made sure everybody was settled and pleased with their accomodations. By 4:00 a.m. everybody was finally asleep and resting for our big day on Saturday.

The first morning we woke up to a wonderful breakfast of fruit cereal and yogurt and the best coffee ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We all sat down with large plates of fruit and began with the papaya. Allen was the only one who was able to put a name to its special taste: cat.... A few of us ate it and did not have to spit it out so if we get sick later today that is why. And then Anne and Elizabeth came to eat last and they enjoyed our special fruit. Of special note, the warm milk was a refreshing addition to our awakening....ahhh the culture!