Settling into our final month here and acutely aware that I am both reluctant and eager to go home. That’s usual for me. I do love it here, but we’ve been gone for four months now, and it will be another six weeks til we’re back in Echo Bay. In time for daffodils and the greening of the hill. Too late for crocuses, probably. Just in time for my April book club meeting. And I’m so looking forward to replacing emails and occasional skype calls with real personal interactions! For the past four years, we’ve been glad to drive down and wishing we could fly home. It will be the same this year, and I think there’s a good chance this will be the last year for the road trip.
On Sunday, after the weekly concert (this week a flute, a viola, a cello, and a harpsichord playing Telemann), we drove to Antonio and Eloisa’s house. From there, with them and their daughter Monica, to the 
Bicentennial Centre between Guanajuato and Leon to see a National Geographic exhibit of Fifty Photographs that Changed the World. The title might have been a bit of hyperbole, but the photos were astounding. This astoundingly long url should take you to a glimpse. I did notice, while searching for the link, that google identifies a long list of collections of photos that have changed the world. Presumably for the better, though that’s not clear.
It was our first time to the Bicentennial Centre, built in 2010 to celebrate Mexico’s 200 years of independence. I thought it was a big building. Actually, it’s a huge complex with various exhibits and venues. From there, we drove to Leon where Antonio and Eloisa had some shopping to do, and then to supper. Six days a week, they open the taco stand at 8:30 pm and fall into bed around 3:00 am. This was Sunday, but still…why not check out one more store at 10:00? We’re nodding off while they’re still rarin’ to go!
Next day, we went to their place for lunch and—for me—a long, hot soak. Bathtubs are a rarity here, and sometimes I just long to lean back in hot water. A few years ago, they built a little guest house and included a big bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. Aaah. The bubbles were a bonus.
Then we hung around for awhile to help prepare for their evening’s work, and I returned home smelling more like chilies than bath salts!
(I am at my wit’s end trying to align these photos. They show up the way I want them in draft format, and the minute I press “publish” they all scramble to the left-hand margin. GRRR)
Dried chilies by the kilo in the corner of the kitchen
Eloisa, sorting beans
You may not be too late for crocuses. At the rate this winter’s going you’ll be just in time for the spring thaw….
I agree with Erica, be prepared for snow instead of crocuses. We had again -25 the night before last, there are still 45 cm of ice on the shore of Lake Superior (Harmony).So I invite you for a snowshoe outing instead. Ha,ha,ha
I almost think we can guarantee you some snow when you come home. Our Spanish group will be waiting for you.