I did it! I drove to Progreso yesterday! It's a straight shot there and back from Merida. The beach was great and really not crowded. People started coming around 11:00 but there's plenty of beach. I ate a fried fish and it was wonderful and huge! Hey, Debbie, head, eyes and all were on the platter! They fried it whole. Would feed two people. Then last night I found (kinda) downtown. Lots of people on the street but I didn't find any bands playing. It may have been too early. Anyway it was raining and thundering so I came home. So far, rain here has been just big fat drops, not like the downpours at home. My driving confidence is way up there now. I may even try to find Walmart's today. ... read more

No, nothing bad is happening. In fact all good. I've been busy all morning at work. Stopped to get a hamburger, or whatever the little lady that serves me calls it, since she doesn't speak English and me no español, and successful used the bank's ATM machine (cajero). Boy, you need to be quick though. It doesn't like to wait on you. Will just kick you out! I was slow the first time trying to make sure whether it was asking me how much I wanted and if it was dollars or pesos. Turns out to be pesos, and I was too slow the second time to get a receipt.. Oh, well. Back to work now. Patt... read more

Yesterday I took the afternoon off to explore (a little). What an ego builder for me. I drove to the mall (found it, found my way through it, found my way away from it) then went to the DHL office many miles away. Getting the hang of driving here. Let me tell you about the mall although I can't tell you the name of it. Actually it was only about 2 blocks from the office and I'm told it's one of the largest malls in Mexico. Supposedly the Galleria (as in Houston) is to build a mall here in Merida soon also. This mall was just like in the states. Big stores, little store, vendors in the middle, little pricey. Otherwise, nicest dressed people! No slouches anywhere. DHL: No English but we're best friends now. Poor ... read more

Hello to all and this is only a beginning of a journal. I am fine. This city is beautiful, clean and so friendly. I should have learned (or remembered) a little Spanish before I came here, but who would have guessed that it would be so quick! I'm not sure I want it to end in a couple of months! I read Spanish more than I can speak it, but then I can read French and Italian when I want to also. I have worked all day and some this evening so I'm tired now. I will try to make a real journal for all to see of my 'adventures'. Love to all. Patt... read more