February 21, 2017 - Getting Reacquainted

February 21, 2017

Getting Reacquainted

I walked into my apartment around 10:00 on Thursday the 16^th.  I knew my first day was going to be busy paying bills and working out all the little things that need to be done.  By the time I crashed on Friday, I still was not finished unpacking.  Saturday and Sunday turned out to be sleep and Netflix days.  A pot of beans was my meal for two days.  I was tired.

Monday I ventured out.  I needed to get back into the swing of things.  I started with a nice breakfast empanada and juice at Teconté.  The lady there recognized me and asked, “Where have you been?”

“I was in the States for a family emergency.”

“And you didn’t even bring me a gift!”

No, I didn’t get her a gift, but it was nice that I was remembered.

I took some pictures of my pretty little plaza and bought some groceries.  The day was sunny, with a perfect breeze.  Birds, mostly parrots, were signing in the trees.  It was a gorgeous heavenly day.

I posted a few pictures on Instagram and Facebook.  I didn’t say anything, but was going to let that be the message that I am back.

At 10:30, I walked down Avenida Velarde to my barber salon.  My barber, Elie, had not arrived yet, but I only had to wait for 2 minutes before she walked in the door.

“Señor George, where have you been?”  Somehow she got it in her head that my name was George.  The entire haircut, which is a truly amazing procedure for just $10, Elie kept calling me George.  So I joked that I was going to give her a new name.  Her new name is Roxie.

Lunchtime was approaching as she finished, so I decided it was time to visit my favorite restaurant on the Plaza, La Pascana.  How fun it is to walk in the door and Sebastian, one of the waiters, says, “Where have you been?  Do you want the usual?”

My usual there is fried yucca and a coke.  A delicious meal for $5.  Yes, of course, I wanted my usual.  But the best part was being remembered and appreciated.

During lunch, Debbie started writing me.  “You sly dog!  You are back and haven’t told anybody!”  I’m going to stop by her church this Thursday evening for prayer meeting.  She is going to let me surprise Pastor Percy.

After lunch, I walked across the street to the Plaza.  There was a group of teens dancing.   I assume they are preparing for Saturday’s Carnival festivities.  It was fun and colorful.  I walked to the Manzana 1, where there is an exhibition of colorful Carnival costumes. 

Sandra also wrote me asking if I wanted to go to lunch on Saturday.  Of course, I do!

Before I left the Plaza for good that day, I heard more music.  There was a small band, two men playing drums, and a third playing leaves.  I’ve seen people whistle with blades of grass, but this guy was playing  it like a musical instrument.  Amazing.

By the time I got home, my students at the SCCLC were texting me, asking if I was home. 

And so I am home.  It feels good.

Now, let’s get back to that novel.

While you are waiting for Onesimus to come in print, there are always my other two, Spartan Sisters and Mojon con Cara. Read one and tell me what you think.