"On the Trail"

The Journals from the Road

March 15 (continued):   A break, and balloons! - Juchitan, Oaxaca

I spent a number of hours floundering in cyberspace, trying to upload photos to the PeaceBike Hometeam. I think I was somewhat successful but it took a long time. I had to change internet cafes because the first one wouldn't let me insert my disks. I spent a bit of time walkng around the market and then took a taxi back to Juan's home.

He had spent the last few hours looking for me because the message that I left with the first internet cafe didn't quite get through. I felt so bad but he said it was good exercise. I told him the phrase I learned from the Little House on the Prairie series 'All's well that ends well.' and he agreed.

Later Juan and I went to the center of town and I found a book on making balloon animals and figures at a book fair in the central park. We went to a Dulceria (candy store) full of tons of great treats, pinatas, and even globos (balloons).

I bought a pack and went home. His little brother, Cristofer, likes Pokemon so my first fabulous creation was a Pokemon Power Helmet. I have never seen the show but everyone needs a power helmet. He liked it but wanted a dog too. I attempted a dog but after a few twists and turns I ran out of balloon and handed him a two legged dog. He realized I wasn't at a professional level but accepted my half-breed-hot-air-dog gratiously. A few water balloons and the enlisting of my bike pump (to salvage my brain cells from lack of O2) put us in heavy duty fun mode. Even Juan turned red trying to blow up the balloons. A late dinner of tortas with Juan and another night in the hammock. This time I will apply insect repellent before they mandate a bloodletting. I am learning!

Peace(Bike),