To celebrate one of my friend´s birthday, other friend and I decide to surprise her with American comforts such as mimosas, french toast, and papaya... alright, the papaya was a little Mexican flare thrown in so we wouldn´t completely forget our current location, San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, after drinking a pitcher full of mimosa.
We woke up early to start preparing breakfast and watch after her one year old daughter, Violet. This was to be Holly´s day to sleep in. Surprise number one on Holly´s Birthday: There is no water. Lucky for us, it has been storming for the last three days and a bucket happened to be turned right-side up durning the whole of it. We have a bucket of rain water to wash the dishes before preparing our breakfast. We get started.
Throughout the preparation, Violet is being unusually grumpy. Violet is my second favorite child (second only to my nephew) and usually she is all cuddles and cooings in the morning. This morning, she has nearly thrown herself off the sofa twice and nearly smashed her face into the tile floor in a fit of rage. Anyone that tries to intercede on her behalf is met with very small fists wailing for hair, ears or face. Very sad looking chickens and dog have lost their calming appeal. Something is desperately wrong. Surprise number two of Holly´s Birthday: Violet is very, very sick.
I finish the french toast, Emily gets everything ready on the table, and we sit down to enjoy the breakfast. It is beautiful for our lack of running water and I am proud of our ability to cope in nearly third world conditions. Unfortunately, the water is now completely out, all our dishes are covered in egg, cream, or papaya, and before too long, the cockroaches will be singing happy birthday from the little kitchen among the grease and food scraps. Surprise number three on Holly´s Birthday: Perhaps it is time to venture out of San Cristobal for an overnight excursion until the water returns.
We leave the house with every intention of not returning until we have water and wander to a hospital for our miserable little Violet.
A Mexican Happy Birthday to you, Holly, with all its surprises!
I am amazed that in your third-worldish conditions you are able to post beautiful photos and words for your eager viewers.
ReplyDeleteOn another note: I do hope Violet is not too, too sick!