Day 2, in seventh heaven.

I slept until 11 this morning. I awoke to the sound of chirping birds flitting about a flowing fountain. I snuggled a bit deeper under the blanket, becuase the air conditioner had the room deliciously chilly. I grabbed the book I was reading (The Well of Lost Plots, by Jasper Fforde) and finished the final two chapters in bed.

Finally, I decided it was time to get up... only because I had a day of relaxation and discovery awaiting me.

I opened the door to the bathroom and was immediately immersed in a sauna of hot summer air. Even the floor tiles felt warm beneath my feet, compared to the refrigerated room that I had just slumbered in. A cool shower was just the trick to ease into this new day.

I spent the first part of my day downing a frozen cappuccino drink (yeah, I thought of you, sis!) while working on a Games magazine crossword puzzle. I also ordered an orange and carrot juice blend, becuase a guy needs his vitamins. (And because I know that Mom will be reading this journal entry.)

You might be wondering why I’m so crazy for this town. First of all, when I’m here I’m not working. And that certainly has its benefits.

But there is also something about the character of this sunny, southern city. It struck me again last night why I find it so appealing. I went to the movies at the posh Cineopolis movie theatres in the mall at the outskirts of town. I decided to see The Ring 2 for a bit of spine-chilling escapism. Scary stuff. Good popcorn.

The movie ended at about 10:30pm. The night was still comfortably warm, so I decided to make the trip back to my hotel on foot. Before setting out though, there was still time to enjoy one last frozen cappuccino at VIPs (kinda like a mexican version of Dennys, but classier.)

Now, As I left the restaurant, it was after 11pm. Hmm, perhaps a 45 minute walk at this hour wouldn’t be such a good idea. Still... a sweet breeze was blowing, I was still full of energy (yeah I know, the cappuccino) and a walk sure would be nice... What the heck, I thought, if I feel uncomfortable I’ll flag a cab.

About 10 minutes into the walk, I was laughing to myself. The streets were indeed filled... not with gang members, muggers, and denizens of the dark, but with couples, families, and senior citizens sitting on folding chairs infront of their homes. Kids rolled past me in Big Wheels and bicycles. Supermarkets were open, as well as farmacies, taco shops, fruit stands, etc. All this, late on a Sunday night!

As I finally made my way to the city center, I decided to head to Los Comales for one last icy watermelon shake. It was nearly midnight, but the place was packed. Large familes, ladino and indigenous, filled the place... the kids sipping on big glasses of chocolate milk or fruit drinks. Two older ladies sat a nearby table, their conversation punctuated with constant laughter. Young couples, leaning on each other, shared plates of delicious-looking food. Singers and guitar players took turns entertaining the diners, hoping for a donation.

This place is basically the anti-Guatemala City! And I am so stress-free right now that I feel like a slab of butter on a Tapachula afternoon street.

More tomorrow from your blissfully melted correspondent in Southern Mexico!