Yeah, yeah, I know that this isn't a picture from Xalapa, it's from Medellin, but I didn't take any pictures last night, I was too busy celebrating! Let me tell you all about it...

First things first, when I got up and staggered out of bed, I was hugged, hand shaked and wished all the best. It's a great way to start the day, let me tell you! I jumped in the shower, got cleaned up, and left with Gaby to see if I couldn't pamper myself a little while Gaby had to work.

Soooo... I walked for a few blocks and found a spa. I asked about services and they gave massages. I signed up for an hour and let me tell you what, I loved it. It was the perfect birthday gift to myself. The gal wasn't too rough, but I sure felt good when she was done. After that, I got my hair cut and a shave. I felt like a new man... not to mention that the whole thing cost less than $35! WAHOOOO!

From there Gaby and I headed for the house. I was made aware that Don Jorge's cooking normally consists of Campbell's cucumber soup, and bread (Doña Chuchys has been staying with her mom in Veracruz who isn't feeling well). Boy were we surprised to come home to a SPREAD! He BAKED (which isn't something that most Mexicans do on a regular basis) chicken cordon bleu (with ham, cheese, bacon, and even took the time to individually wrap each piece with string so it wouldn't bake apart. He also made a salad, and for dessert we had flaming bananas! It was a great meal!

After having my fill of delicious food, I passed out. A good 2 hours later, Gaby and I left the house to run errands. I had to mail my check home due to having my debit card number stolen by someone who had an appetite for $60 worth of pizza in England! Not to worry, I called the bank and I have some cash being wired my way to cover my last few weeks of travel here.

From there we picked up Jorge from work, and headed home. The plan was to go out for a birthday dinner with the fam once Doña Chuchys got home. Unfortunately, that didn't happen because Don Jorge got called in to an emergency surgery after his shift ended at 9. Needless to say plans were put on hold. So, Jorge called some of our friends here and we met at a bar called La Antigua, and we celebrated big time! Juan Carlos and his soon to be wife Luisa, Tavo, Gaby and I laughed the night away over a few beers and almost 2 kilos of tacos. We got home about midnight and I got my last birthday hug from Doña Chuchys who waited up for us to tell me happy birthday. It was the perfect way to end my first day as a 20-10 year old.