Well everyone, this is my last post for this summer. I've been holding off writing simply because it makes everything well... so final. I really hate saying goodbye and having to write it down just makes me think about having to leave.

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to getting home and seeing everyone face to face. I'm not looking forward to the trip, and the tons of work I have waiting for me when I get there. I guess that's the down side, but it's worth the 6 weeks of memories I've collected this trip, no doubt about it!

Let me fill you in on the last few days (since I've been in leaving denial).

The last few days in Acapulco were WET. I mean really wet. It rained all day Thursday and Friday. The roads were so swamped that we couldn't even get across the street without wading up to our ankles. I thought a lot about Jenny being in India during monsoon season! To pass the time we still went to the pool and swam (figuring we were still going to get wet), played cards (Doña Chuchys kicked our butts), and went to the movies. Thankfully we got most of the sightseeing done before the weather got bad.

We left for home at 5AM Saturday morning. I wasn't feeling so hot and I was miserable almost the entire 8 hour ride home. It was such a relief to be back at the house with a bathroom and a bed. The only thing that was kind of a hitch in the giddyup was that Juan Carlos' wedding was that evening at 7 and we got in at 2. It was straight to work getting unpacked, getting cleaned up, fed, and clothes pressed for the big do.

The formal ceremony was, well, formal. It was a Catholic ceremony in a cute little church, but it was really impersonal, and I was uncomfortable with all the procedures (not being Catholic). She looked great and he looked pale. Knowing him, he was worried about everything going off without a hitch and what the next three things that were going to happen. It went well and was an interesting insight into how things are so different.

The reception was the complete opposite! It was personal, comfortable, and dare I say it, FUN! Who knew that a wedding could be such a good time! I thought Courtney and Cory's wedding was a fluke, but maybe I'm wrong! The best part of the whole thing was that there were games and activities that are traditional that I've never seen in an American wedding! The bouquet and garter toss was present, as well as the toast (although done by one family member on the groom's side, not by the best man/maid of honor which they didn't have). No cake smashing, but lots of dancing and a thing called the snake, where all the ladies (and then the guys) make a chain holding hands and snake around the bride and groom while they hold hands and make an arch. The idea behind it is if they can hold strong together, then they can withstand what it takes to be in a committed marriage. When it was the guys turn, we really gave Juan Carlos hell and almost knocked him off his chair twice. It was wild, raucous, and a lot of fun. They held together, so it was a success!

There was also a 4 course meal which was delicious! I was surprised, because even though it was the traditional "catered chicken" it really was very good. After the meal and all the frivolity, it was time to dance. And man did I ever! I was out on the dance floor almost the entire night, dancing with just about anyone who would say yes! We danced until almost 3 in the morning.

When I thought I couldn't keep upright anymore, it was time for a quick meal of pozole (a mexican soup with hominy and spices) and chicken tacos. It hit the spot! Most of the guests had left, but we were nowhere near done. The alcohol was flowing and so all of Luisa and Juan Carlos' friends stuck around. We were sitting around getting caught up and joking around until about 6AM. Jorge and I got home and crashed about 6:30. I was WIPED. It was probably the most fun I had this trip, bar none!

The tiredness started the next morning (read: noonish). Don Jorge came into where I was sleeping and rousted me out of bed to ask what date would be good to head up to visit me next summer. His timeshare was on the phone and they wanted to give him a free week wherever he wanted. I swear I thought I was dreaming! I told him that I thought the 4th of July would be a cool time to visit, and then he was off to talk some more. He came back with his timeshare book and told me the only place he could book was Ocean Shores. I told him it was a great place to vacation, but not really very close to where we were. We got to talking about it and as of right now it looks like they'll be up for nearly 2 weeks and hit Seattle, Ocean Shores, and of course, Wenatchee. I couldn't believe his luck! So, get ready to party next summer, we're going to have company!

Later that afternoon we had the Marcuchines over. They are Don Jorge and Doña Chuchy's niece and nephew and their 2 kids. We had a goodbye lunch and had my birthday cake (that we never really got to on my birthday). We had my favorite meal and we even had yet another round of FLAMING BANANAS! Marlon (their oldest) helped me cut the cake and we played for a little while together before they headed for home. Then it was up to sleep again!

Today has been nothing but hanging around with the fam. Gaby was home most of the day and Jorge got home early so we just hung out while I packed. Doña Chuchys was amazing! She got all my clothes cleaned so I didn't have to wear dirty clothes for my 3 days in Burlington. Sooooooo wonderful!

My bags are so full of stuff I've had to pay a total of 40 bucks in over limit charges and I'm starting to wonder if I'll make it home before I run out of money! Hopefully they'll only charge me once and I won't have to pay for each flight, otherwise I could be ditching some weight. If it's your gift, I hope you'll understand.

Goodbyes always are the worst. It was lame leaving at the bus station this morning, but it wasn't as sad as usual. Jorge put it best... he said that it was like his older brother was heading off to work in the US for the year, but comes home for the summer. Funny, that's how I feel about it too. It's not so much about vacationing anymore (even though I did do a lot of that this trip), it's more about being with these people who I have such a strong affection for. I truly feel part of their family and I can't even describe how much I appreciate all they have done for me. I tell them often, but I really doubt they understand how much of a difference they have made in my life. I can't wait to return the favor next summer and take them around and treat them to some American hospitality.

Well, that's it. I can't believe 6 weeks have already passed. Thanks to everyone that's stuck with my rambling until the end. I hope you've had as much fun reading as I've had writing!

Hasta luego...