Highs and Lows

Well like everything in life. There are ups and downs. I have moments when I wonder what the hell I am doing. Being alone on such a mission, with the dream of writing a book, starting a buisiness even making a TV programme... at times the lack of the immediate support of loved ones is difficult. A hug over the phone is wonderful but not the same as the real thing.

Today was a little disappointing. One of the restaurants that Jaime introduced me to, was where I was this afternoon. The lady was evidently not so keen to teach me anything, rather telling what I need to do was spend a week and pay her as a cooking school. In some respects this is fair enough, but I wish she had told me this before so that I could have done something else with my day... Even so I ended up being there 2 hours partly talking to her, partly waiting. Wanting to just walk out and go and enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

Towards the end of the 2 hours her staff changed shift. An older lady came in looking tired. I asked her if she was ok, and we chatted a while. Then I left. A little disheartened and with no new recipes, I went and sat in the last of the sun infront of the Church of Santa Domingo to read my book, which by the way is fasinating and I can`t put it down. Its called Shapeshifting by John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman. I think I`m learning how to shift my attitudes and make dreams reality. Pretty apt being here alone.

Once the sun had gone I started to head back through the crowd towards my hotel. I nearly walked right into the tired lady from the restaurant. She immediately took my arm and said give me your email address, if you want recipes I`ll give you them. Just don`t tell the Senóra. I`ve worked for her for 29 years and I do nearly all the cooking anyway. She won`t give you recipes but I can. We went to one side and sat on a bench and she said infact why don`t you come with me to my village with me on sunday, its 2 hours away and we`ll have to leave here at 7.30, but we can go there and I can teach you some things, just don`t tell the Senóra!

So on sunday an adventure into rural Oaxaca awaits! I gave her a big hug and a kiss on the cheek. Thank you Edith!