Another busy day with a lot accomplished. At 11, Fernando came for me so that I could apply to Telmex for internet; we did that but it takes 24 hours to get it in operation. While waiting we struck up a conversation with a woman about Barb’s age. It turned out that she was originally from Windsor, Ont. First her parents moved here and then she followed later and has been here for 30 years. She is really a conspiracy believer. She said that 9/11 was “an inside job.” When I commented that electing Bush once was not so unbelievable, but the second time seemed inexplicable. She just snorted that “he was not elected the second time or even the first!” Furthermore, the next election is also “fixed.” Anyway, we had a good chat.
On Friday, we arranged with the management company to have a maid come this Thursday for about 5 hours (at $3/hour). We’ll see if we make that twice a week. Also today, Fernando contacted the gardener who had previously been employed here. Fernando said that if you had someone who was already familiar with the house, it would be better. As it turns out, Rosendo has been doing the garden work at this house for 20 years. He charges $4/hour, but has both a power mover and gasoline grass edger. He has injured his knee so that he says that his wife and small son (about 8-10 years) both help him, I think for the same money. We have arranged for him to come 3 times a week for 2 hours each time. He was very friendly and was very pleased to be hired again.
Fernando also called a contractor to install a water purification system, a real necessity. The quoted price is about $530; I had been expecting about $2000! They came briefly this afternoon. They were supposed to come at 1:30, but arrived at about 3; they left after half an hour saying they would be back. Fernando called, called the plumbers who said that they would be here in half an hour, but never showed up. I think probably that they are on another job, but didn’t want to lose this one to some else so showed up briefly to get a small start on the job; or maybe this is just Mexico. However, we weren’t expecting it to be started so fast. Hopefully, over the next couple of days!. In any case, things seem to be getting organized in a very timely fashion.
The other really exciting thing was that shortly after noon, it began to cloud up and just before 4 it began to rain. In fact, it rained pretty hard for at least an hour. There was also great lightning and thunder, like in southern Ontario. It really cooled things off; it is less than 20 C outside now at 6 p.m. This seems to be a very early start for the rainy season. Usually, there are only a couple of light rains before the middle of June when the rainy season really gets underway. Maybe this was just a fluke.
Today (Tuesday May 13) was much cooler (about 16 C outside at 7:30 a.m.). It has gotten much hotter this afternoon to about 35 C. The plumbers came back this morning and finished installing the water purifier in about 2 hours; we now do not have to be careful about washing dishes and using the water. The glue used in the plastic pipes will provide some smell and taste for a day or two.
I was trying to get my internet setup but had no luck. I think that Telmex is taking longer than the 24 hours promised to connect the DSL. Hopefully, it will be set up tomorrow. I also see that our Halifax telephone number has been ported (i.e., transfered) today from Aliant to Primus, our VoIP provider. Thus, as soon as we get internet service, we may also be able to connect the VoIP equipment and have telephone service. Barb tried to call Halifax on the Mexican land line but it was terrible. She then tried the cell phone; it was better reception, but for some reason cut off before she was finished.
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