Disaster #1: At some point last month we randomly lost our internet capabilities, as in it just decided to stop working one day. This would normally not be too much of a travesty however it seems to be a worldwide trend that cable and internet companies have the all time worst customer service possible (ie:comcast). So we went to the actual building of megacable (our provider) and they said, "sure no problem, we'll have someone there within a few days". Well to make a long story short almost a month later after repeated visits to megacable, countless phone calls, and maybe a few tears we finally got our internet back. I know that sometimes we rely too much on it but living in a foreign country and not having any way to communicate with your homeland was pretty tough.
Disaster #2: So here in the lovely city of Tuxtla it is a luxury to have hot water in your household. We are lucky enough to have a hot water heater but when our old housemate moved out she took with her the tube that connects the gas tank to the hot water heater somehow damaging the tank which resulted in us losing the luxuries of the use of hot water as well as a stove or oven. We first tried to take matters in to our own hands and went to the hardware store where we explained to the men our problem and they came up with a solution however when we went home the solution was not quite successful. So after a few more days of cold showers and eating only food that did not require cooking, we got some of the maintenance men from school to come and have a look at things. They were able to fix the gas to the stove and oven but we needed another part for the hot water. So we waited a few weeks for them to get the part and find a time to come to our house (if you haven't gotten the theme yet, nothing happens quickly here in Mexico) and then finally were able to experience the tri-fecta of mexican luxuries: an oven, a stove, and hot water. Needless to say I am more appreciative than ever of my "comfortable" life now.
Disaster #3: Before I left the United States I realized there were a few items that I just wouldn't be able to fit in my bag, no matter how hard I tried. So I entrusted my mother to send them in a package to me in Mexico. I wish I could go through all of the details of the journey of this package but I fear it would result in pages and pages of meaningless rage at UPS and DHL so I will try to summarize with as neutral a tone as possible. After the first attempt via UPS the package was stopped in Mexico City and due to a bottle of Tums I had to pay $100 to have it sent back to chicago. Then on attempt numero dos after removing the contraband my mother sent it via DHL (as the postal service instructed) and it was once again stopped in Mexico City. However this time it was due to a suspicious dust (like what does that even mean). Also they requested that I provide medical statements to prove that the cardboard puzzles and games for my classroom were safe for children to play with because they were made in china....are you kidding me?!? But because this is Mexico and there is no such thing as honesty or accountability in the system they said if I paid $150 all of this would be waived. So after two months of waiting I desperately handed over my cash and finally got my package.
But wait, here's the real kicker: I later found our that these customs has a sort of random stoplight system for packages when they enter the country. And both times my package just happened to be lucky enough to get the red light which is why they both got such rigurous inspections...lucky me.
Moral of the story: If you want to send me a package don't be afraid just send it through the regular postal service and get a tracking number. This way it is much less likely to be opened and handled by greedy corrupt private shipping companies.
I have been promised by other teachers that the regular postal service is definitely the way to go and they have received numerous packages in just a few weeks so it should be safe.
If you are willing to take this risk, I would be so appreciative and thankful to receive any packages or letters you would be so kind as to send my way!
My address is:
Kat Bramley
American School Foundation of Chiapas
Blvd Belisario Dominguez
#5580- F Col. Teran
29057 Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas
Mexico
Sooooooooo all this to say, I have definitely turned a corner and it is amazing to have these loose ends tied up. Life is feeling more manageable these days and the weeks are not dragging by. School is still very challenging and I am working harder than I have in my entire life but I am learning tons and definitely becoming a better teacher everyday. Also I have been spending most of my free time (which isn't much with all the teaching, planning or tutoring) in the kitchen and am thinking about adding a new dimension to my blogging activity about my culinary endeavors...just something to look forward to!
