We withdrew some Mexican pesos to pay for next month at our studio apartment in Playa del Carmen. I have one of those new fintech cards which imposes no ATM or foreign transaction fees. The black Visa card requires prepayment, but we use it like we used to use traveller's cheques. Oh, gosh, now I'm thinking about days of yore when a crisp book of American Express cheques stood ready before for a journey. That payment method harkens to the romantic days of travel, back before there was an Internet ...
It takes just about one month before a new place can become home. Stress and unfamiliarity have faded. The transformation abruptly occurred tonight when I was having a beer on the balcony and the cool December breeze had locals running for thin jackets. I sat bravely in shorts as the temperatures dipped to nearer 70°F than 80°F. I was watching the increased traffic and busses on the next block taking workers to their homes. One street light was periodically blinking on and off. The sala on my totopos was just the right combination of sour and hot.
We have been here a bit shy of four weeks but now have our bearings. The pantry and fridge are full. We've developed our new little habits and routines. For example, we made it down to the beach in the evening, although the clouds were much darker over the water than overhead.
I guess my hat is hung for a few more months. I'm home here.
