i don´t belong here

i am reminded, whenever i visit places unlike, let´s say, the United States or South Korea, that i don´t belong there. there is something very peaceful about being somewhere that doesn´t exude the need to schedule every minute or to rush to the next thing. just being around people who are always in a hurry stresses me out, and the fact is that, on most days, i am that person.

five of us went hiking this morning in the foothills of the Sierra Madres right outside of Puerto Vallerta. we took our time walking up and down the hills, fording two rivers (crossing on horseback - one by one), and pointing out the various wildlife (mostly spiders). i´m hot, sweaty, thirsty, and curiously feeling quite at home.

in other news, it´s been nearly four days and no huge family meltdown yet. some mild bickering, yes. outright fighting, no. cross your fingers! my parents keep mostly to their cabin where my father is enjoying a lot of reading, and my mother is enjoying a lot of sleeping. my brother is feeling more at home on the ship and thus has found less of a need to be attached at my hip. he no longer acts hurt when i say that i need to be on my own for awhile.

we are eating well. my father loves food, and every meal is like his birthday. he gets giddy about his menu choices, and espouses the benefits of whatever food he is about to consume (potatoes, meat, lemonade, salad, whatever). ever watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding? my father reminds me of the father in the movie -- a neverending commercial for Windex, his native heritage/culture, and whatever food or fad he´s into at the moment.

oh, life on the cruise ship: well, this won´t surprise you i suppose. i have gone to karaoke every night thus far. people actually stop me on the ship and say, ¨hey - were you singing at karaoke last night?¨ Sunday, B-52s; Monday, the Bangles; Tuesday, Blondie. tonight i may try out for a singing-dancing part (Madonna) in the cruise ship´s final evening passenger celebration. if i do and get the part, apparently i get a free DVD of the performance. i´ll keep you posted.