Starbucks by the U.S. Embassy

Little by little I'm waking up, nursing a Carmel Machiatto at a Starbucks by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. This morning, Samuel, Aurora and their kids arrived at the house at 4:40. Our trip here was relatively traffic-free, although it always amazes me how many cars and trucks are on the road at 5 a.m. here.

Samuel and his family, the last I saw them, were with around 200 other people in line to enter the embassy for their 7 a.m. appointment. A lady was giving instructions regarding the multiple forms that need to be filled out via a bullhorn. Appointments are confirmed via Internet, 6:30 a.m. being the first one. I've heard the U.S. Embassy here is the world's biggest and most busy, and I certainly believe that. Little micro-businesses have formed around the crowd...selling pens, coffee and, of course, tamales. I just enjoyed what is called a torta de tamal, a Mexican tamales with green salsa and pork (actually, usually chicken, but the pork ones are better). It makes for a tasty, carbohydrate huge breakfast.

Last night we had a neighborhood meeting, with our neighbors in our 23-house complex. Turns out just last night, one of the neighbor's daughters was mugged around 9:30 at the corner of our house. Right outside our house. We live a neighborhood with pretty good security...but even so. Everyone was pretty worked up about that.

Here's a picture of Samuel drawing in Spain, last March.