Getting settled

Hi Everybody,

The flight down was fine. It took forever to get through Immigration, just a long line. Then when at the car rental place, for some reason, our reservation had been canceled. Fortunately they had plenty of cars, just not a mini-van like we had reserved. We crammed our 7 suitcases, backpack and briefcase into a Chevy Malibu. We barely fit. I'm glad I didn't bring my bike.

The drive from Mexico City to Puebla was fine. It a bit scary to drive through Mexico City at night, in the dark. But we found the right roads without any mistakes. We got to the hotel and they did have our reservation. In fact, it was for a two bedroom suite at a cost of $380/night (that's dollars not pesos!) Very nice room. In the morning out Jenny's window we could see the Popo volcano with snow on the upper levels and smoke coming out the top. Really cool!!

We stayed two nights in that room and then changed it for a regular double room. Not nearly as nice but only $114/night.

We've been super busy trying to get things set up for a normal life. We have a relocation specialist, a Puebla local, working with us to set things up. We first went to Jenny's school. She was supposed totake a math test, but because it was in Spanish the didn't give it to
her. Instead she took an English test which, of course, was a piece of cake for her. We fill out loads of paperwork and have her ready to start classes. In the meantime, there is still some documents that we need to get, including specials seals on her transcript from the California Sec of State. Definitely a hassle.

We've also been looking for a house. The company want us to rent a furnished house but there aren't many of those. After looking at several we decided on a house. We are working out the furnishings with a separate company and meet with them tomorrow morning.

The house is in a very safe part of town, a very nice neighborhood with 24 hour security at the entrance. In addition there is a security wall around the property with intercom so we can see who is there and buzz them in if we want. It has four bedrooms so Julie gets an art room and we still have a dedicated guest room. All bedrooms have their own full bathrooms. In addition is has a nice sized kitchen, living room, family room, an alcove that will work fine for a piano and computer as well as a small area I can use to ride my bike on the trainer. All the homes we saw, including this one, has a small servants room with it's own bathroom. I'm not sure when we move in.Certainly not before the weekend, more likely early next week.

We also found a car for Julie. The company is selling a 2006 Honda CRV that is in fine shape and at a decent price. So we are planning to buy it. We'll get Julie a GPS as well (It's tough to learn a new area, especially when street signs are rare). I think she'll get her car Thursday.

The company has ordered me a new MDX. It was tough to sell my old MDX, knowing I'll get a new one definitely helps. I think I'll get it Friday.

We got new phones for Jenny and Julie that will be working tomorrow afternoon. We found a plan that lets them call the US for about a dollar each 15 munites. We'll let you know the numbers as soon as we figure out how to use them!

I still haven't figured out how to get my workouts in. Biking here early in the morning in the dark is going to be tough! There are pools around but the two I've checked out are very expensive. I'll keep looking.

Tomorrow is all about the furniture, Thursday I'll go into the plant for the first time. We're thinking about picking up a computer so Julie and Jenny can get started with Rosetta Stone while I'm at work.

Anyway, lots going on! It's been intense but it's all working out. I continue to be super impressed by Julie and Jenny's great attitude. I'm very lucky!

- Tom