Day 3

First Day On The Job.

My first day on the job in Queretaro... I had a few butterflies, but the silver lining to being a gringo is that a majority of the people have low expectations. Like, really low expectations, as in they are surprised I can tie my own shoes. Siemens, in an effort to salvage my dignity for me, has mandated that I take Spanish lessons. So, today I contacted a Spanish instructor. I have chosen this one out of all the possible Spanish instructors, because his name is Fabio. I think anyone reading this will understand my reasoning here. This is probably a good point to point out that Blaise Pascal once said: "The heart has its reasons, that reason does not know."

Anyways, in addition to hiring Fabio (instructions to start next week or the one after), today went pretty well. I managed to smooth out the issue with the company phone, and, con suerte, I might even get to the grocery store later and expand on my guacamole-only diet. The best part of my day so far was on the ride to work when I was informed that I have a soccer game Thursday night. Awesome, I can definitely deal with that. My soccer cleats (and xbox!) were supposed to be on their way down, but apparently it costs $600 to ship a load of crap to Mejico? Plan B is still in the works, but I will probably stop by Sports Authority and pick up some emergency cleats for the game on Thursday...

Back home now, after hitting up Wal-Mart for some more groceries, though no Sports Authority for emergency cleats. I have successfully expanded my drink options from only Dos Equis to now include: Modelo Especial, water, and orange juice. The stove in my kitchen doesn't work (probably operator error), so I cooked half of a frozen pizza in the microwave oven, and then attempted a quesadilla in the quesadilla maker that was left here by the previous tenant. The pizza was fine, but the quesadisaster... I just finished cleaning up.

I intend to do the dishes, go back and blog about Day 2 (yes, I'm doing these out of order), and then slip into a comfortable coma. For now, let me leave you with...

Important lesson for the day: Mexicans don't really care about cheddar cheese. This breaks my heart. And blows my mind. I decided not to bother arguing for the merits of cheddar cheese over other cheeses, but let me say this: it is hypocritical to have a country so obsessed with cheese, and to not at least offer a small spread of cheddar. There, I said it.