Casa a Hogar

As the sun started its initial descent, the kitchen was filled with its normal yellow hue from the glass panes, and I was (and am) filled with gratitude for the wins over the last few weeks, built upon the first visit, giving me the hint that this feels more like home.

• Finding the sweet spot on the hot water knob to provide a shower that's warmer than my body temperature
• Learning the correct "open/close" direction on the black out blinds so that I don't get them stuck between floors (Unfortunately, all windows were affected last visit.)
• Successful lighting of the oven and stovetop range while keeping all my hair intact
• Navigating the host of opening lines to find the suitable response upon greeting with a kiss:
• Hola, qué tal?
• Comó andas?
• Todo bien?
• Qué haces?
• Como estas?
• Unassisted navigation to the gym, yoga, church, bakery and plaza
• Adoption of the 9 or 10pm dinner and 5pm merienda schedule
• Making acquaintances who know you are not local and are extra kind, speaking with a little slower cadence than their norm

I'm quite sure I underestimated the effort to live in an area that is not common for tourists, but I'm learning.