Days 31, 32 & 33 - Thursday 20th, Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd October 2005

I had originally planned to spend only two nights in Zacatecas but I was having a really good time just hanging around and doing not much. Also Tuesday and Wednesday had been let downs in terms of nights out, and I was in the mood for a big night. The owners of the hostel we were staying in (Hostal Villa Colonial - very good hostel, very well run, friendly and good facilities - definately recommended) informed us that Thursday evenings were busy so I thought why not hang around for one more night!

In order to appreciate my night of revelry I decided a day of relative relaxation was in order. A stroll around town later, I did nothing more except read my new book (I have read about 5 books in the last two weeks), soak up the sunshine and have a laugh with the other people who were staying at the hostel.

Later in the evening, the place was to be invaded by a hoarde of 17 Harvard Architecture students, and as such the hostel needed more space. As a result, they asked the 4 lads from Bath - Olds, Boycie, Mon and Greg - if they wouldn´t mind moving to an apartment just around the corner for half the price they were currently paying in the hostel. Needless to say, they accepted and moved into their new abode.

As a housewarming, we got a bottle of Bacardi and polished it off before visiting a few bars in the town. Originally the plan was to go to a bar in the mine, but we found out it had a cover charge of $100 Pesos (bear in mind I was paying $90 Pesos for my room per night). Instead we went to a bar/club named Gaudi, which was free to get in, and only $10 Pesos a beer. I think most Mexicans had the same idea as us, as it was absolutely packed. So at around 3am when it was kicking out time, everyone had enjoyed themselves, whilst spending hardly anything.

Friday and Saturday were more of the same, I intermingled wandering the city with reading my book, watching some old films on the cable TV the lads had in their apartment, and topping up my tan - or some combination of the above. Although I had thought only the Friday before in Vallarta that I didnt want to be sitting around and doing nothing with so much to explore, something about Zacatecas altered my perception on the matter. This was probably due to the fun I was having with a cool crowd of people. I guess there does need to be a day or two here or there where I kick back and do nothing, or I will get pretty tired of travelling pretty quickly. Thats my excuse anyway, and I am sticking to it.

One of the conversations that came up during these lazy days related to the things we were missing from home. Obviously family and friends were top of the list, but it was the smaller things that interested me. A decent cup of tea came up very regularly from the English contingent. I can remember Godders saying just the same thing in America. I generally only drink tea when it is made for me (my parents will vouch for that), so the lack of a daily dose of PG Tips doesnt really worry me.

The quirkiest thing I miss from home is the feeling of carpet under my feet. I have now gone about a month wearing nothing on my feet but flip flops and Reef sandals. I dont think I have worn any socks at all since leaving San Diego. I am used to feeling concrete or cold tiles under my feet now, but I really would like to to able to scrunch my toes onto the carpet in living room!

Sad I know!