The Presentation Went OK-Great Hospitality

I slept on a really hard bed but did sleep. I managed to remember my pants and arrived int he lobby to meet the person who invited me to speak at the conference. I think the presentation went well but it is hard to tell how well the translator managed to do her job. Most of the people who gave me feed back spoke English. I did get a follow up invitation to do a workshop here and another to speak in Tijuana eventually.

I spent most of the rest of the day in conference sessions where I really understood only a little of what was going on. The topics sound very interesting but when you cannot understand most of what is being said around you the jokes fly right over your head. I discovered that powerpoint slides are a powerful tool in helping second language speakers stay focused and understand you. I had one and another presenter had one but the remainder did not and it was much harder to keep up with the thread of the discussions. It does make me want to return to Spanish lessons so I can do a better job of communicating.

I am right now sitting in the bar. I had a yummy vodka and fresh orange juice and am taking my life into my hands with a plate of Jamon (smells like dirty feet) and cheese. Pray for my stomach health.

On the food front I had to face the dreaded meal with the conference goers. It was tough going as the first course was pasta with a green tomato sauce. I picked at it and chewed really well. That was followed by a very large piece of chicken with ham inside and steamed vegetables and finally a very large piece of tres leches cake. Every thing was absolutely delicious and I ate an embarrassingly small amount that was noticed by my table mates. I was asked if I had a problem with the food and all I could say was I was full..which I was but im not sure they believed me.

The view from my hotel I found out today is of the olympic village (sorry no pics as I left the beast at home). In the front is the mall I already mentioned. Tomorrow I am skipping the conference and another very kind conference goer who has lived her for 28 years has written up an itinerary that I will follow. First the main square and an glaciological dig museum followed by a walk and lunch to a historical park and finally the anthropology museum. I am going to live on the wild side and hope for decent cabs. Apparently they are very expensive here.

Update--the Jamon in cheese is not feeling too good...a little nauseous. I knew when i tried it that I should be afraid. I am trying to remain calm and collected. Saying to myself--its in your head its in your head.