arrivals

11/02/01

There is someone waiting at the airport with my name written in large letters. His taxi appears held together with wire and he has to coast to jump start the car. No problem. It is hot and humid. My hair is already starting to curl up. As we approach the city, he informs me that my hotel is full and he is to take me to another around the corner. It looks dark and shabby. I insist on going to the original hotel which looks a shade better from the outside. But a man comes out, smiles and shrugs and says, yes, it is full. A group came in and took all the rooms. I can come back tomorrow. So I am in your typical shabby room with 2 beds. It is clean. But no frills.