My flight leaves at 7:20am, which means I have to leave the resort 3 hours before that. The concierge told me that I could get a ride to the airport. He said that the security guard would wake me up at the appropriate time, and when I said that wasn't necessary, he pointed at the guy behind the sign-up desk for tours, and said, "He's the one who will drive you, so he will come to your door before then." I was then told to check out after dinner, since reception is only open until 11pm.

After dinner, I went to the reception desk to check out; there was another man behind the counter who spoke very little English. Since I know only a few phrases in Spanish, it was difficult to tell him about the arrangement I made with the first concierge. I was able to check out, but he didn't get the idea of someone on staff coming to pick me up. I don't know if I'm going to be panic-stricken, desperately trying to find someone to drive me to the airport, or if everything will go smoothly. I'm pretty sure it's going to be the latter; they've certainly had to drive people to their flights early before.

If I'm wrong about that, it'll at least make for an interesting entry.

Today was a fairly low-key day. After my marathon sleep session last night, I got up reluctantly (I probably could have slept all day), showered, and then heard a knock at the door. I thought it was housekeeping until I heard Renee's voice outside.

"Patrick? Are you okay?"

I let Renee and Amanda into my room. They were expecting me to show up after dinner last night and were a little worried that something happened. I assured them I was fine. Both of them seemed impressed with the room, especially the fact that it was ice cold. After they were satisfied that I hadn't been kidnapped or fallen down the stairs, I told them I'd catch up with them as soon as I finished getting ready.

I met the group back at the dining structure (I really should have taken a picture of it during the daytime) and we just hung out chatting for an hour or so, then some of us decided to get lunch back at Capitan Lafitte. Mo, Ian, Amanda and Renee went to the dive shop to get ready for snorkeling. I was supposed to go along, but I really wasn't in the mood to do anything too taxing today. A day full of activities is usually my choice on vacation, but then I usually need at least a day to recover, and I'm going back to work on Tuesday. (The concept of "work" right now is a bit foreign to me right now. I think I'll be able to locate my desk, but other than that, I can't make any promises.)

Lunch was pretty good. I think Lafitte holds out their best dishes for dinner, because what I had last night was better than either of the lunches I had there. Still, it was good enough, and I certainly enjoyed the company.

After lunch, I went back to my room to plug in Jeremy's battery recharger (for this trip, I was Keeper of the Electricity), and then read and wrote for awhile. The only "strenuous" activity I did was walk over to the small shop they have here and buy queso flavored potato chips (Lisa had bought a small bag on the tour yesterday, and I really liked them).

I went back to Kailuum and found Jeremy, Lyn and Brian sitting on the swings just outside the dining area. They were discussing a trip back to Playa del Carmen. I was going to ride along, but I noticed that everyone who was going was in a couple, and I really didn't want to be the third wheel for any couple who might want to have dinner alone, or whatever, so I opted to stay behind with the other folks and have dinner at Kailuum.

Dinner was very good. I usually don't care for fish, but whatever kind of fish they used for the entree was very mild and covered in a tangy sauce. Maybe I do care for fish, but I haven't had it decently prepared before. The only kind of fish my family likes is either shellfish or swordfish, both of which have a strong flavor. Milder fish might be something to look into.

Someone from the group that went into the Playa had written a message on the chalkboard for the rest of the Suspects to come meet everyone at a bar at 9pm. Mo asked me if I was interested in going, and I said I was if she was. She arranged for a taxi, and I went to settle the bill and confuse the night concierge.

I liked having a few minutes to chat one-on-one with Mo. I've been fairly quiet on this trip; I tend to sit back and listen in a small group, especially if it's a small group of people I don't know who know each other.

We arrived in the Playa and didn't get more than five steps onto 5th Avenue before we ran into Ian, Lisa, Frank, Trish and Jared. They seemed surprised to see us, and when Mo explained that we came to meet them at the bar, they said that they had already been there and Beth and Jeremy had already left. They didn't seem interested in staying any longer, so we stopped at a store so people could make some last-minute purchases and then took a cab back to the resort.

Most people were still up when we got back, though Amanda, Renee and Maya all went to bed shortly after we arrived. They all had to get up early to make their plane rides, and nobody else wanted to stay up all night.

I sat with the remaining folks and chatted as the wind picked up and started blowing pretty hard, bringing some rain along with it. We closed up the "windows" (large pieces of canvas that cover the openings) and talked about odd grandmothers, electric dog fences and the benefits or scariness of cottage cheese.

The rain must have knocked a few very large bugs into the dining area, because one landed on the table and crawled up the lamp. Some people freaked out; I tried to hold my cool while Frank snatched up the bug and tossed it aside. Lisa complained that Frank usually threw bugs outside, but Frank noted that we were outside already. Still, a lot of people moved to other tables.

I moved a little bit inward as well, but I felt very mature about my bug-dealing skills...until one landed in my hair. I flipped out just slightly (well, maybe a lot), and Frank re-threw the bug "outside."

There must have been more than one big, giant, evil bug in the storm, because I felt one crawl across my foot. At that point, the thought of a nice air-conditioned, well-lit, bug-free room appealed to me, so I bid everyone goodnight and good trips home.

I was a little bit worried about this trip before I left, but I'm very glad I made it. I've had nothing but fun since I arrived here in Mexico, and I truly like every one of the people I met. I think I'm always going to be a little shy around people I don't know very well, but the fact that I made this trip alone to meet people who I've met at the most twice (Amanda, who I met at JournalCon 1 and when she came to see my play) makes me feel a lot better about my socialability.

If anybody who went to Mexico is reading this, I'd just like to say thanks for a great time! It was great getting to know each of you, and I'm looking forward to the next TUSCon. Later this year, when I've bought my house or condo, any of you who want to visit Boston have a place to stay.