the home strech

Sorry for the slacking. I meant to write after the trip then again today, but with no internet for a few days at home and finals I didn’t have time. Well let me start with the trip. We left Wednesday night at 11:45. After a stop at the other bus station and a drug search we got on the road. Two and a half hours later we made it to the boarder. We got excited, but all fell asleep waiting for our turn. 5 hours later it was our turn. The border was uneventful and we continued on. About 45 minutes later was a checkpoint. Here the guard just saw we had US passports and moved on. Then at the end he called my friend and I off the bus to make sure our bags were on the bus and hadn’t been stolen. He then asked why we were in Monterrey, after answering school he said, “Oh, okay, because we all know Monterrey isn’t a tourist town.” We laughed and got back on the bus. Around 11:30 we made it to San Antonio. We were picked up by our friends that got in earlier, and got the rental van (a new Town and Country.) We then headed to Olive Garden to quell our insane appetites. After that it is on to the hotel about a block from the Riverwalk. Some people decided to take a nap the rest of us walked the river and went to the Alamo. It was then time to drop one of the girls off in Austin, so we decided to load all 10 of us in the van, instead of having 2 cars. It was pretty crazy we put the seats down and sat on the floor. We then ate dinner there and tried to go out, but with three of us being 20 it was hard to find one. The only one we found we abandoned after standing in there for 5 seconds and realizing that the whole club was carpeted and sour smelling. We got the car, and went to Wendy’s for Frostys. It was back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. But before going to bed we decided to pick the last two travelers up at 11, since they were on the same bus we were just the next day.

The next day we got up at 10 so we could pick the two Germans up at the bus station. We got there and found out the bus made it in at 7:30. Neither of them had phones, but while at the bus station one of the girls with an iPhone got an e-mail from them and quickly replied with her number. After picking them up it was lunch at IHOP, followed by a trip to a mall near 6 flags. The Americans didn’t by much thinking we have everything at home, but the 4 from Europe went crazy. When we were finished each had bought an iPod and the Germans had 10 bags each. It was then a trip to Best Buy. I bought a cool tri-pod, a late addition to my camera, but a good one. Then we checked out Target next door. We then stopped by Krispy Kream and got some all American doughnuts. It was then time to get ready for dinner. Dinner was at Outback, which was another great American meal. That night we had plans to go out in San Antonio. Half decided to go and the other half and I stayed in. After they got home, and complained it wasn’t that great we headed for a night trip on the Riverwalk. After another good night’s sleep the next day started. We went to UPS so some people could send home stuff. It was then time to shop some more at the River Center Mall. We ate lunch there along with Cinnabuns. We walked around the river and headed toward the lookout tower, and went to the top. In the gift shop they had jelly beans, which I have really missed, so I bought half a pound. We headed back to the mall, relaxed and decided to see “Made of Honor.” It was a funny movie and we all enjoyed it. After the movie it was on to dinner at Fuddruckers. At this point the two French girls asked if they could just eat ice cream, and if we always plan our days around eating. We laughed and said yes to both. We left town at 11 and this time only waited at the boarder 2 hours. The guards were rude and yelled at us for not getting exit passes for our student visas. We were told we might get fines, and we all decided they just want more money from us. We got back on the bus and I got to my house at 7. We all decided we missed the states and were glad to do stupid ordinary things together, so we wouldn’t have to feel wired doing the same things with friends at home. Waking up at 2 Sunday was half over. My roommates were gone all day so it was relaxing and quiet at home.

Monday was pretty mundane, last day for my Monday classes. In my culture class we found out the activities for the last month and final were canceled! Just our final presentation, which my group also had our country changed due to lack of info on Guatemala. Tuesday I had a project due and it marked the last day of school. At 1 they unveiled the international student photo exhibit. I got all 3 of my submissions in the show, but none placed. Wednesday marked the heat up this week and my first final. That afternoon I found out one final was made take home and I went to get the test. That afternoon a friend and I went to the center to buy all the last minute souvenirs. Thursday I had my hardest final, and am not sure how it will turn out. I got home and started on a final paper and my take home test. We then planned a final lunch at the signature restaurant here for next Monday. I found out I got a 90 in my class with the final Wednesday. Today was my final in History and then hung out with my former roommate. He decided to swing by the house for lunch and say goodbye to our host parents, since he can’t make it to lunch Monday. It was good to hang out with him. I then walked around taking last minute pictures and bearing the 100 degree heat and solid sun. I took a nap and now the plan is to go out for my last Friday to a friend’s birthday, then maybe an international student party.

Look for all the pictures on San Antonio, the City Center, and my neighborhood. In less than 6 days I will be home. I am really excited to get home and see everyone, but at the same time sad I have to leave all my new friends from here. I am already thinking of where to visit next, and who to see. Well look for one last blog while here in Mexico and one last blog when I get home.