'Ho-down

I was told there were a couple of mild earthquakes last weekend. I missed them both somehow. Probably, because at about the time the earth was moving I was being accosted by a prostitute on my way to San Camilo Market.  I had finished my TEFL class, bought some wine and was wandering the sketchy part of town like I do every Saturday. I've seen hookers scattered about, but on this day I ran into a 'ho cluster about a block from the market. I must have looked like a wounded gazelle because one of the prostitutes broke from the pack and latched onto my left arm and wouldn't let go. I was worried the rest of the pack was going to pounce and take me down, but they just watched and laughed as I tried to break free from the rogue 'ho. Not that I'm THAT kind of guy, but I did notice the woman grabbing me was young (compared to the rest of the pack) and fairly attractive (compared to the rest of pack). But that was no lady, a bunch of locals told me. One of the teachers in the know said, "Oh, the good-looking one? Kind of thin? That's a dude." Anyway, after I escaped the gift of grab I went to the market to buy some tooth paste and such. Of course, I got into a hassle over change, which can wear you down a little here. While I was bickering I put S/.20 in my jacket pocket and waited for the change I was due. I got my meager change and walked to El Super, the bustling supermarket "uptown" closer to where I live. I've had enough of the Central Market. I was about to buy some stuff at El Super but when I reached into my pocket, no S/.20. I'd been picked. Really, it was my fault for not taking smaller bills and not taking more care. But, it's tough to break the big bills I'm paid with here. The lines at the banks are crazy long, and the tellers are in no hurry. They have the power. You could easily spend 40 minutes in line trying to break S/.100. Kind of a catch 22. Luckily, it was only S/.20 and not my passport or credit cards.
Working lots -- teaching 44 hours a week. It's starting to take its toll. I'm in bed before 10 every night and I'm still dragging. Fought off a mild stomach thing (some bad anticuchos from the bridge). The rain has stopped and it feels more like summer with highs reaching 80. Still, very few people, including the kids, wear shorts here. It's blue jeans and T-shirts. Usually, it's just the tourists wearing shorts, and seeing their physiques, a lot of them really should be wearing more clothes. Got a countdown going ... I head back to the U.S. Feb. 6. Can't wait to see the family.