1. You call up a government office and no one answers the phone
2. You stop by the library during operating hours, only to be told they’re closed because they had a huge party the night before
3. You finally enter said library, and the very helpful librarian shows you relevant encyclopedias. Then she sends you out into the street with a stack of books and directions to a local copy shop.
4. You make an appointment to interview someone at their house. You show up at the agreed time. The other person, who is still getting dressed, says, “You’re so punctual!”
There are lots of great things about being a reporter here, too. When I was in Pachuca, people didn’t want to talk to me, but they told me so nicely. No one slammed the door in my face. (I’ve had the door slammed in my face before, but usually when I was inquiring about a dead child.)
On that happy note, I promise I will be blogging more once things calm down. You don’t even want to see my to-do list right now.