Dec. 19: It finally happened today; I gave up on waiting for a taxi after standing—rather, marching—for over two hours in freezing temperatures. I don’t know how cold it was actually. My thermometer broke. But it was cold enough to warrant two layers of long underwear, a fleece, and a down coat. My eyelashes froze. I don’t know how I would have made it without my iPod to entertain me.

Fortunately, I’d literally walked only 10 steps back to my village when a car finally drove by in my direction. I ran willy-knilly after it (unable to feel the feet I ran upon) until it stopped. You know what’s worse than loosing all feeling in your feet? Getting it back. The 30 minute jaunt up the road was painful, but worth it for the care packages that waited for me at the end. My parents, bless them, sent me two for Christmas. My room is now nicely decked out for the season—complete with a nativity set (although missing Mary; for some reason customs confiscated her). But I must admit, I am even more excited about the Cliff Bars, tuna fish, and mac’n’cheese. Thanks folks.