Back in NYC

No, you didn't misread the title: Nikita and I are in NYC, hoping to achieve some real R&R this week, as the past two weeks have not been relaxing.

The Mexico trip was okay, probably the least successful vacation we've taken in a while. The condo we rented was outfitted for a bunch of surfers instead of a family. We didn't have enough linens or glassware (e.g., there was a coffeemaker, but only one mug). Although we stayed in San Jose del Cabo instead of the party-town Cabos San Lucas, it was very difficult to get good food at decent prices. The only food items of note (for me) were the ice cream (especially the Cookies & Cream!), corn on the cob slathered with mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, and chili sauce (the corn wasn't sweet, but tasted like a tortilla), and a goat milk caramel crepe. We ended up cooking for ourselves the second half of the trip.

Finally, although the weather suited Igor perfectly (think of a desert by the sea), Nikita wasn't himself for most of the trip. He had a low grade fever the second night we were there, and diarrhea the second half of the trip. The day after we returned, a quick check up at Nikita's doctor's turned into a two-night stay at the hospital to rehydrate him. I will say, however, that Nikita has since become much more interested in eating. Last night, he ate creamed broccoli and kale by himself.

So, we're here again in NYC while Galina is away in Moscow for a week and Igor sands and refinishes the stairs in the house. Because of this crazy month of traveling, Nikita now thinks he's supposed to sleep with someone. Just like he did a year ago. I guess I'll have to start the new semester retraining him to sleep on his own. I wish I remember how I did it last semester, after our Maine trip!