my sense are tingling

Here's some of what I was feeling/seeing/smelling/etc the first morning i arrived in Mexico...

SOUNDS
birds chirping their cheerful welcome
bugs buzzing in sweet harmony
a child protesting against a rude awakening
feet slapping on the pavement outside the courtyard
trucks growling past, bellowing their objections to the bumps in the road
cars honking in irritation and revving with impatience
dogs yapping at their fellow canines
the shrieks of mischievous children

FEELINGS
cement floor, smooth against my bare feet.
I inhale the sweet warmth into my nostrils, letting the air swirl its way through my cavities, bringing warmth into my chilled body. For once, I am warm from the inside out.

SMELL
a slight musky smell reminiscent of wet dirt, car exhaust, and many bodies
fresh warmth
the suble fragrance of shy hydrangeas mixed with the almost-gone scent of pink bugembelias

SIGHT
lush green plams treees intermingled with other trees laden with emerald offerings
the occassional tree swarming with lavendar flowers, offering a gift to eyes accustomed to browns and greens
run-down businesses, busy highways, people who go about their daily business, just like me. Where are they all going?
a yellow fortress home
a small corner garden - a sunny haven for both light-thirsty plants and warmth-seeking northerners