My husband, Peter, and I are back in our little place in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.Of course, it is not really “our” place. We don’t own it and have no desire to own anything here larger than a pressure cooker (yes, Peter bought one). When we arrived, Pepe at the front desk said, “Welcome home!” in English, and that is exactly how it felt: as if we had been away from home and were now returning.A large box that had formerly held boxes of Cocoa Puffs was already in our apartment, filled with the things we had been allowed to leave behind: kitchen stuff and some art and clothing. It’s nice having our things stored for us while we are away. It is nice to have other people worry about the internet and water and electricity and watering the many plants that fill the courtyard. It’s nice having someone at the front desk who will accept packages if we have any and say “good morning!” and “good afternoon!” whenever we come and go. And, I have to admit, it is nice to have Lulu.I’m not used to having housekeeping. But Lulu comes twice a week, and I’m getting to like it.Of course, I wash all my dishes, and six days of the week I make my own bed. I don’t leave clutter lying about. I find myself looking nervously around the kitchen to make sure the place looks OK before she comes. But then Lulu arrives with fresh white towels and a rag mop and a bucket full of cleaning supplies, and I smile at her and say, “How are you doing today, Lulu?”Lulu always says she is doing fine.Lulu is an older woman, thin and somewhat severe. Her hair is pulled back into a tight bun and she wears glasses. She does not readily smile and so, when she does, it is a special treat, because I am quite sure she is not doing it for show. Getting Lulu to smile has become one of my major goals on Mondays and Thursdays.It was a bit awkward at first. I was nervous having her in the apartment. Should I leave? Was I in her way? I’m pretty sure I made Lulu nervous, skittering around to avoid her and constantly apologizing for my existence. But this is our second stay in this apartment hotel, and we are getting used to ...
