I awoke at 7 this morning, as we had set the alarm for our day trip. Lena sprang from bed and ran to her suitcase to get a card and gift for me. She then proceeded to sing Feliz Cumpleaños to me. That woke the others who serenaded me through the bathroom window while I was occupied there. A unique birthday experience after 63 years! Mi amigas are terrific!
We then caught taxis to the bus station and rode to Dolores Hidalgo, the city famous for its talavera pottery. Managed to find the same store-factory where we bought our dishes last year. Replaced a couple of chipped dishes, purchased some tiles for a border in one bathroom, as well as some other pieces. The pottery is a feast for the eyes. We then ate a huge lunch in a cute restaurant, walked some more, then sampled the delicious ice cream sold all around the town square. All the decisions (pottery, food, flavors) left us very tired, so SOME of us slept on the bus ride back to San Miguel. Dinner will be a light one tonight, maybe with more homemade margaritas on the palapa.
Forgot to mention that on Monday night we went to a concert at the library to hear a guitarist who also does Mexican harp music. Frank and I enjoyed him last year, and we were totally blown away by the amazing music. As Lena stated, "Everything in Mexico is about emotions." It is so true--the music, the bright colors, the smiles and voices, the food--it´s all so expressive, rather than reserved and restrained. Watching Sergio while listening to his extraordinary playing was an emotional experience. He donates his concerts at the library twice weekly to help fund the library´s cause of promoting literacy among the local children.
Yesterday brought two happy reunions. The first was meeting up with the artist, Carmello, our amigo from last year. He remembered me and we hugged happily. He was even happier when I introduced him to my amigas, as he is quite the salesman. I think we all bought from him. Well, we needed birthday gifts, items for donation to the Casa de Hogar´s auction, and for our homes. He is so talented and charming. When he senses your hesitation he puts the item in a plastic bag and you are sunk!
Later we ran into my friend Juan from last year. Earlier I had let his family friend, the shoe shine man, know I was here. HE remembered that Frank and I had treated Juan to a hamburguesa grande! So that afternoon, there was Juan. We´ll have to treat him to another burger while we are here, and I brought some gifts for him.
Part of the preparation for The Dia de los Muertos is the creation of intricately shaped candies made from sugar and egg whites. They are modeled into all sorts of shapes and placed on shrines to the dead family loved ones. They are just amazing to see. However, they attract bees, and they often have some pieces that are "sacrificed" at the side to the bees which are just swarming in huge clusters!
Part of the fun for me is sharing the special places we discovered last year with Jean, Karen, Lena, and Bernice. So far they seem as thrilled as I am. I must confess I haven´t been the best travel agent. Jean arrived at the Leon airport on Monday with no waiting driver. She showed the email confirmation she had printed out to the Shuttle rep, who noted that I had scheduled for November 25! Fortunately, she had no problem getting a ride. But I may need to rethink my future career options! Love it that my friends hold no grudges! We find more things to laugh over together every day. Making memories that will last forever!
I think tomorrow will be a more laid back day. Wait, I think I said that about yesterday!
Felicidades. Tres leches?
ReplyDelete