Our first full day in PV was primarily devoted to the practicalities of getting our house in order, so to speak. Not arising until well after 8, I took a 45 minute walk along the Malécon, that mile long stretch of walkway that runs along the ocean and is the primary gathering spot for people at night. As I made my way, I saw that they were setting up for the fireworks display (or a mortar assault on a neighboring state). It was huge, with giant mortar-like shells being prepared. Returned somewhat winded and a little warm, as it has already become quite hot by 10 am. Polley and I did a few household chores (she, of course, was still unpacking). We headed out about 11 to go to the very Mexican grocery store, me with disconnected strands of Spanish running in my head, preparing to confront bag boys and checkers.
As it was already a bit warm, we decided that the best way to begin a shopping tour was with a BEER! We stopped into this little Cuban restaurant and ordered 2 beers. Little did we know that by 11:30 am you are into Happy Hour and two for one beers. I caught Polley about halfway through the first one
We thought there was no way we would finish 4 beers, but it was such a delightful table, right in the window of the place, that we just sat there for nearly an hour and watched the other tourists wander by us. They had a little live music, with a Cuban man and woman as guitar and vocals. She had a very expressive sound.
We also had a wonderful view of the wild life along the beach. Here, if you look carefully, you can see three very proud pelicans perched on a wall near the Malécon
I realize now that I should have taken a photo or two in the grocery store. It was a madhouse! It was New Year's Eve day and people were stocking up. We, of course, not being very familiar with the "organization" of the store, ran from one end to the other finding the things on our list. Like much of Europe, the product divisions are carefully defined by each type of store. Who would guess that a place that carried Kleenex brand paper towels would not carry Kleenex! The store had shampoo, but no toothpaste (the airport having confiscated our for reasons of national security, if you recall). So finally, we got in line and paid for our purchases, remembering to tip the person who bags your groceries. Which is better in France, where no one bags the groceries; you are on your own.
We made the quite substantial trek home with 4 or 5 bags of groceries in hand. it was very warm and we were pretty done in, being out of shape for our serious assault on the hill where lies our home. We had a little delicious bread for lunch. Earlier onmy walk, I had found the bread baker that we discovered late in our stay last year. I took home a wonderful loaf of Jalapeño and Cheese bread. Just that and a little butter was lunch.
The rest of the afternoon was spent reading and napping. About 7 p.m. we decided to venture out and see how things were gearing up for the New Year. Many Mexicans it appeared had the day off as we saw many shopping when we had been out earlier. The evening was getting quite active. People were selling long sparklers (about 3 feet long) and here and there a firecracker would go off. We wandered south on the Malécon and stopped into a place we had frequented last year called Época (means "season"). It is actually owned by a former Portland school teacher. One of our favorite bartenders from last year was there, so I got a picture of Hannah and Polley.
It was an absolutely perfect evening. It was warm and there was not a breath of wind. We just sat and watched people and delighted in the fact that just 48 hours before we had been in the cold and damp of Portland. 4 hours by plane and we were in Paradise.
Originally we had the best of intentions to see the New Year in, but as we sat and sipped our wine, it became less and less important. We strolled along the Malécon, catching some of the blurred action of the evening as we went. Mostly kids with sparklers, bur also food stand after food stand along the way
As we turned away from the madness of the Malécon as it prepared for a simulation of World War III, we came across a stray kitten and, of course, Polley tried to cox it to her so we might have a roommate for the rest of our stay. If you look carefully, you can see the little critter near the curb and the car
Alas, after several valiant attempts, we were not able to grab the little fellow. She was intrigued, but there were so many sounds and people passing by, that it was just not meant to be. Too bad for the kitten, as you know we would have spoiled the hell out of her or him!
We got home about 10 p.m. Ate too much of a shrimp ceviche that we had bought earlier in the day (and way too many corn chips). Downed a little wine and said good night to 2008. In the middle of the night (actually 12 am, the world literally exploded in a barrage that went on for more than half an hour. Just when you thought it would quiet down, another assault would begin. Like last year, we heard people partying and singing until about 5:30 am, when things quieted down, so that the focus could be on the roosters and donkeys and their greetings to the New Year. Happy New to all!
Ed and Polley
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