Friends Keep Us on the Go

Dear One and all,

The last two days certainly put an end to our usual uselessness. It was far from routine.

Actually, Tuesday began as a normal day. I got a good walk in, did a little grocery shopping and Polley and I headed for the beach. However, as we casually made our way up from the beach, anticipating our margarita, we suddenly became aware of a lingering invitation for 4 pm that afternoon. We had been invited by Pedro, one of the musicians from a local group of town minstrels,

here pictured on the far right, to his granddaughter's "Quincañera." This is a very formal celebration of a girl's 15th birthday and her passing from being a girl to a young woman. 15 was, historically, the age at which a young Mexican girl could marry. It was held in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. And when I say, "formal," I mean it. Although the picture is dark, you can see Pedro's very beautiful Andrea in her gown

She is accompanied by her court of young men

and the celebration involves a full mass

It was quite an event and we felt very honored to be a part of the festivities. It is followed, of course, by a party with a very formal structure to the dancing and partnering, much as we have in modern weddings. We ducked out on the party as the thought of struggling with Spanish in a large group rather overwhelmed us.

We sought the comfort of a local watering hole and were satisfied with a rather dramatic sunset at the end of one of the warmest days since our arrival.

We also needed to rest up for the following day, when our good friends, Beth, owner of Everday Wine, and her partner, Alice, were coming into town from Sayulita. They arrived a little after noon and for the next 7 hours we were on the town.

We dropped into the Cathedral, scene of our previous day's activities

and then headed to a number of sunny, beer-enhanced locations, We dropped into see Arturo and Ricardo at Langosta Loca and then it was on to the famous Blue Chairs, PV's most notable gay beach bar. It was fun as we were entertained by the waiter and a very "chi-chi" masseuse. We strolled along the major shopping street, Basilio Badillo and then it was over the La Fuente del Puente for a huge Mexican lunch. Shrimp fajitass, ceviche, and calamari filled the table along with the requisite margaritas.

No lunch would be complete without a little Mexican musical ambiance

along with a photo op with Liz and Richard (and the Iguana)

After lunch, at which Beth managed to pretty much not only clean the table, but also take a little salsa and ccortido home with her, we made the 83 step climb to our place for their introduction to true Mexican living. Time, however, just seemed to fly by, so with Beth and Alice wanting to witness of famous PV sunset, we tromped back down the hill to Roberto's for our third (fourth? fifith?) beer. It was a clear warm day once again and the sun failed to disappoint.

It was a great day and we so enjoyed sharing our places with them.. About 7 we walked them up to the bus stop so they could head back to Sayulita for their last 3 days of relaxation. Wonderful people and a wonderful time. We invite any and all of you to come on down! Anytime!

 

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