Well, it is that time of year again. The Nationals are, for the most part, on holidays for two weeks. At the very least, the kids are out of school for two weeks and the adults had THREE statutory holidays this week – Monday (which was Benito Juarez's birthday), Holy Thursday and Good Friday. Vallarta is overloaded with extra people and their extra vehicles, which means extra BIG headaches for anyone trying to get around town during the day. The buses aren't even running because traffic is so bad. The banks and most offices are closed for all three holidays (ie. three business days) this week. Oh and I almost forgot the flying termites are back! Currently, life in Vallarta is a nightmare!
But the sunset tonight was just beautiful … *sigh*
I'm at home tonight, hiding out. And I'm writing my blog using Word because I don't want to lose it all again. Sheesh! What a pain in the arse that was. The internet is still desperately slow tonight. It's taking me forever to answer emails and post on the Vallarta Scene board (http://www.vallartascene.com/forum/phpBB2/index.php). Other than my usual Monday night out with the girls (my friend Heather started this last month and so far it's been me, Heather, Sherry and Sally out for drinks, dinner with more drinks and then drinks after dinner), I've been here every night. Tuesday night I watched Sex and the City, last night I watched Spanglish and tonight I'm drinking una chela (beer) and talking to you.
Let me see – what's new? The store's been busy. We've had several ships in so far this week and even a tour bus stop by yesterday. That was kind of interesting. We decided to serve margaritas to these people so a lot of them came in, had a drink, used the bathroom and left. Somehow I don't think (1) we're the first stop on their tour or (2) they have a toilet on the bus. We are now just starting to receive all the stuff Mary Sue ordered in January while she was in New York so I'm very busy trying to get all that merchandise marked and down on to the floor for sale before the end of the holidays.
I went to Mezcales last weekend. My friend Caryl invited me out to a client's house with the rest of her office staff, along with their significant others. Caryl and her husband, Tom Carota, own Vallarta Sunset Properties, and we've been friends for over a year now, especially since Caryl and I learned we are both Librans. Anyway, Tom was in the States so I was Caryl's date. Her client, Fritz Schmitz (I kid you not!), owns a "fixer upper" is Mezcales about a five minute walk to the beach. The first thing he did when he bought the place was put in a HUGE swimming pool! It was a fun day, filled with too much sun, way too much food and very lively conversation. Fritz is Dutch and has an interesting "take" on just about every subject. The highlight of our visit was watching Fritz milk his goat, Rosa, while she ate leftover baked potatoes stuffed with goat cheese made from her own milk! Very surreal … LOL
My Spanish lessons are going well. I know how to say just about everything in the past tense which came in really handy last week when I left my sunglasses in the change room at Woolworth's. I was able to say "I forgot my sunglasses!" to the female employee AND the security guard who came running after me as I was leaving the store. I bought a beautiful Indian cotton full skirt for 50 pesos (about $5) and a couple of Indian cotton tops for the hot summer months. While we're on the subject of shopping at Woolworth's, I can't figure out why they won't let you try on any white bras there. How are you supposed to buy them if you can't try them on? I've learned to circumvent the system by trying on BLACK bras in the styles I actually want in white and then going back to pick up the white ones on my way to the cash.
Buying lingerie in a specialty store is even weirder. The merchandise is all on display behind glass with code numbers and sometimes the price. You have to go in and ask for the code number in order to see what you want. But there are no change rooms so you can't try anything on. The same thing applies to shoes. They are all on display in glass cases with code numbers and prices. You have to ask for the code number and then they will bring out the shoes, BUT only one pair at a time! You are allowed to try them on though. This probably explains why I have bought more shoes than lingerie since I've been here. Besides, the last bra and panty set I bought here went untested in the change room. Although it purported to be my size, when I got it home I was a little surprised at how my moderately sized Canadian breasts filled that pretty little Mexican bra! ;)
On that note, I think I will sign off and do some Spanish homework. The flying termites have disappeared so it is probably safe to turn on a few more lights. The full moon is due any night now. Govern yourself accordingly …
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Sunday, March 20, 2005
Friendly Favours
(My apologies for not posting something sooner but I've been having major headaches with my ISP! I had a terrific blog started on Sunday but lost it when CosmoRed crapped out on me! Thank you for your patience. -- Juliana xo)
Lately, there has been a lot of controversy in my life about "favours". Frequently, I am asked by my friends (and even blog readers I've never met) what I need/want from NOTB. Usually my frivolous requests for gum or candy are granted and the gifts are delivered by happy people on vacation who are thrilled to do this small favour for me. I remember I felt the same way when I was a tourist, bringing stuff down for the people who lived here. For the most part, the satisfaction I received from giving was enough repayment. I didn't ask people to reimburse me for my gifts although I'm sure they always offered, as I do now.
My first true experience with this "give and take" down here was during the initial Goddess Convention. My friend John Russell offered to pick the four of us up at the airport and transport us to our accomodations at Puesta del Sol. In exchange, we agree to bring numerous pints of Guiness for John. I had never met John in person but we had corresponded online for quite some time. What a great trade I made that day! Not only did I make a friend for life, but I experienced the joy of giving and receiving a favour from a friend (although the sight of John's car was a little disconcerting!) ;)
When I first moved here in October 2003, my future "landlords" were still in the process of closing the deal on the condo in which I was going to live so I needed to find another place to stay upon my arrival. I called my friend Jeff Musto about his place at Plazamar. I had stayed there before and really liked it. I have also referred numerous people to Jeff since then so I was confident that if he was able to rent me one of his units, he would, even on short notice. I only needed two nights accomodation and was surprised when Jeff said to take it for five nights, at no charge. Apparently he was familiar with real estate deals in Mexico! I will always be thankful to him for that. (You can see Jeff's condos at http://www.internetpv.com/!)
Shortly after my arrival here, someone did me a small favour and as is my custom (and maybe yours), I said to her, "I owe you one!". She jumped all over me, telling me that wasn't necessary and that's not how things "worked" down here. Well I can tell you from my experiences living in PV, that nothing could be further from the truth. If there was ever any place in the world where the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch your back" philosophy was embraced by so many, it is here in Vallarta! From the tour guides to the OPCs, from the restaurants to the jewellery stores, EVERYONE here does for one another and there is always some type of exchange involved. I get a discount or a free drink whenever I take new people to a favourite restaurant. We pay commissions to anyone who sends potential customers to our store. It is a way of life down here and it works!
I was recently berated online because I asked someone to bring me some Hershey's kisses. I was told that I could buy them here, at Sam's Club. All I had to do was find the time to go out there and get them. Oh and buy a membership card too! This was my reply: "People who have visited PV before know you can't always get "stuff from home" here and being generous of spirit, they are always asking us what we need/want. I can hardly say "Bring me your unmarried sons!". When I was a tourist, I used to offer all the time! It was a way for me to say thank you to the people down here who were giving me their time and advice. I didn't mind then and I certainly don't mind being on the receiving end now! I really don't see what the big deal is! If you don't want to do it, don't do it. No one is DEMANDING that you bring them anything! Better yet, direct your generosity towards the refugio or the cats by the Rio. I don't really need no stinkin' chocolates! Fair enough?"
My two "brothers" down here are perfect examples of this give and take. One wanted a job so I asked my boss if she was hiring. He came in to meet her, aced the interview and is now impressing the hell out of her! I got my job at Viva through a friend. I am so happy to be able to pass on this good fortune to someone else, especially someone as deserving as James. My other "brother" gave me some money last summer so that I could fly to Vallarta for a week. He just wrote out a cheque and mailed it to me, no strings attached. I was in the position to return this "favour" recently when Mary Sue was looking for someone with his skillset. Jeff is now working for Viva too! MSM calls me her own private personnel agency. ;)
So try not to forget the nice things that people have done for you in the past. If you have the chance to "repay" them, please do so. If they're gone from your life or not in a position to accept your favour, pass it on to someone else. It will be good karma if you do.
Lately, there has been a lot of controversy in my life about "favours". Frequently, I am asked by my friends (and even blog readers I've never met) what I need/want from NOTB. Usually my frivolous requests for gum or candy are granted and the gifts are delivered by happy people on vacation who are thrilled to do this small favour for me. I remember I felt the same way when I was a tourist, bringing stuff down for the people who lived here. For the most part, the satisfaction I received from giving was enough repayment. I didn't ask people to reimburse me for my gifts although I'm sure they always offered, as I do now.
My first true experience with this "give and take" down here was during the initial Goddess Convention. My friend John Russell offered to pick the four of us up at the airport and transport us to our accomodations at Puesta del Sol. In exchange, we agree to bring numerous pints of Guiness for John. I had never met John in person but we had corresponded online for quite some time. What a great trade I made that day! Not only did I make a friend for life, but I experienced the joy of giving and receiving a favour from a friend (although the sight of John's car was a little disconcerting!) ;)
When I first moved here in October 2003, my future "landlords" were still in the process of closing the deal on the condo in which I was going to live so I needed to find another place to stay upon my arrival. I called my friend Jeff Musto about his place at Plazamar. I had stayed there before and really liked it. I have also referred numerous people to Jeff since then so I was confident that if he was able to rent me one of his units, he would, even on short notice. I only needed two nights accomodation and was surprised when Jeff said to take it for five nights, at no charge. Apparently he was familiar with real estate deals in Mexico! I will always be thankful to him for that. (You can see Jeff's condos at http://www.internetpv.com/!)
Shortly after my arrival here, someone did me a small favour and as is my custom (and maybe yours), I said to her, "I owe you one!". She jumped all over me, telling me that wasn't necessary and that's not how things "worked" down here. Well I can tell you from my experiences living in PV, that nothing could be further from the truth. If there was ever any place in the world where the "you scratch my back, I'll scratch your back" philosophy was embraced by so many, it is here in Vallarta! From the tour guides to the OPCs, from the restaurants to the jewellery stores, EVERYONE here does for one another and there is always some type of exchange involved. I get a discount or a free drink whenever I take new people to a favourite restaurant. We pay commissions to anyone who sends potential customers to our store. It is a way of life down here and it works!
I was recently berated online because I asked someone to bring me some Hershey's kisses. I was told that I could buy them here, at Sam's Club. All I had to do was find the time to go out there and get them. Oh and buy a membership card too! This was my reply: "People who have visited PV before know you can't always get "stuff from home" here and being generous of spirit, they are always asking us what we need/want. I can hardly say "Bring me your unmarried sons!". When I was a tourist, I used to offer all the time! It was a way for me to say thank you to the people down here who were giving me their time and advice. I didn't mind then and I certainly don't mind being on the receiving end now! I really don't see what the big deal is! If you don't want to do it, don't do it. No one is DEMANDING that you bring them anything! Better yet, direct your generosity towards the refugio or the cats by the Rio. I don't really need no stinkin' chocolates! Fair enough?"
My two "brothers" down here are perfect examples of this give and take. One wanted a job so I asked my boss if she was hiring. He came in to meet her, aced the interview and is now impressing the hell out of her! I got my job at Viva through a friend. I am so happy to be able to pass on this good fortune to someone else, especially someone as deserving as James. My other "brother" gave me some money last summer so that I could fly to Vallarta for a week. He just wrote out a cheque and mailed it to me, no strings attached. I was in the position to return this "favour" recently when Mary Sue was looking for someone with his skillset. Jeff is now working for Viva too! MSM calls me her own private personnel agency. ;)
So try not to forget the nice things that people have done for you in the past. If you have the chance to "repay" them, please do so. If they're gone from your life or not in a position to accept your favour, pass it on to someone else. It will be good karma if you do.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Live Webcam!!!
They've installed a webcam at Cuates y Cuetes, one of our favourite watering holes right on the beach. Here is the link:
http://www.cuatesycuetes.com/home.htm
If you don't have Java installed, you will have to download it but once that's done, you can see what we see, especially at sunset.
Last night you would have seen John, Myles and me posing for the camera around 7PM. We might try again tonight, right before sunset so if you're interested, check us out!
Juliana xo
http://www.cuatesycuetes.com/home.htm
If you don't have Java installed, you will have to download it but once that's done, you can see what we see, especially at sunset.
Last night you would have seen John, Myles and me posing for the camera around 7PM. We might try again tonight, right before sunset so if you're interested, check us out!
Juliana xo
Saturday, March 12, 2005
Inquiring Minds Want To Know!
I received two emails yesterday asking me as follows:
Sherry: What's your plan, Amiga? Staying for the steamy weather or bailing out and heading for Toronto?
Linda: Did you ever make a decison about this summer?
So here's the answer you've all been waiting for ... (insert drum roll) ... I'm staying! I feel a lot differently about living here than I did last spring. There are a number of factors involved actually. My boss wants me to stay and I want to stay. In fact, my job seems to be more clearly defined this year with regular hours and that makes life easier. I'm earning more money than I did last year because I'm working more. Hopefully, things will slow down soon so I can take a vacation and see a bit more of this gorgeous country!
I feel happy and content here. I know more people and my Spanish is improving a lot. As a result, I feel more confident dealing with Mexicans in every type of situation and I feel more like a local. Plus I'm not homesick for Toronto like I was last year but still miss my friends and family! So a quick trip to Canada is in my, hopefully, not to distant future. I need to do my taxes, renew my passport and visit with everyone up there who is too reluctant to take a trip down here. With all the bad weather reports I've been hearing lately, I don't understand why more people aren't getting on the next plane and getting the heck out of there!
So what happens now? Well, Colleen is heading back to the U.S. on April 14th and our rent is paid until April 15th. I need to move out of here then and move into the cute little apartment I found yesterday! It's on Calle Naranjo ("Orange Tree Street"), about 1.5 blocks from El Brujo (a great restaurant), 1.5 blocks from Macchi's BBQ (another great local restaurant), 1.5 blocks from a gym and about a five minute walk to work!
My friend Valerie (from Canada) is living there now but she goes home to BC every summer so it will be available. The apartment is quiet and clean but very small. There is no stove so I need to get a microwave. There is cable TV but no phone. I would rather have the latter so I want to speak to the landlords about getting that hooked up if possible. I'm also thinking of buying a laptop with wireless capabilities so I can be online while I'm at home or outside when I'm not working. Everything in due time ...
I will miss the convenience of having a washer and dryer right off my bedroom like I have here but there is a laundrymat right around the corner! The coolest thing about the apartment is that is contained on two levels! The living room and kitchen are downstairs and the bedroom and bathroom are upstairs. There's no view of the ocean but that is not important to me. As soon as I saw the place, I knew I could live there and love it! I'm really looking forward to making it my home.
If you haven't already planned a trip to PV this year, what are you waiting for? I love having visitors and look forward to seeing you soon.
Sherry: What's your plan, Amiga? Staying for the steamy weather or bailing out and heading for Toronto?
Linda: Did you ever make a decison about this summer?
So here's the answer you've all been waiting for ... (insert drum roll) ... I'm staying! I feel a lot differently about living here than I did last spring. There are a number of factors involved actually. My boss wants me to stay and I want to stay. In fact, my job seems to be more clearly defined this year with regular hours and that makes life easier. I'm earning more money than I did last year because I'm working more. Hopefully, things will slow down soon so I can take a vacation and see a bit more of this gorgeous country!
I feel happy and content here. I know more people and my Spanish is improving a lot. As a result, I feel more confident dealing with Mexicans in every type of situation and I feel more like a local. Plus I'm not homesick for Toronto like I was last year but still miss my friends and family! So a quick trip to Canada is in my, hopefully, not to distant future. I need to do my taxes, renew my passport and visit with everyone up there who is too reluctant to take a trip down here. With all the bad weather reports I've been hearing lately, I don't understand why more people aren't getting on the next plane and getting the heck out of there!
So what happens now? Well, Colleen is heading back to the U.S. on April 14th and our rent is paid until April 15th. I need to move out of here then and move into the cute little apartment I found yesterday! It's on Calle Naranjo ("Orange Tree Street"), about 1.5 blocks from El Brujo (a great restaurant), 1.5 blocks from Macchi's BBQ (another great local restaurant), 1.5 blocks from a gym and about a five minute walk to work!
My friend Valerie (from Canada) is living there now but she goes home to BC every summer so it will be available. The apartment is quiet and clean but very small. There is no stove so I need to get a microwave. There is cable TV but no phone. I would rather have the latter so I want to speak to the landlords about getting that hooked up if possible. I'm also thinking of buying a laptop with wireless capabilities so I can be online while I'm at home or outside when I'm not working. Everything in due time ...
I will miss the convenience of having a washer and dryer right off my bedroom like I have here but there is a laundrymat right around the corner! The coolest thing about the apartment is that is contained on two levels! The living room and kitchen are downstairs and the bedroom and bathroom are upstairs. There's no view of the ocean but that is not important to me. As soon as I saw the place, I knew I could live there and love it! I'm really looking forward to making it my home.
If you haven't already planned a trip to PV this year, what are you waiting for? I love having visitors and look forward to seeing you soon.
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Busy, Busy Bee ...
Geez, even my Mom has started emailing me to tell me I'm not writing enough in my blog! :)
Before The Party
It's been a very busy fortnight. As you may recall, we had our very first trunk show at Viva last Tuesday night, highlighting two very talented, young female designers from Mexico City. In order to prepare for the show, they sent us about 15 kazillion pieces of their jewellery to be prepared for the party. Guess who got to mark it all? I worked ten days straight, including 10 or more hours the day and night of the party as well as the next day.
At The Party
In order to display their handmade jewellery, primarily made of leather and semi-precious stones, we had three huge display ramps made and pinned all the jewellery to them in various combinations of colour. ISHI bracelets and necklaces are meant to be wore 2 or 3 at a time and the effect is quite striking. This year, we had live music and served wine with finger sandwiches. Gina and Claudia were overwhelmed with the store, our staff and the people who came to see them. The party was a huge success.
The Day After The Party
We continued the trunk show on Wednesday since there were four cruise ships in port that day. At some point on Wednesday afternoon, the store was so crowded with cruiseship people, it felt like we were all back at the party from the night before! And people wonder why all I want to do is sleep on my day off. LOL
The Rest of This Week
I finally took a day off to recuperate as I had also worked Sunday (my usual day off) so on Thursday, I was able to join a group of friends down on Los Muertos beach for a get together of friends from the internet. Technically it was called a "beach party" but we ended up having lunch on the patio at the Lazy Lizard for a couple of hours. They grilled hamburgers, chicken breasts and chorizo (Mexican spicey sausage) for us on the BBQ and the beers were deliciously cold. I think at some point there were 16 of us sitting there, enjoying the day, which was sunny, breezy and warm. A perfect Vallarta day!
Friday and Saturday I returned to work. There is still so much merchandise to be marked, I'm not sure when I will get through it all. Easter is fast approaching and once it is over, the high season ends with it. At that point, we will all be able to take a breath, take one more day off a week and try to rest over the summer before starting it all up again next November.
The Becas Ball
Today, as Mary Sue and I were going over the price of things in the back room of the store, she got a phone call and near the end of it, she turned to me and said to her caller, "Yes, I have a willing victim standing right here in front of me". I wasn't sure what she meant but I am prepared for just about anything at this point in our working relationship. :) She asked me to do her a big favour -- she wanted me to go the Becas Ball at the Westin Regina in her stead. All she wanted to do was have a quiet evening at home so how could I resist? It was a chance to dress up, wear fabulous jewellery, eat free food and meet new people in a posh setting.
I popped into my local hairdresser (Salon Dili is right around the corner from where I live) and asked Benjamin if he could "do me" before tonight. We made an appointment for 6PM. I rushed home, showered and washed my hair before heading out to Chili's for a quick lunch. Then I came back home, laid down for 45 minutes before my appointment. Benjamin did a fabulous "up do" for only 200 pesos and I was on my way to looking incredible. After an extra meticulous make-up job, I donned my gorgeous Denise Cruz top, black slacks and black leather espadrilles and headed over to Viva with a mission to find the perfect jewellery to go with my ensemble.
Having a whole store at your disposal might sound like a dream come true to most women but the fact is, the choice is overwhelming. And I've heard this many time from people who come to the store for the very first time. There is just too much to take in during one visit. So many people come back 3 or 4 times during their vacation. I sort of had an idea of what I wanted but relied on the evening staff to help me, particularly Amaranta who has an unerring eye for what looks good. Plus, we have sort of the same taste so I knew I would love whatever she picked out for me and I did! A beautiful pair of chandelier earrings made of sparkling faceted blue topaz briolettes on sterling silver chains meant no necklace was required but the outfit was still missing something. Donna helped by placing a 3" wide bracelet set with Swarovski crystals on my wrist. Now I was ready for the ball ...
I arrived in time for the free bar and silent auction. I bid on two framed Marta Gilbert posters and a Salon Dili gift certificate. I was outbid on all items. I didn't know any of my dinner companions at Table 12 but I knew people at every table around me including Lucy from Lucy's CuCu Cabana and my friends Donna and Irv, who were sitting at the table right across from me. My hosts, Pat and Richard, were intrinsically involved in the planning of the Ball so I felt very fortunate to sit with them for this wonderful event. Dinner was surprisingly good (given the number of people being served) and was complimented by two great bottles of wine from Oregon, bid on and won by one of my table mates who graciously had both bottles uncorked for our enjoyment. A scrumptious chocolate cake rounded out our meal. Ymmm!!!
Items up for live auction included two rounds of golf at the Four Seasons golf club valued at (get this) $4,950 pesos! EGADS!!! One of the most interesting items up for auction was a backgammon set purportedly owned by John Huston but there was no certificate of authenticity so I had to let that one go to another bidder. :) All in all, it was a tremendous evening, benefitting a very worthy cause. Becas Vallarta, A.C. is a non-profit, tax-deductible Mexican foundation started in 1961 to raise funds for scholarships for students in grade 8 through university. The annual Becas Ball is the main source of funds for supporting the deserving students, and at present the foundation is giving grants to 286 students, 79 in Secundaria, 136 in Preparatoria and 71 in University. The bar for receiving a Becas scholarship is deliberately set high. Families must demonstrate real economic need and students - with their parents' full support - must be fully committed to serious educational progress. Students must maintain at least an 8.5 grade point average. The grade point average of students who receive scholarships is actually much higher than that, with many perfect 10's among them (copied from www.banderasnews.com).
That's it, that's all for tonight folks! I'm off again tomorrow for my regular day off and then back to the grind on Monday. I hope you're having a wonderful time wherever you are and look forward to seeing some of you very, very soon. ;)
Before The Party
It's been a very busy fortnight. As you may recall, we had our very first trunk show at Viva last Tuesday night, highlighting two very talented, young female designers from Mexico City. In order to prepare for the show, they sent us about 15 kazillion pieces of their jewellery to be prepared for the party. Guess who got to mark it all? I worked ten days straight, including 10 or more hours the day and night of the party as well as the next day.
At The Party
In order to display their handmade jewellery, primarily made of leather and semi-precious stones, we had three huge display ramps made and pinned all the jewellery to them in various combinations of colour. ISHI bracelets and necklaces are meant to be wore 2 or 3 at a time and the effect is quite striking. This year, we had live music and served wine with finger sandwiches. Gina and Claudia were overwhelmed with the store, our staff and the people who came to see them. The party was a huge success.
The Day After The Party
We continued the trunk show on Wednesday since there were four cruise ships in port that day. At some point on Wednesday afternoon, the store was so crowded with cruiseship people, it felt like we were all back at the party from the night before! And people wonder why all I want to do is sleep on my day off. LOL
The Rest of This Week
I finally took a day off to recuperate as I had also worked Sunday (my usual day off) so on Thursday, I was able to join a group of friends down on Los Muertos beach for a get together of friends from the internet. Technically it was called a "beach party" but we ended up having lunch on the patio at the Lazy Lizard for a couple of hours. They grilled hamburgers, chicken breasts and chorizo (Mexican spicey sausage) for us on the BBQ and the beers were deliciously cold. I think at some point there were 16 of us sitting there, enjoying the day, which was sunny, breezy and warm. A perfect Vallarta day!
Friday and Saturday I returned to work. There is still so much merchandise to be marked, I'm not sure when I will get through it all. Easter is fast approaching and once it is over, the high season ends with it. At that point, we will all be able to take a breath, take one more day off a week and try to rest over the summer before starting it all up again next November.
The Becas Ball
Today, as Mary Sue and I were going over the price of things in the back room of the store, she got a phone call and near the end of it, she turned to me and said to her caller, "Yes, I have a willing victim standing right here in front of me". I wasn't sure what she meant but I am prepared for just about anything at this point in our working relationship. :) She asked me to do her a big favour -- she wanted me to go the Becas Ball at the Westin Regina in her stead. All she wanted to do was have a quiet evening at home so how could I resist? It was a chance to dress up, wear fabulous jewellery, eat free food and meet new people in a posh setting.
I popped into my local hairdresser (Salon Dili is right around the corner from where I live) and asked Benjamin if he could "do me" before tonight. We made an appointment for 6PM. I rushed home, showered and washed my hair before heading out to Chili's for a quick lunch. Then I came back home, laid down for 45 minutes before my appointment. Benjamin did a fabulous "up do" for only 200 pesos and I was on my way to looking incredible. After an extra meticulous make-up job, I donned my gorgeous Denise Cruz top, black slacks and black leather espadrilles and headed over to Viva with a mission to find the perfect jewellery to go with my ensemble.
Having a whole store at your disposal might sound like a dream come true to most women but the fact is, the choice is overwhelming. And I've heard this many time from people who come to the store for the very first time. There is just too much to take in during one visit. So many people come back 3 or 4 times during their vacation. I sort of had an idea of what I wanted but relied on the evening staff to help me, particularly Amaranta who has an unerring eye for what looks good. Plus, we have sort of the same taste so I knew I would love whatever she picked out for me and I did! A beautiful pair of chandelier earrings made of sparkling faceted blue topaz briolettes on sterling silver chains meant no necklace was required but the outfit was still missing something. Donna helped by placing a 3" wide bracelet set with Swarovski crystals on my wrist. Now I was ready for the ball ...
I arrived in time for the free bar and silent auction. I bid on two framed Marta Gilbert posters and a Salon Dili gift certificate. I was outbid on all items. I didn't know any of my dinner companions at Table 12 but I knew people at every table around me including Lucy from Lucy's CuCu Cabana and my friends Donna and Irv, who were sitting at the table right across from me. My hosts, Pat and Richard, were intrinsically involved in the planning of the Ball so I felt very fortunate to sit with them for this wonderful event. Dinner was surprisingly good (given the number of people being served) and was complimented by two great bottles of wine from Oregon, bid on and won by one of my table mates who graciously had both bottles uncorked for our enjoyment. A scrumptious chocolate cake rounded out our meal. Ymmm!!!
Items up for live auction included two rounds of golf at the Four Seasons golf club valued at (get this) $4,950 pesos! EGADS!!! One of the most interesting items up for auction was a backgammon set purportedly owned by John Huston but there was no certificate of authenticity so I had to let that one go to another bidder. :) All in all, it was a tremendous evening, benefitting a very worthy cause. Becas Vallarta, A.C. is a non-profit, tax-deductible Mexican foundation started in 1961 to raise funds for scholarships for students in grade 8 through university. The annual Becas Ball is the main source of funds for supporting the deserving students, and at present the foundation is giving grants to 286 students, 79 in Secundaria, 136 in Preparatoria and 71 in University. The bar for receiving a Becas scholarship is deliberately set high. Families must demonstrate real economic need and students - with their parents' full support - must be fully committed to serious educational progress. Students must maintain at least an 8.5 grade point average. The grade point average of students who receive scholarships is actually much higher than that, with many perfect 10's among them (copied from www.banderasnews.com).
That's it, that's all for tonight folks! I'm off again tomorrow for my regular day off and then back to the grind on Monday. I hope you're having a wonderful time wherever you are and look forward to seeing some of you very, very soon. ;)
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