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. ;)
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
One Month to GCIV!!!
THE GODDESS HANDBOOK
Goddess Heirarchy
Julie Anne is the Head Goddess. This doesn't mean she knows everything but she knows enough. Besides, she organizes the convention every year so that, in itself, gives her certain rights and privileges. Juliana says, "It's my party and I'll invite whoever I want!"
Rose is the next best thing to Julie Anne. She is Julie Anne's 2IC (Second In Command). If Julie Anne is too busy or too tired, speak to Rose. When it comes to matters of good taste, speak to Rose. When in doubt about proper Goddess behaviour or attire, speak to Rose.
Heidi is the Mini Goddess. She may be the smallest Goddess you'll ever meet but she's got the biggest attitude. Watch and listen to Heidi -- you can learn a lot about Goddess behaviour from her!
Beatrice is the person most likely to lead us into trouble. Watch out for Beatrice! She is also our resident "Frida-phile" so if you see anything Frida-related, tell Beatrice. Beatrice also has the strongest liver of any Goddess you will ever meet. You will be taking your life into your hands partying with Beatrice. She also is the most fun! Oh, and if she has an idea for a group shot, go with it.
Mary Ann is also very capable of leading us into trouble. So make sure you follow her and do whatever she does. When she starts drinking margaritas, watch out! Either get out of the way or join in. Joining in is much more fun. Mary Ann has a great nose for wine and bars where good looking guys can be found. Like I said, follow her anywhere and you are guaranteed a rip snorting good time.
Goddess Behaviour
You must be over 40 to be a Goddess.
If you're under age 40, you are a GIT (Goddess-In-Training).
If you're confident, funny, outspoken, assertive and friendly, you are definitely a Goddess!
Every Goddess has a Spanish or Mexican name. Choose one for yourself and advise the Head Goddess or the 2IC. The following names have already been taken:
Juliana - Julie Anne
Rosa - Rose
Nancy - Heidi (it's a long story!)
Frida - Beatrice
Mariana - Mary Ann
If you're too shy to wear your tiara in public, you are not Goddess material.
A diva is not a Goddess. A diva is too high maintenance to hang with the Goddesses (you divas know who you are … don't bother coming to the party).
If you have to ask a fellow Goddess what to wear, more than once, you're a diva so get lost!
If you complain ad nauseum (that's Latin for "a lot") about your weight or hair or makeup or clothes or anything else (other than men), you are a diva. Take a hike!
If you talk incessantly about your husband, boyfriend and/or children, you are a diva. Shut up and go away!
However, if you have a husband AND a boyfriend, you are a Goddess.
Goddess Attire
Tiaras are MANDATORY for all Goddess Events.
When not worn, tiaras must be kept in a place of honour.
Tiaras can be worn anywhere on the body.
Tiaras are not to be used for home decoration. (Martha Stewart is a diva!)
Tiaras can be handmade, store bought or priceless family heirlooms. It's the thought that counts, not the value (unless you count sentimental value).
Boas are not mandatory but do add style and flair to goddess functions. They also make you feel like a million bucks. (FYI -- boas and hot flashes do not mix well together!)
Name tags can be worn anywhere on your body and/or clothing.
Anything with the word Goddess on it should be bought immediately, preferably in bulk.
If you see anything with a tiara on it, including jewellery, cards, pins, tshirts, hats, WHATEVER, buy as many as you can immediately! If you have to wrestle small children for these items, please feel free to do so but don't let their mothers catch you doing it.
Only past attendees of the Goddess Convention are allowed to buy and wear the official Austrian crystal Goddess pin. See Julie Anne for details.
And finally, it's not what you wear, it's how you wear it!
Goddess Law (there's only one)
What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico!!!
Goddess Sayings
I am SUCH a Goddess!
You are SUCH a Goddess!
She is DEFINITELY Goddess material.
Oh my Goddess!
Thank the Goddess!
It's not a crown -- it's a TIARA!
Get your hands OFF my tiara!
What time did we get home last night/this morning?
Did you say 2 for 1?
Do these shoes match my tiara?
BYOB -- bring your own boa.
What do you mean you want me to cook? I did that once already this month!!!
Goddess Heirarchy
Julie Anne is the Head Goddess. This doesn't mean she knows everything but she knows enough. Besides, she organizes the convention every year so that, in itself, gives her certain rights and privileges. Juliana says, "It's my party and I'll invite whoever I want!"
Rose is the next best thing to Julie Anne. She is Julie Anne's 2IC (Second In Command). If Julie Anne is too busy or too tired, speak to Rose. When it comes to matters of good taste, speak to Rose. When in doubt about proper Goddess behaviour or attire, speak to Rose.
Heidi is the Mini Goddess. She may be the smallest Goddess you'll ever meet but she's got the biggest attitude. Watch and listen to Heidi -- you can learn a lot about Goddess behaviour from her!
Beatrice is the person most likely to lead us into trouble. Watch out for Beatrice! She is also our resident "Frida-phile" so if you see anything Frida-related, tell Beatrice. Beatrice also has the strongest liver of any Goddess you will ever meet. You will be taking your life into your hands partying with Beatrice. She also is the most fun! Oh, and if she has an idea for a group shot, go with it.
Mary Ann is also very capable of leading us into trouble. So make sure you follow her and do whatever she does. When she starts drinking margaritas, watch out! Either get out of the way or join in. Joining in is much more fun. Mary Ann has a great nose for wine and bars where good looking guys can be found. Like I said, follow her anywhere and you are guaranteed a rip snorting good time.
Goddess Behaviour
You must be over 40 to be a Goddess.
If you're under age 40, you are a GIT (Goddess-In-Training).
If you're confident, funny, outspoken, assertive and friendly, you are definitely a Goddess!
Every Goddess has a Spanish or Mexican name. Choose one for yourself and advise the Head Goddess or the 2IC. The following names have already been taken:
Juliana - Julie Anne
Rosa - Rose
Nancy - Heidi (it's a long story!)
Frida - Beatrice
Mariana - Mary Ann
If you're too shy to wear your tiara in public, you are not Goddess material.
A diva is not a Goddess. A diva is too high maintenance to hang with the Goddesses (you divas know who you are … don't bother coming to the party).
If you have to ask a fellow Goddess what to wear, more than once, you're a diva so get lost!
If you complain ad nauseum (that's Latin for "a lot") about your weight or hair or makeup or clothes or anything else (other than men), you are a diva. Take a hike!
If you talk incessantly about your husband, boyfriend and/or children, you are a diva. Shut up and go away!
However, if you have a husband AND a boyfriend, you are a Goddess.
Goddess Attire
Tiaras are MANDATORY for all Goddess Events.
When not worn, tiaras must be kept in a place of honour.
Tiaras can be worn anywhere on the body.
Tiaras are not to be used for home decoration. (Martha Stewart is a diva!)
Tiaras can be handmade, store bought or priceless family heirlooms. It's the thought that counts, not the value (unless you count sentimental value).
Boas are not mandatory but do add style and flair to goddess functions. They also make you feel like a million bucks. (FYI -- boas and hot flashes do not mix well together!)
Name tags can be worn anywhere on your body and/or clothing.
Anything with the word Goddess on it should be bought immediately, preferably in bulk.
If you see anything with a tiara on it, including jewellery, cards, pins, tshirts, hats, WHATEVER, buy as many as you can immediately! If you have to wrestle small children for these items, please feel free to do so but don't let their mothers catch you doing it.
Only past attendees of the Goddess Convention are allowed to buy and wear the official Austrian crystal Goddess pin. See Julie Anne for details.
And finally, it's not what you wear, it's how you wear it!
Goddess Law (there's only one)
What happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico!!!
Goddess Sayings
I am SUCH a Goddess!
You are SUCH a Goddess!
She is DEFINITELY Goddess material.
Oh my Goddess!
Thank the Goddess!
It's not a crown -- it's a TIARA!
Get your hands OFF my tiara!
What time did we get home last night/this morning?
Did you say 2 for 1?
Do these shoes match my tiara?
BYOB -- bring your own boa.
What do you mean you want me to cook? I did that once already this month!!!
Give and Take
Have I told you yet about my new friend Candice? I met her a scant three days after her initial email to me on February 2nd. The subject line on her email was "Incoming Goddess". She was only in Vallarta for a few days so we agreed to meet at CCs on Saturday February 5th. She plied me with gifts of Kit Kat Chunky chocolate bars and a magic Goddess wand. We spent the evening together with some mutual friends and since the next day was my day off, I took her on one of my famous "walking tours" of Vallarta. After a long hard day of seeing the "real" Vallarta, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Coco Tropical before she left early the next morning for Talpa and beyond.
I knew she was returning to Vallarta with her husband for one night before flying back to Seattle. I thought it was last Friday so I was more than a little disappointed when the day came and went, but no Candice. :( Well, silly me had the day wrong! They were in town last night and showed up at my Spanish class (after receiving directions from someone at Viva) and invited me out for drinks. Drinks turned into dinner and they insisted on buying and then walking me part way home. Dick wanted to smoke his cigar and we were all loathe to let the evening end, so I offered to take them for a nightcap at La Palapa.
We walked into the bar and found Alberto, the owner, playing live music as he does every Monday and Tuesday night. I haven't been there this year so it was a real treat to hear Alberto, Memo and Bobbie playing together. Dick and Candice were utterly delighted with the bar, with the restaurant and with the music ... Candice was particularly transfixed by Alberto. If you haven't seen him before, you won't understand what I'm talking about but trust me, a photo is coming! Anyway, it was the perfect ending to a perfect evening with wonderful new friends. It was an unforgettable way for them to spend their last night in Vallarta.
Today I was super busy at work. I have a kazillion pieces of merchandise to mark in preparation for a huge trunk show Mary Sue is planning at Viva next Tuesday night. So when Liliana called me on the in-house phone to tell me I had a "visitor", I was less than thrilled to go downstairs, looking for someone who told Lily, "Juliana doesn't know me". Imagine my surprise when I was approached by an attractive woman, around my age, who introduced herself as Annette, a lurker on JR's board (http://vallartascene.com/forum/phpBB2/) and also a big fan of my blog. She and her husband, Richard, are from Illinois and as we started chatting, she handed me a shopping bag and said, "This is for you."
Lately, I've been receiving many thoughtful gifts from old friends and new friends but none as amazing as this. Inside the shopping bag were TWO velvet bags with the word "GODDESS" inscribed on the outside in Swarovski crystals -- one in black and one in red. I couldn't believe my eyes so I laughed and enveloped Annette in a huge hug! How could someone who has never met me before pick out such a perfect gift? Also enclosed was a Goddess bumper sticker that matched my uniform. I made them promise to meet me for drinks on Saturday night so I could introduce them to some other board members and thank them for their generosity.
So I've been asking myself lately what I'm giving back as a result of all this generosity and the answer is probably not enough. Hopefully, when time permits and as my work slows down, I will be able to find some way to give something back to this wonderful cyber community. If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them!
I knew she was returning to Vallarta with her husband for one night before flying back to Seattle. I thought it was last Friday so I was more than a little disappointed when the day came and went, but no Candice. :( Well, silly me had the day wrong! They were in town last night and showed up at my Spanish class (after receiving directions from someone at Viva) and invited me out for drinks. Drinks turned into dinner and they insisted on buying and then walking me part way home. Dick wanted to smoke his cigar and we were all loathe to let the evening end, so I offered to take them for a nightcap at La Palapa.
We walked into the bar and found Alberto, the owner, playing live music as he does every Monday and Tuesday night. I haven't been there this year so it was a real treat to hear Alberto, Memo and Bobbie playing together. Dick and Candice were utterly delighted with the bar, with the restaurant and with the music ... Candice was particularly transfixed by Alberto. If you haven't seen him before, you won't understand what I'm talking about but trust me, a photo is coming! Anyway, it was the perfect ending to a perfect evening with wonderful new friends. It was an unforgettable way for them to spend their last night in Vallarta.
Today I was super busy at work. I have a kazillion pieces of merchandise to mark in preparation for a huge trunk show Mary Sue is planning at Viva next Tuesday night. So when Liliana called me on the in-house phone to tell me I had a "visitor", I was less than thrilled to go downstairs, looking for someone who told Lily, "Juliana doesn't know me". Imagine my surprise when I was approached by an attractive woman, around my age, who introduced herself as Annette, a lurker on JR's board (http://vallartascene.com/forum/phpBB2/) and also a big fan of my blog. She and her husband, Richard, are from Illinois and as we started chatting, she handed me a shopping bag and said, "This is for you."
Lately, I've been receiving many thoughtful gifts from old friends and new friends but none as amazing as this. Inside the shopping bag were TWO velvet bags with the word "GODDESS" inscribed on the outside in Swarovski crystals -- one in black and one in red. I couldn't believe my eyes so I laughed and enveloped Annette in a huge hug! How could someone who has never met me before pick out such a perfect gift? Also enclosed was a Goddess bumper sticker that matched my uniform. I made them promise to meet me for drinks on Saturday night so I could introduce them to some other board members and thank them for their generosity.
So I've been asking myself lately what I'm giving back as a result of all this generosity and the answer is probably not enough. Hopefully, when time permits and as my work slows down, I will be able to find some way to give something back to this wonderful cyber community. If you have any ideas, I would love to hear them!
Monday, February 21, 2005
Only In Mexico ...
I have a nine piece mariachi band playing LIVE outside my window! It is Arturo's birthday (my gay landlord). He is 37 today and since Monday is his day off, he decided to throw a party. He knows I work days and has been very concerned about inconveniencing me. He even told me about the party in advance and offered to put me up elsewhere. I told him not to worry about it. It's his birthday after all. He also mentioned that it would be from 8PM to midnight -- NO LATER!!! LOL Let's just say I'm not holding my breath with respect to the time the party will end and I'm warming up my earplugs ...
Not that they would block out the mariachis who arrived punctually at 10PM. They are incredibly loud but I'm thrilled. I love mariachi and they look so great in their matching dark teal suits (not to mention the tight pants!). They're not the best mariachi I've ever heard but then, they're the only ones I've ever had right outside my bedroom window. *sigh* Life is good. Time to finish my Spanish homework, grab a glass of wine and head downstairs! :)
Not that they would block out the mariachis who arrived punctually at 10PM. They are incredibly loud but I'm thrilled. I love mariachi and they look so great in their matching dark teal suits (not to mention the tight pants!). They're not the best mariachi I've ever heard but then, they're the only ones I've ever had right outside my bedroom window. *sigh* Life is good. Time to finish my Spanish homework, grab a glass of wine and head downstairs! :)
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Isn't She Fabulous?
You can always tell when I've been watching Sex and the City re-runs on TBS because I talk about my girlfriends. They are coming (let me count) in approximately 45 days. Heidi, Rose, Beatrice (all from Toronto) and Mary Ann from Dixon, CA. I've arranged for them to stay for two whole weeks at a condo on the beach with a pool on the roof and I can't wait to see them! I expect to have a great time while they are here. We will be out almost every night, eating in all the best restaurants (you know, the ones I've been saving to try while they're here). You'll recognize us by our tiaras, boas, bejewelled black panti-liner name tags and other Goddess paraphernalia. We will be the talk of the town for two weeks. Look for the boa-wrapped palapa on the beach and you'll probably find one or more of us sipping a margarita, looking at young men in tight bathing suits, yelling "Get out of our way -- we're fabulous!"
Well February is half over and that means that Valentine's Day has come and gone for another year. Is anyone else tired of the commercialism of this "event"? Or am I jaded because I didn't have a valentine? Well, technically I actually had TWO! My friends Tim and Susan arrived from San Francisco on February 14th and took me out for dinner. How's that for a friendship that started in PV (we met through a former boyfriend of mine) and has managed to last more than a year via email? My friend Darlene (also known as my much shorter sister) is also in town for a month and she arrived on Saturday despite much speculation about her health. Having gone through two back surgeries within less than four months at the end of last year, we were unsure of her progress prior to her arrival. She has surprised us all with her resilience and fortitude. No doubt the warm weather and sunny days here will help in her recovery. Much more relaxing than being in Winterpeg! I'm so glad she's here ...
We had three ships in port today. What a crazy place this city becomes when the cruise boats arrive. We were extremely busy in the store and apparently there are two more ships tomorrow. Oh well! It's time to "make hay while the sun is shining". So hard to believe that the high season will be over in another six weeks. Where did the winter go? I start Spanish lessons tomorrow. I saw an ad in the Tribune for a teacher located directly across the street from the store so I talked my friend Scott into going with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work at 5PM. Since we are the only two in the class, we hope to help shape the lesson plans to coincide with our work at Viva. How do you say "espadrilles" in Spanish? LOL BTW, they called me down to the floor today to speak to a woman in French! I nearly died ... I can hardly remember any French anymore and when I try, I can't seem to flick the switch in my brain over from Spanglish. I kept saying, "Si Madame" but I understood "chapeau blanc" and "valise" so I was able to figure out that she wanted a white hat that she could pack in her suitcase. We muddled through it somehow and I made the sale. :)
On a completely unrelated topic, what's up with people's feet? I see many more feet here in PV than I ever did in Toronto. I am always very conscious of having a nice pedicure and clean, soft feet because of my job and my overall fastidiousness with proper grooming but do other people care about this? Apparently not! I am constantly being assaulted by the sight of some people's feet. To see a woman with bad foot hygiene is just shocking to me but I find men's feet particularly repulsive. Do they think we don't see them in their sports sandals? Guys, no one wants to look at your unclipped toenails and hard callouses. Get a clue and get a pedicure! They are relaxing and healthy. Last year, for Valentine's Day, my boyfriend got himself a pedicure. It was one of the nicest things he ever did for me ...
Well February is half over and that means that Valentine's Day has come and gone for another year. Is anyone else tired of the commercialism of this "event"? Or am I jaded because I didn't have a valentine? Well, technically I actually had TWO! My friends Tim and Susan arrived from San Francisco on February 14th and took me out for dinner. How's that for a friendship that started in PV (we met through a former boyfriend of mine) and has managed to last more than a year via email? My friend Darlene (also known as my much shorter sister) is also in town for a month and she arrived on Saturday despite much speculation about her health. Having gone through two back surgeries within less than four months at the end of last year, we were unsure of her progress prior to her arrival. She has surprised us all with her resilience and fortitude. No doubt the warm weather and sunny days here will help in her recovery. Much more relaxing than being in Winterpeg! I'm so glad she's here ...
We had three ships in port today. What a crazy place this city becomes when the cruise boats arrive. We were extremely busy in the store and apparently there are two more ships tomorrow. Oh well! It's time to "make hay while the sun is shining". So hard to believe that the high season will be over in another six weeks. Where did the winter go? I start Spanish lessons tomorrow. I saw an ad in the Tribune for a teacher located directly across the street from the store so I talked my friend Scott into going with me on Tuesdays and Thursdays after work at 5PM. Since we are the only two in the class, we hope to help shape the lesson plans to coincide with our work at Viva. How do you say "espadrilles" in Spanish? LOL BTW, they called me down to the floor today to speak to a woman in French! I nearly died ... I can hardly remember any French anymore and when I try, I can't seem to flick the switch in my brain over from Spanglish. I kept saying, "Si Madame" but I understood "chapeau blanc" and "valise" so I was able to figure out that she wanted a white hat that she could pack in her suitcase. We muddled through it somehow and I made the sale. :)
On a completely unrelated topic, what's up with people's feet? I see many more feet here in PV than I ever did in Toronto. I am always very conscious of having a nice pedicure and clean, soft feet because of my job and my overall fastidiousness with proper grooming but do other people care about this? Apparently not! I am constantly being assaulted by the sight of some people's feet. To see a woman with bad foot hygiene is just shocking to me but I find men's feet particularly repulsive. Do they think we don't see them in their sports sandals? Guys, no one wants to look at your unclipped toenails and hard callouses. Get a clue and get a pedicure! They are relaxing and healthy. Last year, for Valentine's Day, my boyfriend got himself a pedicure. It was one of the nicest things he ever did for me ...
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Small World
I'm walking down the street tonight on my way home from work, just after 6PM and I pass a guy wearing a tshirt from "Ethel's". Something tweaked that name in my memory and I recalled that it was the name of a popular university bar in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, where I grew up. So I turned around and said, "Have you been to Ethel's in Waterloo?". They stopped and said yes. I explained that I recognized the tshirt and the young woman told me she had worked at Forewell's Variety for 9 years. I explained that I went to school with Susan Forewell. I told her I went to St. David's (junior high) and then Bluevale C.I. This same young woman went to St. David's and her boyfriend/husband went to Bluevale. Cool!
The other day in the store, I was waiting on two ladies who, through the course of our conversation, admitted to living in Toronto. Most people in Southwestern Ontario will say that even though they live hours outside of Toronto because no one knows any of the small towns close by. Well, I grew up in the twin cities of Kitchener-Waterloo, about an hour's drive west of Toronto. It turns out one of these ladies lived just outside Stratford, which is about 20 minutes from Waterloo. The other one lived downtown Toronto and when I asked her where, she said "Bloor and Sherbourne". After a quick geography lesson, we determined that she lives in the same condo building as my friend Rose. Very cool!
It's a small world after all ... :)
The other day in the store, I was waiting on two ladies who, through the course of our conversation, admitted to living in Toronto. Most people in Southwestern Ontario will say that even though they live hours outside of Toronto because no one knows any of the small towns close by. Well, I grew up in the twin cities of Kitchener-Waterloo, about an hour's drive west of Toronto. It turns out one of these ladies lived just outside Stratford, which is about 20 minutes from Waterloo. The other one lived downtown Toronto and when I asked her where, she said "Bloor and Sherbourne". After a quick geography lesson, we determined that she lives in the same condo building as my friend Rose. Very cool!
It's a small world after all ... :)
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Looking Ahead
I've been thinking a lot about staying here vs. moving back to Toronto for the summer. I think I could live here year 'round. One thing I did notice on my four plus months at "home" last summer was the fact that I felt fearful. I don't feel that way here in Vallarta. My Mom said I never felt that way about Toronto before I lived in Mexico and she's probably right. (I hate when that happens!). I think I have lived with fear all my life, as most women do, but was so used to it, I never gave it a second thought. We are taught to be afraid of men, to be afraid of speaking out, to be afraid of success and so on. Why is that? My fear was exacerbated living in a large urban area. The fact that I am not afraid here is so incredible. Most people, when I tell them I live here, have a hard time understanding why I'm not afraid. They have difficulty believing me when I tell them I feel SAFE here. Most of the crime here is against property, not people. It's so very different than at home. It's hard to explain to someone who has never been here.
The sun finally came out on Sunday after a spectacular sunset on Saturday night. After six days of rain, everyone was smiling. I just feel sorry for those vacationers who were only here for one week. They certainly received a very grim impression of Vallarta; far from the sunny, warm, breezy days we are experiencing right now. Frankly, I enjoyed the change in the weather but I wouldn't want to have more than a week of clouds. Reminds me too much of the summer we had in Toronto last year. It was so dismal (and I was so miserable), I had to come down here for a week to warm up!
I am expecting a lot of friends in town this month so I don't know how much time I will have to 'blog'. Unfortunately, blogging is a solitary venture so if you like what you're reading, drop me a quick note to say "hi". I sometimes receive an email from someone I don't know, who reads this and enjoys it. And once in awhile I meet someone who says, "You don't know me but I read your blog!" I would like to thank all of you for your continued support of my efforts and I will do my best to keep you up-to-date on my adventures.
The sun finally came out on Sunday after a spectacular sunset on Saturday night. After six days of rain, everyone was smiling. I just feel sorry for those vacationers who were only here for one week. They certainly received a very grim impression of Vallarta; far from the sunny, warm, breezy days we are experiencing right now. Frankly, I enjoyed the change in the weather but I wouldn't want to have more than a week of clouds. Reminds me too much of the summer we had in Toronto last year. It was so dismal (and I was so miserable), I had to come down here for a week to warm up!
I am expecting a lot of friends in town this month so I don't know how much time I will have to 'blog'. Unfortunately, blogging is a solitary venture so if you like what you're reading, drop me a quick note to say "hi". I sometimes receive an email from someone I don't know, who reads this and enjoys it. And once in awhile I meet someone who says, "You don't know me but I read your blog!" I would like to thank all of you for your continued support of my efforts and I will do my best to keep you up-to-date on my adventures.
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Rain, Rain, Go Away! :(
This is the fourth day in a row that has been overcast with showers. Enough already! I shouldn't complain since we've been really busy in the store as a result. What else is there to do in Vallarta but eat, drink and shop when the sun is being elusive? It's really windy tonight and spitting a little bit. I just came back from the garbage drop off corner and the store. I wore my pajamas with my jean jacket and sports sandals. No makeup, dirty hair in a ponytail -- what a Goddess!!! No one saw me ... I hope. LOL And who cares if they did?
I'm off tomorrow. There is no merchandise in the store to mark. The boss is still away in the U.S. until Tuesday night. Hopefully, those wonderful guys at UPS or DHL will deliver something tomorrow. If not, I'm off until Monday ... what to do, what to do. I think I will sleep in and then try to talk Colleen into going out for breakfast. She was out all day today on a friend's boat, came home at 7PM and went straight to bed. Maybe the sun will come out so I can go down the beach and work on my non-existent tan. Or maybe I'll go shopping. The possibilities are endless! :)
I'm off tomorrow. There is no merchandise in the store to mark. The boss is still away in the U.S. until Tuesday night. Hopefully, those wonderful guys at UPS or DHL will deliver something tomorrow. If not, I'm off until Monday ... what to do, what to do. I think I will sleep in and then try to talk Colleen into going out for breakfast. She was out all day today on a friend's boat, came home at 7PM and went straight to bed. Maybe the sun will come out so I can go down the beach and work on my non-existent tan. Or maybe I'll go shopping. The possibilities are endless! :)
Monday, January 31, 2005
It's Raining, It's Pouring ...
It is raining like a BITCH here right now. In fact, it has been raining pretty strongly for three hours now. You might be saying to yourself, so what? Well, rain in January in Vallarta is not unheard of (just ask my friend Mary Ann -- it rained every day she was here last January!) but it is a little unusual. The locals call it Las Cabañuelas and supposedly, the upcoming rainy season can be predicted somehow by these early rains. We had 9 straight days of rain last January and October was the hottest month of 2004. Very strange weather indeed ...
In fact, the weather has been strange everywhere. Snow and well below seasonal temps all over the continent. Can you say 'global warming'? Kind of makes you give that movie "The Day After Tomorrow" a second thought doesn't it? Other things are happening in our world as well. The crime rate just keeps going up and up. In Toronto, we have our share of violent crime but last week, two young people were wounded in a random drive by shooting in my neighbourhood. It kind of makes me think twice about going home.
And before you ask -- NO, I still don't know what I'm doing at the end of this season. Although this week, I am leaning towards staying for the summer, if I can swing it financially. The boss hasn't mentioned anything to me yet (she's out of town again, shopping for stuff for the store!) but with only two months left in the high season, we will all have to start thinking about how we're going to get through the low season. A part of me would really like to stay. It is hard to make an informed decision on whether to live here without staying a full 12 months. I'll make a deal with you though! As soon as I know, so will you.
By the way, check out Mary Sue's latest article in The Tribune (http://www.vallartatribune.com/paginas/marysue.htm). I helped to write it!
In fact, the weather has been strange everywhere. Snow and well below seasonal temps all over the continent. Can you say 'global warming'? Kind of makes you give that movie "The Day After Tomorrow" a second thought doesn't it? Other things are happening in our world as well. The crime rate just keeps going up and up. In Toronto, we have our share of violent crime but last week, two young people were wounded in a random drive by shooting in my neighbourhood. It kind of makes me think twice about going home.
And before you ask -- NO, I still don't know what I'm doing at the end of this season. Although this week, I am leaning towards staying for the summer, if I can swing it financially. The boss hasn't mentioned anything to me yet (she's out of town again, shopping for stuff for the store!) but with only two months left in the high season, we will all have to start thinking about how we're going to get through the low season. A part of me would really like to stay. It is hard to make an informed decision on whether to live here without staying a full 12 months. I'll make a deal with you though! As soon as I know, so will you.
By the way, check out Mary Sue's latest article in The Tribune (http://www.vallartatribune.com/paginas/marysue.htm). I helped to write it!
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Philosophical Question
If a large tree falls in your driveway less than a minute after you walk by the exact same spot, does that mean you've cheated death or are there simply too many termites in your neighbourhood? LOL
This morning, as I left for work, I walked down the driveway towards our gate and heard a noise behind me. As I turned around, a large, 20' tree fell slowly over in the neighbour's back yard, across the brick wall that separates our two properties and it is now leaning across the driveway like a beautiful canopy, waiting for the tree cutter to come and take it down.
I guess today wasn't the day I was being "called up" after all ... better make the most of it I guess. Time for my nap! :)
This morning, as I left for work, I walked down the driveway towards our gate and heard a noise behind me. As I turned around, a large, 20' tree fell slowly over in the neighbour's back yard, across the brick wall that separates our two properties and it is now leaning across the driveway like a beautiful canopy, waiting for the tree cutter to come and take it down.
I guess today wasn't the day I was being "called up" after all ... better make the most of it I guess. Time for my nap! :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2005
It Must Be A Full Moon
I cooked tonight! I hardly ever cook. Last night, after looking in Guadalajara Farmacia for hair conditioner, Raid plug ins and other sundries (and finding nothing I wanted), I decided to take the bus up to Mega around 7PM. I only needed a few things ... yeah, right. Almost an hour and 350 pesos later, I was taking the bus home, loaded down with all kinds of goodies including pasta and sauce.
So tonight, I threw chopped garlic, button mushroms and green olives in some olive oil in a small pot with Italian seasoning added to taste. Then I added a bit of red wine and let that mixture simmer. I started water boiling for the fusili. Once the wine had reduced, I added plain tomato sauce (Hunts!) and continued to simmer the sauce. My pasta was done in eight minutes so I dumped the sauce on top. Add one glass of red wine and you have a meal fit for a Goddess! :)
Best of all, I have leftovers!!!
So tonight, I threw chopped garlic, button mushroms and green olives in some olive oil in a small pot with Italian seasoning added to taste. Then I added a bit of red wine and let that mixture simmer. I started water boiling for the fusili. Once the wine had reduced, I added plain tomato sauce (Hunts!) and continued to simmer the sauce. My pasta was done in eight minutes so I dumped the sauce on top. Add one glass of red wine and you have a meal fit for a Goddess! :)
Best of all, I have leftovers!!!
Monday, January 24, 2005
Excuse Me!
I know I've mentioned to you before how polite the Mexican are. Would you believe they have three different ways to say "excuse me"? The first is quite formal: "Con su permiso" or literally, "with your permission". You use this when you are trying to squeeze by someone on the sidewalk. Shorter versions are "con permiso" or just "permiso". I find the young Mexicans to be are notoriously immoveable on the sidewalks down here! The second saying is "Disculpame". This expression is used when you are approaching someone you don't know to ask them for directions, for example. The third is "Perdoname" or simply "perdon". You use this when you accidentally bump into someone or step on their foot trying to get to your seat in the dark movie theatre. I'm not sure what I would say if I accidentally ran over someone's foot while trying to squeeze by them at the grocery store while asking them for directions to the cracker aisle. LOL
TIDBITS
We have to carry our garbage to the curb for pick up. Unfortunately, the curb in question is almost two blocks away! Garbage pick up is every single night in Vallarta. Not a small feat when you consider how big this city is. So we lug our garbage bags down 45 stairs, down the driveway, through the 7' gate, down the laneway and down a block to the "drop zone". Every morning, there is a man there sweeping and washing down the corner, in anticipation of the evening's collection.
Milk and eggs are not refrigerated here. You simply pull a cardboard carton of milk off the shelf and take it home. Once opened, it must be refrigerated. Eggs are stacked in the produce section beside the tomatoes and avocados. Apparently they never have to be refrigerated but I do it anyway. You can also buy any odd number of eggs (11 or 13!) at the local mercado. They gingerly place them in a plastic bag so you can carry them home.
We have performers on the bus. They jump on, usually with musical instruments or painted faces and perform for the captive audience of bus riders. At the end, you are expected to pay a small propina (tip) regardless of how bad the performance might have been. Usually the "plays" are in Spanish so I have no idea what the hell is going on but I hand over my pesos just like every one else. It is also proper to tip the grocery bag boys a peso or two after they have placed your paid for groceries in bags at the store. But you NEVER tip taxi drivers unless they help you with your bags or luggage.
In Toronto, when you enter a subway car, get on the streetcar or bus, you always look for a seat by yourself. If you have to sit beside someone else, as soon as there is another empty seat available, you move to it. In Vallarta, when you get on the bus, it is customary to remain in your seat for the entire duration of your ride. The entire bus could be empty, but if there is someone sitting beside you, they will not move to an empty seat. I think moving to a different seat implies that there is something wrong with the person you are sitting beside. Very impolite!
Conversations are constantly interrupted down here by people trying to sell you stuff. You could be discussing world politics or religion or why you're breaking up with your boyfriend but if there are silver bracelets or wood carvings for sale then, darn it, they are going to interject into your conversation to ask you to buy. I found this extremely disconcerting when I first got here (knowing how polite Mexicans are) but am now used to it. Everyone has to make a living somehow!
The healthcare system is remarkable. I had two wonderful experiences last year at two different hospitals here. One Sunday night, I attended at Emergency at CMQ (one of the local hospitals) and was seen by an internist who treated me very compassionately. I was hooked up to an IV, given a list of medications to take and discharged all within 45 minutes. The cost was around $90US. Waiting time: 15 minutes, PLUS the doctor gave me his home AND cell phone number, plus a free follow up visit the next day in his office. The second occurrence was at Medassist. I attended at the lab for some blood work and then met with the doctor who sat with me for 10 minutes, discussing my life in Vallarta and the meds he wanted me to take. He also gave me his home and cell phone number should I have any questions and insisted that I follow up with him in a few days, at no extra charge. I think that visit cost me $45US, including the lab work.
Dr. "Lupita" is a female doctor of some renown here in Vallarta. My friend Ruben says that Dr. Lupita saved his wife's life when she was in labour with his youngest son. Another friend considers her care to be the best she's ever had! I was intrigued and wanted to meet with her to discuss some minor health issues. In short, I wanted her to agree to take me on as a patient! On Saturday, I dropped into Medassist to make an appointment to see her, thinking that I would probably have to wait a week or more. "Hasta lunes a la una y media" I was told. "Not until Monday at 1:30 p.m." TWO DAYS LATER!!! I couldn't believe my luck.
I arrived at the appointed hour today (truth be told, I was a few minutes late but this IS Mexico!) and got in to see her about 20 minutes later. I found her to be charming, direct, intelligent and funny. She answered my questions, agreed to take me on as a patient, told me I was beautiful and sent me on my way, all for $350 pesos. This I paid to the receptionist on the way out, in cash. She put the money in an envelope, on the side of which she wrote my name, in pencil, and the amount, and placed the envelope in a drawer of her desk. Very efficient! Canada and the U.S. could learn a lot about healthcare from Mexico!
We had a beautiful sunset tonight, the first in a very long time. Most evenings have been overcast and gloomy but we were rewarded with 30 minutes of rain last night. Today was clear, warm, breezy and 28C. I believe the full moon is tomorrow night so be careful out there! I know most of you are buried under a shitload of snow. Don't strain your backs and drive slowly. Taking a few more minutes to reach your destination won't kill you whereas rushing to get there might. Stay warm and throw another log on the fire. Spring is only a few months away ... hehe! [insert evil laugh here]
TIDBITS
We have to carry our garbage to the curb for pick up. Unfortunately, the curb in question is almost two blocks away! Garbage pick up is every single night in Vallarta. Not a small feat when you consider how big this city is. So we lug our garbage bags down 45 stairs, down the driveway, through the 7' gate, down the laneway and down a block to the "drop zone". Every morning, there is a man there sweeping and washing down the corner, in anticipation of the evening's collection.
Milk and eggs are not refrigerated here. You simply pull a cardboard carton of milk off the shelf and take it home. Once opened, it must be refrigerated. Eggs are stacked in the produce section beside the tomatoes and avocados. Apparently they never have to be refrigerated but I do it anyway. You can also buy any odd number of eggs (11 or 13!) at the local mercado. They gingerly place them in a plastic bag so you can carry them home.
We have performers on the bus. They jump on, usually with musical instruments or painted faces and perform for the captive audience of bus riders. At the end, you are expected to pay a small propina (tip) regardless of how bad the performance might have been. Usually the "plays" are in Spanish so I have no idea what the hell is going on but I hand over my pesos just like every one else. It is also proper to tip the grocery bag boys a peso or two after they have placed your paid for groceries in bags at the store. But you NEVER tip taxi drivers unless they help you with your bags or luggage.
In Toronto, when you enter a subway car, get on the streetcar or bus, you always look for a seat by yourself. If you have to sit beside someone else, as soon as there is another empty seat available, you move to it. In Vallarta, when you get on the bus, it is customary to remain in your seat for the entire duration of your ride. The entire bus could be empty, but if there is someone sitting beside you, they will not move to an empty seat. I think moving to a different seat implies that there is something wrong with the person you are sitting beside. Very impolite!
Conversations are constantly interrupted down here by people trying to sell you stuff. You could be discussing world politics or religion or why you're breaking up with your boyfriend but if there are silver bracelets or wood carvings for sale then, darn it, they are going to interject into your conversation to ask you to buy. I found this extremely disconcerting when I first got here (knowing how polite Mexicans are) but am now used to it. Everyone has to make a living somehow!
The healthcare system is remarkable. I had two wonderful experiences last year at two different hospitals here. One Sunday night, I attended at Emergency at CMQ (one of the local hospitals) and was seen by an internist who treated me very compassionately. I was hooked up to an IV, given a list of medications to take and discharged all within 45 minutes. The cost was around $90US. Waiting time: 15 minutes, PLUS the doctor gave me his home AND cell phone number, plus a free follow up visit the next day in his office. The second occurrence was at Medassist. I attended at the lab for some blood work and then met with the doctor who sat with me for 10 minutes, discussing my life in Vallarta and the meds he wanted me to take. He also gave me his home and cell phone number should I have any questions and insisted that I follow up with him in a few days, at no extra charge. I think that visit cost me $45US, including the lab work.
Dr. "Lupita" is a female doctor of some renown here in Vallarta. My friend Ruben says that Dr. Lupita saved his wife's life when she was in labour with his youngest son. Another friend considers her care to be the best she's ever had! I was intrigued and wanted to meet with her to discuss some minor health issues. In short, I wanted her to agree to take me on as a patient! On Saturday, I dropped into Medassist to make an appointment to see her, thinking that I would probably have to wait a week or more. "Hasta lunes a la una y media" I was told. "Not until Monday at 1:30 p.m." TWO DAYS LATER!!! I couldn't believe my luck.
I arrived at the appointed hour today (truth be told, I was a few minutes late but this IS Mexico!) and got in to see her about 20 minutes later. I found her to be charming, direct, intelligent and funny. She answered my questions, agreed to take me on as a patient, told me I was beautiful and sent me on my way, all for $350 pesos. This I paid to the receptionist on the way out, in cash. She put the money in an envelope, on the side of which she wrote my name, in pencil, and the amount, and placed the envelope in a drawer of her desk. Very efficient! Canada and the U.S. could learn a lot about healthcare from Mexico!
We had a beautiful sunset tonight, the first in a very long time. Most evenings have been overcast and gloomy but we were rewarded with 30 minutes of rain last night. Today was clear, warm, breezy and 28C. I believe the full moon is tomorrow night so be careful out there! I know most of you are buried under a shitload of snow. Don't strain your backs and drive slowly. Taking a few more minutes to reach your destination won't kill you whereas rushing to get there might. Stay warm and throw another log on the fire. Spring is only a few months away ... hehe! [insert evil laugh here]
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Cock-A-Doodle-Don't
Two of the women I work with have hired hit "men" to kill the roosters in their neighbourhood. Apparently, for 50 pesos a head, you can get them "taken care of" and the local kids are lining up, fighting for the job. It all started with a couple of noisy roosters with no sense of timing. That old adage that roosters only crow at the first sign of light is a crock! They do it all night long, in the middle of the night, the early morning and sometimes even in the afternoon. They have no concept of time. Anyway, Jane* and Cathy* (*names changed to protect their right to hire unlicensed poultry hunters) got tired of listening to the roosters in their vicinity so they "put the word out". They are paying 50 pesos per rooster. So far, Jane* has spent 150 pesos, Cathy* has put up another 150 pesos and the guy downstairs is also on board. As far as I'm concerned, all we need is one GOOD cock to fertilize the eggs. All the rest are simply superfluous!
Sunday, January 16, 2005
What The Hell?
There is some kind of conspiracy going on around here. Three women in three days have told me that I look like I've lost weight. And since they weren't hitting on me, I know they were telling me the truth. The fact that I've lost any weight at all is practically impossible because my diet lately has consisted primarily of Cheetos and Hershey's kisses! I only went to the gym twice this week and couldn't walk or sit properly for three days after my leg workout. So I'm not sure what's going on but I hope it continues ...
I had a bit of time off work this week. I left early on Thursday but had to come back to do a style show at 6PM that night. I was off on Friday and Saturday but got called in today (Sunday) for a couple of hours because we were expecting 30 people on a tour bus to come into the store. They never showed up. Not having worked a Sunday morning in well over a year now, I was a little disconcerted by the number of seniors coming and "going". The regular staff called them the "bathroom brigade" -- they come in to use our facilities, pick up their free gift and leave. LOL
My boss decided we all needed two consecutive days off to recover from the holiday season. This was in addition to our fabulous all-inclusive Christmas party at the extremely sexy Nikki Beach on January 6th (think Sultan's Harem meets Hawaiian fire eaters), our gifts to one another (we draw names) and Mary Sue's gift to all of us (any watch we want from the store). She's a great boss and I love working at Viva!!! I'm still working days, down to five shifts a week (Monday to Friday, 10AM to 6PM) with the odd style show thrown in for fun. Make sure you drop in next time you're in Vallarta!
I've met some interesting people lately. Gabriele is a psychologist from San Francisco with a passion for scuba diving. Andrea is a single mom from Vancouver who is just starting the journey in the second half of her life (can you say Goddess?). Stephanie is the young friend of my roommate and she stayed with us unobtrusively for almost a week before I properly met her, face to face. And I've reconnected with old friends from last year -- Sheri, the beekeeper from Wisconsin; Irene, the business woman from London, Ontario; Caryl, the Libra from L.A. who is now working here in her husband's real estate office. These women come from all over the world and bring so much into my life.
Which leads me to the main focus of this week's blog. People are starting to ask me when I'm going home. The short answer to that question is "I don't know" and "Ask me next week". I will seriously start thinking about it in April, after the Goddesses leave. Usually I'm so homesick by then, all I can think about are the things at home I can't get here. Number one on the list (after friends and family) would be convenience ... it is just easier at home to pay bills, get money and buy clothes. The selection of food is better too. I miss Wendy's fresh salads, Quizno's subs, Chunky Kit Kat bars and Excel peppermint gum. I miss Steve, the olive guy at the St. Lawrence Market, who flirts with me while I pop samples into my mouth at his family's stand. I miss the selection of cheeses, (especially cheddar and feta) and bread! I miss the variety of so many things, including wine and beer and salad dressings. I miss Pad Thai!!!
I know this probably sounds whiney to you. You're probably reading this while winter howls outside your door and all you have to look forward to are short days and long nights until June because you've already had your winter vacation. The fact is, the selection is getting better here because there are more people like me living here. And therein "lies the rub" since one of the reasons I moved here was because it was so very different from home -- I loved the fact that Vallarta was still so "Mexican". But nothing stays the same and that is more true here than anywhere else. I'm not sure I made my point but you can get the gist of what I'm saying. For now, I'm where I'm supposed to be. Are you sure you shouldn't be here too? :)
I had a bit of time off work this week. I left early on Thursday but had to come back to do a style show at 6PM that night. I was off on Friday and Saturday but got called in today (Sunday) for a couple of hours because we were expecting 30 people on a tour bus to come into the store. They never showed up. Not having worked a Sunday morning in well over a year now, I was a little disconcerted by the number of seniors coming and "going". The regular staff called them the "bathroom brigade" -- they come in to use our facilities, pick up their free gift and leave. LOL
My boss decided we all needed two consecutive days off to recover from the holiday season. This was in addition to our fabulous all-inclusive Christmas party at the extremely sexy Nikki Beach on January 6th (think Sultan's Harem meets Hawaiian fire eaters), our gifts to one another (we draw names) and Mary Sue's gift to all of us (any watch we want from the store). She's a great boss and I love working at Viva!!! I'm still working days, down to five shifts a week (Monday to Friday, 10AM to 6PM) with the odd style show thrown in for fun. Make sure you drop in next time you're in Vallarta!
I've met some interesting people lately. Gabriele is a psychologist from San Francisco with a passion for scuba diving. Andrea is a single mom from Vancouver who is just starting the journey in the second half of her life (can you say Goddess?). Stephanie is the young friend of my roommate and she stayed with us unobtrusively for almost a week before I properly met her, face to face. And I've reconnected with old friends from last year -- Sheri, the beekeeper from Wisconsin; Irene, the business woman from London, Ontario; Caryl, the Libra from L.A. who is now working here in her husband's real estate office. These women come from all over the world and bring so much into my life.
Which leads me to the main focus of this week's blog. People are starting to ask me when I'm going home. The short answer to that question is "I don't know" and "Ask me next week". I will seriously start thinking about it in April, after the Goddesses leave. Usually I'm so homesick by then, all I can think about are the things at home I can't get here. Number one on the list (after friends and family) would be convenience ... it is just easier at home to pay bills, get money and buy clothes. The selection of food is better too. I miss Wendy's fresh salads, Quizno's subs, Chunky Kit Kat bars and Excel peppermint gum. I miss Steve, the olive guy at the St. Lawrence Market, who flirts with me while I pop samples into my mouth at his family's stand. I miss the selection of cheeses, (especially cheddar and feta) and bread! I miss the variety of so many things, including wine and beer and salad dressings. I miss Pad Thai!!!
I know this probably sounds whiney to you. You're probably reading this while winter howls outside your door and all you have to look forward to are short days and long nights until June because you've already had your winter vacation. The fact is, the selection is getting better here because there are more people like me living here. And therein "lies the rub" since one of the reasons I moved here was because it was so very different from home -- I loved the fact that Vallarta was still so "Mexican". But nothing stays the same and that is more true here than anywhere else. I'm not sure I made my point but you can get the gist of what I'm saying. For now, I'm where I'm supposed to be. Are you sure you shouldn't be here too? :)
Monday, January 10, 2005
Why Is That Woman Smiling?
Lately, people have been asking me why I look so happy. One friend went so far as to ask me if I was "getting it" from some young stud ... of course I didn't give him a straight answer but do you think he reads my blog? Haha! In fact, many people have commented that (a) I look happy (b) I look content and (c) I look just downright amazing. OK, well maybe the last comment came from a timeshare rep on my way to work one morning but every positive comment counts!
My friend John loves to tell the story of how I used to look when I first arrived after a summer of working for "those lawyers" in Toronto. Apparently my brow was constantly furrowed and I was "stressed out" looking. Then he says, "Look at her now!" Coming from John, this is a compliment. I know when I went home last April, all my friends commented that I looked younger and more relaxed. I guess that's what living here does for me.
I have noticed a preponderance of smiles lately. Last night, as I walked through town, I kept track of the all the smiles I saw and there were quite a few. The tourists leaving the Burros Bar had large smiles, no doubt tequila-induced. The young Mexican boys playing soccer in front of Plazamar were giggling and smiling as they taught their younger siblings how to kick the ball. The girl selling roasted nuts on the beach was smiling as she handed a prospective customer a sample. The vendors along Los Muertos smiled at me as they offered me their wares and I smiled warmly while telling them, "No, gracias".
Mexico is a country of politeness, of warmth and generosity of spirit. You cannot help but become a nicer person living here. Her people wear down your sharp edges with their compassion and soon you find yourself walking around with a big grin on your face and have people constantly asking you what you're doing that makes you looks so happy ... :)
My friend John loves to tell the story of how I used to look when I first arrived after a summer of working for "those lawyers" in Toronto. Apparently my brow was constantly furrowed and I was "stressed out" looking. Then he says, "Look at her now!" Coming from John, this is a compliment. I know when I went home last April, all my friends commented that I looked younger and more relaxed. I guess that's what living here does for me.
I have noticed a preponderance of smiles lately. Last night, as I walked through town, I kept track of the all the smiles I saw and there were quite a few. The tourists leaving the Burros Bar had large smiles, no doubt tequila-induced. The young Mexican boys playing soccer in front of Plazamar were giggling and smiling as they taught their younger siblings how to kick the ball. The girl selling roasted nuts on the beach was smiling as she handed a prospective customer a sample. The vendors along Los Muertos smiled at me as they offered me their wares and I smiled warmly while telling them, "No, gracias".
Mexico is a country of politeness, of warmth and generosity of spirit. You cannot help but become a nicer person living here. Her people wear down your sharp edges with their compassion and soon you find yourself walking around with a big grin on your face and have people constantly asking you what you're doing that makes you looks so happy ... :)
Saturday, January 01, 2005
First Blog of 2005
Well it is another beautiful day here in Puerto Vallarta. Feliz Ano Nuevo to everyone! I woke up early and decided to languish in bed until after 9AM. I haven't had a Saturday off since early October so I thought I would take advantage. The morning was eerily silent, except for the birds and the roosters. Not a lot of traffic or music or "people" noises if you know what I mean. Just the breeze rustling through the leaves and the sound of acorns hitting the cement outside my window.
I treated myself to a pot of Tim Horton's coffee this morning and that made me homesick so I called my good friend Rose in Toronto and had a wonderful chat with her. I left the house around 10:30AM and headed north. I wanted to see what was open today besides Viva. Guadalajara Farmacia was open. The cheap internet cafe on Insurgentes was open. As I wandered over the bridge, I decided to take some back streets in order to get out of the sun. I ended up in front of the big church on Hidalgo and went inside. It was about 3/4 full but there was nothing going on. I sat for 15 minutes, counted my blessings and left. Once outside, I realized there was a mass scheduled for 12 noon and when I went by at 1PM, people were spilling out of the church onto the steps for a chance to hear what was being said inside.
I walked up Juarez and looked in a couple of shop windows but Centro was deserted. I found Woolworth's to be open so I was able to buy a few necessities such as shampoo, chocolate, etc. I paid 49.50MXP for a bag of Hershey's kisses. UNBELIEVABLE!!! :) Then I had a craving for McDonald's so I went there and had my annual Big Mac attack. It was predicably bad but what the hell ... I was reminiscing about the same trip made with a girlfriend the year before. Her boyfriend is a vegetarian and would have died if he knew she wanted to eat at McD's!!! LOL
I walked back along the Malecon and was ignored by every single timeshare person. My transformation into a local must now be complete! After I got home, I took a nap. What's the point of having an extra day off if you can't relax so that's what I did. I needed to meet a woman at 5PM to see her condo so I did that and then wandered over to Sweeney's for dinner. I started to eat alone but my friend Jennifer soon joined me and after she left with her take out, my friend John joined me. We had a beer, watched the end of the Rose Bowl game and then I came home. On Sunday, I ate breakfast out, did my grocery shopping, grabbed a matinee with Colleen and watched a video before bed.
I guess those of you who thought I lead a pretty amazing life must be bored stupid by now! Actually, work keeps me fairly busy and most nights, unless I have friends in town, I usually just come home and relax. I expect February to be very busy with friends visiting from all over North America so I'm resting now. The store is practically empty since we sold everything in it during the last two weeks. I have tons of merchandise to mark and once I do, the store will look totally different than it did before Christmas. Make sure you stop by to see us when you're in PV. We are also ambassadors for PV so don't be shy to ask if you would like a recommendation for a nice place to eat or any other tourist information. We are MORE that a jewellery store!
I treated myself to a pot of Tim Horton's coffee this morning and that made me homesick so I called my good friend Rose in Toronto and had a wonderful chat with her. I left the house around 10:30AM and headed north. I wanted to see what was open today besides Viva. Guadalajara Farmacia was open. The cheap internet cafe on Insurgentes was open. As I wandered over the bridge, I decided to take some back streets in order to get out of the sun. I ended up in front of the big church on Hidalgo and went inside. It was about 3/4 full but there was nothing going on. I sat for 15 minutes, counted my blessings and left. Once outside, I realized there was a mass scheduled for 12 noon and when I went by at 1PM, people were spilling out of the church onto the steps for a chance to hear what was being said inside.
I walked up Juarez and looked in a couple of shop windows but Centro was deserted. I found Woolworth's to be open so I was able to buy a few necessities such as shampoo, chocolate, etc. I paid 49.50MXP for a bag of Hershey's kisses. UNBELIEVABLE!!! :) Then I had a craving for McDonald's so I went there and had my annual Big Mac attack. It was predicably bad but what the hell ... I was reminiscing about the same trip made with a girlfriend the year before. Her boyfriend is a vegetarian and would have died if he knew she wanted to eat at McD's!!! LOL
I walked back along the Malecon and was ignored by every single timeshare person. My transformation into a local must now be complete! After I got home, I took a nap. What's the point of having an extra day off if you can't relax so that's what I did. I needed to meet a woman at 5PM to see her condo so I did that and then wandered over to Sweeney's for dinner. I started to eat alone but my friend Jennifer soon joined me and after she left with her take out, my friend John joined me. We had a beer, watched the end of the Rose Bowl game and then I came home. On Sunday, I ate breakfast out, did my grocery shopping, grabbed a matinee with Colleen and watched a video before bed.
I guess those of you who thought I lead a pretty amazing life must be bored stupid by now! Actually, work keeps me fairly busy and most nights, unless I have friends in town, I usually just come home and relax. I expect February to be very busy with friends visiting from all over North America so I'm resting now. The store is practically empty since we sold everything in it during the last two weeks. I have tons of merchandise to mark and once I do, the store will look totally different than it did before Christmas. Make sure you stop by to see us when you're in PV. We are also ambassadors for PV so don't be shy to ask if you would like a recommendation for a nice place to eat or any other tourist information. We are MORE that a jewellery store!
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