Tuesday, Dec. 09, 2003 - 1:59 p.m.
After dinner I went to the bar at the place next door: La Perla. No body there at all. Talked to Arturo the bartender there and the waiter Luis. Luis just came back to Mexico after a few year hiatus in the US. Arturo offered me a cigarette, which I accepted, and I ordered a Margarita. WE chatted fro an hour or so about everything. HE told me the secret to Margaritas is to use REAL limes and squeeze them; which he demonstrated to me as he made me a second margarita which I didn't have enough to pay for. No matter, he gave it to me anyway.
Arturo told me about the "entorchados" (not sure if it's spelled right). These people where jogging suits or uniforms of all the same color and make jogging pilgrimages to various places in the country. A truck follows them down the road filled with other runners. AS one gets tired another one takes over and carries the torch. It's all done in preparation for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
We also talked about Chicago. Arturo, smiled when the topic came up,
"It's not really windy, it's the windy city politicos, right?"
Only partially. I also explained how they put ropes down certain streets in the winter to give people something to grab on to so they don't blow over. Arturo walked away, I kept chatting with Luis about his family and he mentioned how his life revolves around his family. "When you get married you have no more money," he chuckled.
I sipped the tart lime margarita and Arturo came back, "Ha! Windy city politicos!" He smiled and went about his business. Did I mention I was the only one there?
"It's never busy here" Luis said with looking around the place with a serious expression. "I may have to apply for a job next door."
After finishing up my margaritas I left for my home base with a promise to return the following evening.
Once there I bought another margarita and bought a round for a couple gals that I've seen here both nights so far. After the second round I introduce myself. Turns out they're from Ireland and they're doing the same trip I am only in reverse. Both girls are form Belfast, Paula is a pharmacist, the other is a nurse. We chatted about their travels. I ordered a thin crust stone oven pizza with thin ham, olives, and artichokes. We talked about the world, Mexico City and unity in Ireland. The restaurant (QUE FRESCA!) closed down around us and they even shut off the Christmas tree. IT was totally quiet, jus the three of us around a small table, the sounds of the waves crashing and a candle lighting our faces. We wrapped up after 10 minutes and I escorted them back to their room using my "torch" (Irish for flashlight apparently). I went back to my room and stood outside under the almost cobalt blue sky. Time for sleep...
