Patrice’s Farewell Week: Warm Clothes and Warm Friends
Patrice and I will make one more run out to Coapinole this morning to see if there are any fabulous sweaters or down vests to keep her warm when she flies home to southern Alberta the day after tomorrow. Of course, my eyes will be peeled for anything chiffon-y or so pretty I cannot ignore the fabric!
We had the lovliest dinner at Abbraccio Restaurante last Friday night with Jan Dorland and Rob Burton. We always sit on their patio as opposed to the main dining room, which is enormous and kept cold enough to hang meat. Because it’s so big with soaring ceilings, it’s also noisy and was packed with mostly Mexican families celebrating at long tables last weekend! The patio is small, intimate, and perfect for conversation, and with Rob and Jan, lots of laughter. We have loved the food at Abbraccio (Italian for ‘hug’) every time we have had the pleasure. It’s only drawback is its location close to the Marina and the Hotel Zone, not a comfortable walk from Centro. Lucky for the folks who live and or stay there on vacation, however. I remember Abbraccio’s Opening Night, years ago. It was also a fundraiser for Pasitos de Luz, and I was astonished by how great the food and service were then, given the hundreds of invitees. If you are up at that end of town, find them behind the Outback Restaurant with lots of parking. I am happy Abbraccio has become a traditional stop – with Rob and Jan, whenever Patrice is visiting.
Two other traditions observed with Patrice are coffee at La Comer, which comes with a couple of complimentary pastries that I am glad La Comer does NOT sell, or I would eat bunches of them daily! The other is frozen yogurt with strawberries at Costco. We have been known (and scolded for) going in through the out door, indulging in the icy cold treat, and then leaving without buying a thing at Costco proper! Small things, but little guilty treasures I rarely indulge in when she is not here.
Only three more days to try and get to sleep before midnight without hearing church bells. Besides the ringing of the bells marking the time four times per hour, other bells announce each peregrination by peals and peals of rejoicing bell-smashing. Trying to figure out what time it is (by the number of bells rung) is often impossible during the 12 days of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. If you have never been down by the church on the night of December 11th (Her feast day is the 12th), go this year around 11 pm when Las Mañanitas is sung by thousands of people for the Virgin. It is joyous and lovely.
Patrice and I will be renewing our Vallarta Garden Club memberships at Casa Karma Private Villa & Event Space late this afternoon. We may have a chance to walk the labyrinth while we watch the sun drop into the sea, From Here.
