Wow, what a busy last couple of days we have had! We met Ros and Ben and two Dutch friends of theirs at the bar night before last. First thing yesterday morning we had to pack up all our stuff- which I was supposed to do the previous night but I was begging for bed when I got home. Bob helped us move upstairs to his place- which is very nice and homey.
Then he took us to a small boutique hotel just on the next block where the owner has offered us the use of their swimming pool. It is small and quiet and Gail is happy! We didn’t intend to spend most of the day with Bob but that’s what happened. He took us to a small hole in the wall shoe shop- where the sandals are all hand made in leather. I needed a pair and was shocked to find they actually had a few nice pairs that fit! At only $18.00 what a bargain!!
Then on to the downtown area (a mere three blocks away) where there are lots of hotels and they do not seem to mind if you use the pools- so we are all set. Finally, the three of us went to the beach and sat while the waiters brought us buckets of beer. An altogether fine morning and afternoon!
Later we had arranged to meet Ros and Ben at their hotel but we only stayed an hour or so, sat by their pool with them and headed home.
Bob and his neighbor Marilu (who lives just above us) came by for a visit around 6pm and stayed for hours visiting and telling great stories. At 10:30 they suggested we go to their favorite neighborhood cantina on the corner. It was quite an experience!! One of the owners is from Vancouver! Marilu has lived on this block since she was a child- only spent 10 years working in LA then back here- so she knows EVERYONE! The streets were crowded with people and every second or third person gave her a hug and kiss. The street vendors selling food, the people in the shops and in the cantina she was like a movie star! Even the street dogs adore her. One of them followed us into the cantina –because he knew she would ask him what he preferred to eat tonight. Next thing she was outside ordering food from the street vendor for Bob, herself and the dog! (We had already eaten.) We met lots of her neighbours, including Eduardo, who is a well-known artist around here. He is having a gallery exhibit next Wednesday and invited us to come. People are so incredibly friendly here. We didn’t get home until almost 2am.
We are just finishing breakfast then will hit the beach for a few hours. Another beautiful sunny blue-sky day awaits us!
