SAVORING MEXICO . . .

                          Our yearly anticipated trip to Mexico was everything we hoped it would be
                            but, this year held a wonderful surprise that left us all very humbled. . . .
 . .                            
                                                                              

The music, so happy and spirited

The flowers, so tropical and so colorful

Where blue skies meet the aqua blue waters of the sea. . . 

.  .  .  .if you can imagine relaxing under palm-thatched palapas while

sipping Margaritas, reading a book of choice and bathing in the

Mexican Caribbean, then you know how our days were spent, so blessed

and so content.

One of two books I read . . .

The second book of choice

I highly recommend them both!

As members of this resort, we watched these palapas being

                            built by a labor force of hard working Mexican men.  They never

seem to tire, they are so grateful for their jobs and offer kindnesses

that are humbling in spite of their daily wage ~ not to mention

their beautiful smiling faces no matter where your steps take

you daily.

  

This is the interior (the underside) of a palapa.  The beach

palapas are only about 8' in diameter.

I look at this gorgeous view and I am reminded of the oils

painted by Steve Gianetti.  Brooke, is his wife

 who originated the blog, Velvet and Linen.

Their blog can be found by clicking on this link, 

 http://velvetandlinen.typepad.com/ ( They have recently launched

a book called Patina Style that is not to be missed)  I call it

my Patina bible.

Mary Anne (that would be me), Roger, Kimmy and her

boyfriend, Rick out for dinner at The Distilleria.  This restaurant

was a former tequilla  distillery with the huge vats still on

the premises.

Glass floats decorated this restaurant in each

and every little space . . .

Mexican crafts and always with candles . . .

Mariachi's

. . . . more Mariachi's and our daughter Kimmy

.  .  .  .  this gal could really sing and did so with all she had because

of one of our requests. . . . . . La Paloma

A surprise meeting of friends from the Chicago

Merchandise Mart!!  (borrowed hats from the

Mariachi's)

Our Kimmy with a borrowed Mexican guitar, serenading my

friends from the Chicago Mart. . . . and this was truly a hilarious

Kodak moment!!

AND THEN, THE INVITATION . . . . . .

 One morning at breakfast, our waiter for the past 8 years

and whom we had gotten to know and love, extended an invitation

to us for dinner at his home with his family.  (We had sent clothes to

his family after the devasting hurricane about four years ago

and our friendship just began

to grow).

The beautifully set table in our honor . .

I knew it would be an exceptional evening which

would be heartfelt and humbling.

It is no secret that the Mexican culture loves color . . . . the table

was so colorful with there best dishes used in our honor.

The food, the salads. . .

Six year old Alesandra

Buddies. . . .and friends.   Our waiter of 8 years and my

husband who called him our Mexican son!

Accessories in their home. . .

A father and his daughter. . . .

A father and his son, who had just returned from

school. . . . . high school hours were from 1:30 p.m.

to 7:00 p.m.  He would join us for dinner.

A very small bathroom that was guest ready

and spotless!

The tiny bathroom so small, I soon realized that the

sink was outside the bathroom door with flowers, fresh soaps

and guest towels for use.

A vintage cabinet for the purpose of great storage usage

chippy and all!!

As I descended the cement steps and looked up, I

caught the perspective of this perfect little place that

was too precious for words.

The galley kitchen

Good byes at their front door.

I just knew we were in for a real treat from the day of the invitation

to this memorable night.    This small casa, so welcoming and so warm

with children so well behaved and so respectful of their parents. . . .

the food, the gift of friendship shared with us so givingly and with

pride.  My heart was heavy when we left knowing that his earnings

for a couple of days made this night possible.

WOW, I knew this experience would be life changing and it was.

Until we meet again  (as I clicked my camera and as if on command

a seagull flew across this sunset) and made this

effort none other than perfect!

                                                                   Buenos Nochas