73 - A DAY TRIP
The day trip to Melaque and Isla de Navidad with Yvonne and Keith last Sunday was delightful! Under cloudless blue skies, we set off at 10:30. Skipping Barra de Navidad, we drove directly to Melaque to locate Super Hawaii, the exceptional grocery store that carries products we can’t find in Manzanillo.
Driving up and down Melaque’s dusty streets, we laughed at getting lost in this town we always thought of as being small. Instead, it was a maze of streets with many one-way. We really didn’t know where we were, when, rounding a corner, there was the town square we had been searching for. Super Hawaii was half a block away.
Super Hawaii felt like a candy store for adults. Horseradish was on our lists. We discovered half a shelf filled with many different types to choose from. Wow! Then I found bottled anchovies. Costco’s Kirkland brand all-beef weiners, canned salmon (you can buy tons of canned tuna in Manzanillo but not canned salmon), a wedge of parmesan cheese, a can of Bushes Old Fashioned Pork and Beans, and a roll of parchment paper began to fill my bag. A gluten free loaf of bread found its way in too.
Loading up the car with our treasures, we set off looking for the small ladies’ shop that shares its space with a coffee and cold beer cafe. We settled Keith at a tiny table with a bottle of cold Modela Especial, while Yvonne and I modelled dresses, pants and tops for his approval. What fun. He wasn't bored at all.
A pair of light weight white flowy pants and a silky, black and white capped-sleeve blouse made an elegant-looking casual outfit I can wear anywhere! Sold! The pants were too long but Yvonne has a friend in Club Santiago she’s going to introduce me to who will shorten them for me.
Having built up a hunger, we set off to find La Serene de Gordita, (The Chubby Mermaid), on the road to Isla de Navidad Resort and Golf Course. What a delightful, little gem of bar and restaurant overlooking a beach on the Pacific. The owner, Eileen, is a laid back, interesting ex-Vancouver B.C. native. Settling at a table under an umbrella, we were captivated watching the glittering, sun-sparkled ocean, and being kissed with a lovely breeze. Each of us commented on having an almost therapeutic feeling of complete calmness. Yvonne described it as being “at oneness with herself”.
After enjoying drinks and a delicious late lunch, we arrived home a little tired and very happy with our day. It’s one we intend to repeat soon!
True to her word about introducing me to her seamstress friend, Lise, Yvonne met me Monday morning. When I saw Lise, I realized that she and her husband were two of many people I met last year when I worked on the Gala Dinner. I used to be very good with names but now I’m finding it difficult for me to put names together with faces until I see them. Lise pinned up my pants and, with her promise I would have the pants back very soon, we left as I had a luncheon date at noon at the Beach Club.
For many years, when Don and I rented casas in Club Santiago, the Beach Club was open to anyone and we went often. The Beach Club Association changed the rules and it is now restricted to owners of casas and condos in Club Santiago so I can go only when invited by a member. My luncheon hostess, Marion Wold, and I had a lovely couple of hours over lunch catching up on our lives since we said adios last April.
That evening, while reading on my patio, Lise and Ryan appeared with my pants. What incredible service!
Although I’m a nomad, returning each winter to Club Santiago certainly has its advantages. Having friends who can be called on for assistance when you need it makes life much simpler
Friday I was invited to dinner by friends I met last year for the first time and we had hit it off immediately. They also invited four others I hadn’t met before to join us. My circle of friends and acquaintances keeps growing – which is unusual for people of my age, but it’s something very important to strive to do to keep the mind stimulated and interested.
The week wound up with my favourite driver, Jose, taking me shopping Saturday morning – berries at the Saturday market in Santiago, shrimp and freshly-caught-that- morning dorado (mahi mahi) at the fish market then a half rotisserie chicken and roast small potatoes at a small chicken shop. Jose makes my shopping errands so easy and enjoyable, waiting for me at each stop and helping me with my parcels. We have fun, as we chatter away with me practicing my limited Spanish that he seems to understand. I’m at ease speaking Spanish with him, not worrying about being perfect.
We don't have a Costco in Manzanillo. Marcus of Easy Breezy Transport went shopping at Costco in Puerto Vallarta yesterday. He texted me to say he got everything on my list and sent pictures with the items and prices. He will deliver them to me today. How super is that.
I feel so at home here - life can't get much better!