78- NEW YEAR'S 2025
Someone asked if I remembered what the world was concerned about on New Year’s Eve 25 years ago. It took a minute – New Year’s 2000?? Of course, the "Y2K" problem!
There was a widespread fear that computer systems would crash causing incredible damage due to their inability to recognize the year 2000 properly. As the seconds -10, 9, 8… were chorused, we held our breath waiting for computer catastrophe to happen as "Happy New Year" rang out! But when computers ticked over to read the year “2000” there was a collective sigh of relief and champagne corks popped to welcome the new millennium.
This New Year’s Eve, the main concern in my group of friends was, “Will we be able to stay awake to watch the fireworks at midnight?” Like 25 years ago, that worry was unfounded!
The fireworks over the two huge bays in Manzanillo at midnight were even more spectacular than previous years in celebration of the 20th anniversary of “Manzanillo se Illumina”. Champagne, smiles, hugs, and best wishes for the coming year filled our hearts then the revelers began to drift off for home and bed.
In last week’s blog, I mentioned how Maureen and I had been trapped in the elevator taking us down from the rooftop as we left the New Year’s Eve 2024 party. Unbeknown to us, someone had taken a photo of us. This scallywag had it printed then posted it on the glass elevator door for everyone to see, with a hand written warning “Be Careful Complicated Elevator”. The warning was taken in good humour by us but roaringly funny to everyone else who saw it and remembered our conundrum last year..
We successfully commandeered the system this year, waving triumphantly to the laughing onlookers.
New Year’s Day dawned early, after a very late night/early morning New Year’s Eve. (2:30 a.m. - really??)
One of my best friends arrived that afternoon from Colorado. We were to meet half way between our condos at Portofino’s Restaurant where I’d made reservations for dinner at 6.
When I arrived the restaurant was empty and dark!! Sandi hadn't eaten all day! There was only one other option because trying to find a restaurant open on January 1st, or even getting a cab, was almost impossible.
We walked to Oasis, the only other restaurant in Club Santiago. Fortunately, we’re known there so we were able to obtain a table in the crowded facility even without a reservation.
Friday night was the first Members’ Night of the season at the Beach Club in Club Santiago. I was invited to join in the festivities. It was fun to reconnect with so many people I’ve met over the past 24 winters spent here!
I may be a nomad, having no permanent home, but six months each winter will be spent in Club Santiago as long as I am able, physically and mentally, to be here.
The coming week is busy – again! I think the last two months have been basic training for the coming onslaught of Snowbird friends arriving – lunches, dinners, happy hours, just plain get-togethers, and Di and Colin arrive next Saturday for three weeks. Happy days!!!
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