Christmas in Merida: A Photostory
Merry Christmas and happy holidays everybody! Though we are still exiled in the Suites del Sol (more on that later) with no other family or friends around, we tried to make the best of it and Christmas our little hearts out in the 90 degree heat. Let's tell the story using photographs, shall we? Oh, and if you notice Jillian is absent from most of these, it's because she wore her nightgown for much of the day and made a noise every time I tried to take her picture. So I'll handle narration duties. And of course, each picture clicks through to a larger version for those that want to see more details.
Christmas shopping and preparations always begin with the division of cash and credit cards. Next stop, Gran Plaza!
These mysterious frames appeared along the Paseo de Montejo recently. What will go inside?
Tree at Noche Mexicana, a once-weekly celebration of Mexican culture with food, art, song, and dance. This was our first trip.
Crowds and joy at Noche Mexicana on Christmas Eve.
On stage, singers sing and dancers dance.
Then, it was back to the homestead for some late night imported Cuban rum. Eat it, trade embargo.
Christmas morning, and Jillian gave me a vihuela, a sort of old-fashioned short-necked Mexican guitar with five strings and four frets, with mother of pearl inlay. It is gorgeous.
Jillian also got me a totally unexpected, very cool folding bicycle, which means I can ride to McDonalds for a McNifico any time I want one. I don't even need to ask for permission or ANYTHING.
It was wrapped very tightly in 75 pounds of plastic.
With the present time over, Jillian prepares to cook me breakfast. Not pictured? The new comforter and pillows I got her to try and make our bed more comfortable. Also not pictured? Jillian saying, "I look like such a NERD in my glasses!"
Breakfast of Mexican champions. Also fatsos. Fried eggs, bacon, cheese, and hot sauce, all wrapped in tortillas. It is the fastest possible way to get bacon and eggs into your bloodstream, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
After breakfast, I took some time to learn how to play the vihuela. I am pleased to report that I am already an expert.
I also learned to fold my new bike.
We spent the rest of the day playing with all of our new stuff. I sculpted a monkey out of this cool clay that turns to rubber when you bake it. Jillian made the rubber carrot, which wasn't something I knew I had always wanted until I had one.
Now, we've got turkey in the oven and it's almost time for some comfortable sleep in our new bedding. All in all, it was a pretty low-key holiday...but that's just the way I like 'em.
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Ahem!
And what did you get Jillian besides the clay?
Full report, please!
Posted by: Nancy | December 25, 2006 09:09 PM
Hey Nancy :)
What with still living in the Suites del Sol, preparing to move, and not owning anything, etc., Jillian and I agreed to keep this Christmas mellow and only give each other a couple of things that we really NEEDED, since we pretty much will spend the first three months after we buy a place getting each other presents. I stuck more to the letter of this than she did, getting her a lightweight down comforter and two supersoft pillows...somewhat difficult commodities to find down here. Jillian's primary complaint about our current setup is the uncomfortable beds...and I think we solved that. Next year, we go big again and shower each other with bric-a-brac, stockings, and Lifesaver Sweet Storybooks. This year was all about necessity (and of course, increased comfort).
The clay was actually a gift from our friends up North. I learned a lot with the monkey, and next will be building some poseable Day of the Dead figures. Look for the stop-action movie soon. :)
Posted by: Malcolm | December 25, 2006 09:45 PM
It sounds like you did stick to the plan better than she did, but that vihuela is so pretty it would have been hard to resist.
Posted by: Nancy | December 26, 2006 09:36 AM
So sad I missed your calls! CA is crazy and fun, as usual, and great parties abound...up to the beach tomorrow for a week of recovery.
Love you, and wish I were there!
Posted by: Mom | December 26, 2006 01:41 PM
Merry Christmas! Matt and I love of wonderful little wooden stick man. Thanks so much. I'm sorry that we missed you in CT.
Posted by: Elise | December 26, 2006 11:51 PM
That monkey is AWESOME!! The carrot's not too shabby, either.
Posted by: Lauren | December 27, 2006 12:13 PM
I´m so glad, Elise. Perhaps we all will be together next year.
Posted by: jillian | December 28, 2006 01:48 PM
merry belated xmas kiddies and feliz nuevo anos? jussst kidding, my espanol is rather rusty. come have a new years re-do in cozumel, no?
Posted by: amy | January 2, 2007 02:32 AM