Will You Be My….???

…..Valentine!  Silly!  As celebrations go, here in Mexico, "Feliz dia del amor y las armistad!"is a big one.  (Happy day of love and friendship)  The big red and white hearts and greetings appear right before Feb. 14th….not much warning.  But, then on that day, there are hearts everywhere, little stands on the sidewalks with single roses for sale, or red lollipops or invitations to restaurants for special dinners.  The hearts and candy are still available…but wait…it's now March!  But, then, there are still some Christmas and New Year things for sale too.  So different from home….where we are on to the next holiday in an instant.  I'm sure there are Easter bunnies everywhere north of the border.  Not here!

Bertha's Beach Club Restaurante…..also known as "Celias"

On Feb. 12th we join some friends at the restaurant on the next beach, el Burro, for the early Valentine's celebration dinner and music.  The Mexican combination plate is a hit…and the music is great!  We are treated to fabulous flute music and voice by professional musicians for an hour before the regular DJ takes over with dancing tunes.  The special guest singer is trained in opera as well and what a voice!

Mexican combo and Steve

Musica!  

Then, Valentine's Day actually arrives and what to do?  A drive to town, a few sights on the sidewalks and in the parks…and then it's out to a little tiny restaurant (shack?)…on the beach at the Mulege lighthouse called El Patron.  We've heard the fish tacos out here are fantastic and it turns out to be true!

El Patron

Beach bums Steve and Nan

Deb and John

Ann and Court

Full moon on Feb. 14, 2014  Sea of Cortez

We watch the full moon rise as we drive home.  Then it's time to kayak with a full moon to light our way around Coyote Bay.  It is magical.  To say nothing of the campfire John and Deb provided, with rum cake and the kalua and cream drinks from Court and Ann.  Stamped into memory.

Although I enjoyed my years (and years and years) of being a teacher and celebrating Valentine's Day with nine year olds…the construction paper mailboxes, the candy hearts with messages, the eventual sugar overdose of the 25 children showing up the next day for school….all it's own charm and memorable….this day in 2014 trumps it all!