12 Grapes & A Balloon

Cocaine Princess here.

December 31st 2008

Since Valentina's daddy wasn't going to be able to join us on New Years he took us for a champagne lunch. I skipped out on the champagne part. I've consumed so much alcohol during this holiday season, so much to last a lifetime. I sipped 7UP in a pretty champagne flute. It was just as sparkly and bubbly as champagne. Throughout lunch I couldn't help but notice how jumpy and anxious Valentina was acting. I didn't say anything. I figured maybe the Rum Runners were still flowing through her veins. While eating I started feeling sluggish. First I thought Valentina might have slipped a little alcohol in my drink when I wasn't looking but that wasn't the case. It appears my internal clock can't tell time. Through sheer determination and will power I stayed awake.

After a lovely lunch we took a leisurely walk around the city. The locals were already getting a head start on New Year's. The main road leading to the city's square was closed, there was a parade of floats and various stages were set up with performers playing music along side dancers doing tantalizing dance moves. A number of people on the floats were tossing disposable cameras to watchers so they could capture the moments. Folks that were working in the stores went out to look closely with their own eyes. In summary, it was like a Carnival-like atmosphere. The only thing I didn't like, the mariachi singers. Mariachi music is the only kind of Latin music I can't stand. I find it incredibly irritating, like nails on a friggin' chalkboard.

This picture was taken during our stroll. The adorable girls were getting ready to participate in one of the many parades.



The country's capital is a fabulous place to visit. It's one of the many attractive cities in Mexico. In addition to the gorgeous majestic architecture it drips with history and at every turn you will find museums and art galleries. So, do you think I took the opportunity to immerse myself in any of that? Of course not! I support the arts 100%. I believe children need the arts to enrich their lives but when I'm on holidays I go to unwind. I don't go because I'm in need of a history lesson. On occasion I have taken in a sightseeing tour. As long as there are A-class beaches, A-class shopping and accommodations I'm ecstatic. Unfortunately there are no beaches here but I'm still having a fantastic time.

New Year's Eve

Finally the moment arrived. After getting all glitzed and glammed we all made our way to the club in the late evening. I say we all because there was a dozen of us. So many of my friends and a few others I hadn't seen for some time came to celebrate New Years so it was a total surprise for me seeing them. We all keep in touch through phone calls but it's a totally different experience and feeling when you see them face to face. I asked Valentina, 'is this why you've been acting so peculiar?' 'Daddy had this reunion all planned in the Fall but then had to reschedule everything because of that person who lives with you breaking her ankle. (when she said the word 'breaking' she used her fingers to gesture quotation marks.) I was sworn to secrecy. Daddy said if I even breathed a word or even a hint he would put me on a budget.' 'Oh God the B-word,' I replied. (We don't find the F-word disgusting as much as we do the B-word)

Valentina of course picked the club and of course she chose the most poshest club in the most fashionable district where the crème de la crème are seen. There was a spiral staircase on the dance floor leading to the rooftop where we all were. Being on the rooftop gave us an impressive and panoramic view of the city. At the bottom of the stairs was our entourage keeping unwanted party crashers out since the rooftop was booked for only us. The DJ was in place spinning tunes, you know the kind that makes your heart thump along with the music. He started with Adagio For Strings by Tiësto and that got everyone moving.

Before midnight we were each given a balloon and a bowl with 12 grapes. We were told to make a wish and then release the balloon into the air at midnight. Eating grapes at midnight is a New Years Mexican tradition. You eat one at a time while making a wish. When midnight struck everyone went wild as fireworks cracked and sparkled and the funny thing no one said Happy New Year, instead everyone yelled ¡VIVA MEXICO! over and over again. Holding on to my balloon I made my wish and then gave it a kiss before setting it free. If any of you come across a silver colored balloon with a lipstick-kiss mark, you'll know who it belongs to. Soon after the music started up again. The DJ played Don't Stop The Music by Rihanna. The ideal song for the start of 2009.



We left the club around, well I have no idea. It was well after midnight and somewhere between 3:30-4am. All the locals were still celebrating and were all so lively and active including this pudgy little girl who should have been nowhere near the fireworks.



Tuesday January 13th 2009

Day 20 and I'm still on my marvelous holidays. I'll be returning home in a few days. It was a delight seeing everyone.

I called up 'A' to see how she was doing and of course to ask about the weather conditions. -16C windchill, freezing rain came pouring down the other day with a fresh new layer of snow. I was sorry I called. When I told Valentina she was more than happy. She’s been lighting candles and praying for a blizzard back home so my flight will get grounded.

The past few days have been spent shopping (a city this large has more than a few super shopping centers) while our nights are spent indulging in the nightlife. Yesterday we ate at an exquisite Italian restaurant. You kind of get sick of eating Mexican every night. But one thing I can never ever get sick of, my delectable, moist, deep and rich tasting chocolate cheesecake.

Valentina is beside me cozy in the blanket as I blog. We just finished watching 30 Rock. It comes on at an odd time. It’s the episode where Jack accidentally hits his mom with the car. Speaking of 30 Rock I caught Tina Fey's acceptance speech on a local entertainment show. It was so awesome what she said.

We're now watching Tropic Thunder. I never had the chance to see the film when it was released but I remember all the buzz surrounding it. It’s hysterical.

Was She or Wasn't She?

If you recall in my last post Valentina was convinced the waitress at the restaurant was actress Maria Conchita Alonso. The very next morning Valentina came racing into my room while I was brushing my teeth, and with the local newspaper in her hand said, 'I told you so Princess!' She showed me a photo of Miss Alonso!! She was in Baja promoting the opening of a condo/resort at a trade show.



XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess