5 January 2005
La Paz, BCN, MexicoFeliz Ano Nuevo
We greeted the New Year in the home of our friends, Danny and Monica Gonzalez, their children-Monica and Carolyn, and their friend- Rosa and her eight-month-old baby, Celine. Their home was decorated in holiday faire, balloons, a nativity scene, decorated Christmas tree in elegant balls and bows. The Mexicans celebrate the season for not one day, December 25th, but for the full twelve days of Christmas. The festive decor will remain until Three Kings Day, January 6th, when the children will lay their shoes out for the wise men to fill with presents.Danny and the girls picked us up at the Marina at 8:30 pm. Yes, Judy had to take a nap in anticipation of spending an evening when she would need to be awake past her usual bedtime of 9 pm. He drove us to a neighborhood about five miles from the Marina and as he said, just take a right, another right and a left and you will find their home. As we shifted from the four lane thoroughfare to a two lane paved road and then a dirt covered one lane road, I had my doubts I would be able to find my way back without a bit more direction. The street was lined in parked cars, as it seemed every home had guests for the evening. Every house was decorated in colored lights and I thought I was on Christmas Tree Lane in Palo Alto, except no vast front lawns, all the lights were hung from the plastered walls and gates of the one and two story homes.
Some may wonder what a typical Mexican home may be like. In our conversations with Danny, his home is considered “typical” for a family of four - one bedroom, one bath, and one main interior room that included the kitchen, dining and living area. Danny teased us that our boat was bigger than his home.
Off from the street, we entered through doublewide gates into a concrete space where the driveway had been converted into a courtyard, surrounded by high 8 foot walls. Music from the neighborhood flowed over the walls. The courtyard was the playroom, sitting room, porch and place of community gathering. It was the garden, littered with potted plants, including basil and bougainvillea. On the bright yellow plastered walls of the courtyard hung the balloons. The girls had spent the entire afternoon decorating the courtyard and were anxious for the “people from the boat” to arrive.
For several hours, we snacked on olives, crackers, dip, and chips, yellow peppers marinated in soya sauce, soda, and nuts. We chatted and enjoyed the evening with laughter and conversations that ranged from raising children to being a family. We would switch between English and Spanish, stumbling, but not struggling to converse. The evening was a bit cold and they worried that John, in his short sleeve shirt, might be more comfortable inside rather than in the courtyard. It was in the high 60 F degrees. Danny, a big man, was wearing a light jacket. Eventually, the aroma of dinner brought us inside at 11:00 pm, we sat down around a formal dinning table for the New Year’s meal.
We were treated to a wonderful American style meal, including a smoked ham with mashed potatoes, gravy, apple salad; hot dinner rolls, and bunches of grapes. Our plates were filled with generous portions. It was the first time they had made a smoked ham. They had gone all out to make sure we would be comfortable and to extend they’re finest for us. It was obvious that this was not their typical meal, but a very special occasion. The table was dawned in a brand new tablecloth and set with elegance. As Danny said, it is their tradition to bring in the New Year, with plenty of food, good cheer, and most of all, to spend it the way you hope all of the year will be, full of contentment and joy. We toasted to their tradition and to our friendship.
After dinner Gaby and Sami would be invited into the bedroom to watch TV and play Barbie’s with Monica and Carolyn. Playing has no language barrier.
At midnight the firecrackers could be heard. Danny made sure that we stayed inside his home, as not only firecrackers and fireworks are shot, but firearms. He confirmed that it is not unusual a stray bullet or two, to find its way to the innocent bystander. Danny did not want any one to go out into their courtyard. Mexico has gun controls and one is told to call the police if one hears gunfire, but the reality is that the police are just as intimidated by the acts of those with guns as any of us. Thirty minutes later, it was all over and this typically safe neighborhood had returned to its quiet and still self, not a boom or a beat to be heard.
It was delightful to share a meal in a warm home, in the company of good friends and exchange wonderful conversations about our dreams and ambitions. With laughter, we all resolved to lose some weight, get more exercise and eat more wisely. The year will be full of change for the Gonzalez family, as Danny looks forward to taking the next step towards his dream, to buy the sail loft and build the business. Monica looks forward to learning more English and being less shy about using it. We look forward to having the Gonzalez family out to the boat, for a sail so Danny can see the fruits of his labors, the children can play and for more visiting time, so I can teach Monica the art of Chinese cooking and she can teach me the art of Mexican cooking. We are told she makes the best chili rellanos in all of Mexico. These are friends for life. We have extended the invitation for them to come visit us in New Zealand (2006); a place that Danny has dreamed of visiting for many years.
Once again, from the adversity of our damaged sails a year ago and during the summer, we have had the fortunate bonding with the sail maker and his family. As one of our good friend’s has said, “Your lives surely make me believe in destiny.”
We could not have asked for a better way to bring in 2005. Feliz Ano Nuevo!