A Parade Through The Streets!

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I think the tallest person I have ever seen was a famous basketball player when I was a kid, who stood 7’7. Well, I have met some people that are even taller. Actually they are puppets. It all started when my partner in Spanish class was telling me how great this group was that was visiting SMA for the Camber Music Festival. They were called Synergy Brass. He said they were a hoot, playing New Orleans style jazz. Even more exciting was that they were going to play in the Jardin and then lead people with their music to a show in Juarez Park. I knew that this was something Dad and I had to see. As the day of the show grew closer, the more people I talked to, the more knew about the parade and were excited to go. This was certainly going to be a good show!

We showed up a bit early and chatted with Eleanor and Jack (my partner from class) and his wife. There was another band playing in the center of the plaza and we wondered how Synergy Brass was going to get everyone’s attention. We watched the band put on giant sombrero’s and then when I turned around to look for Dad, there was a GIANT blonde puppet making her way through the crowd. She was followed by some “sisters” and sure enough, a crowd had formed. The band started to play, and the puppets started to dance and Dad and I laughed and laughed. It was all so magical and festive. After the first song, the band began playing [I] When The Saints Go Marching In[/I] and lead a parade of dancing people several blocks away to the Park. Once we were there, the band played a few more songs and we had a wonderful time. Afterwards, Eleanor joined us for a walk through the park and then we went to a new (to me) restaurant called El Gallo. The margaritas were strong that day, and so Dad and I stumbled back to Casa Luna to relax before meeting Ronnie for dinner.

Dad’s last couple of days in SMA were bittersweet. We had a great time together while he was here and were a bit sad knowing it would be a bit of time before we would see each other again. He loved SMA and could see why we choose to make this our home. At first he didn’t really have many expectations of this town and was only looking forward to spending time with us, but after our time together…I think he has developed quiet a little crush on the heartland of Mexico. “You guys have a great life here,” he told me on our last day together. That was really important to me as I knew he would be one of the toughest critics.

I have started something new just this week! I am now volunteering at the Sociadad Protectora de Animales…sort of like the SPCA in the states. There are many animals needing homes down here in Mexico as most people can’t afford to have their pets fixed. So what is my tough job? Cleaning up poo and walking monsters that were formally dogs? No senor! I just have to go and play with the puppies and the kittens to get them used to being held by humans and to learn the joys of hugs and love. It’s great! So I go visit these little guys whenever I have a day off from school or not too much freelance work. I am really enjoying it and trying hard to not take a puppy home with me. (Ronnie has one he likes too hahaha)

Funny little story...there is a dog near us that ALWAYS barks when we walk by. Always, always. The other morning Ronnie came home from the walk with Byon and yelled," I finally learned that dog's name! It's Caillete!." I laughed and laughed. "That's not the dog's name...that means 'shut up' in Spanish!" (We later learned the dog's name is Lassie.)

Sadly, the turista bug has hit Ronnie. Today he has been taking it easy while I make him drink lots of water and eat soup. He even took a nap! (Those of you who know Ronnie, know how rare this is.) I think he is already feeling better.

Yesterday we had some visitors from San Francisco! One of Ronnie’s friends named Jen is traveling around Mexico with two of her friends and they decided to drop by San Miguel on their way to Mexico City. We all had breakfast at the Santa Ana Café in the library and then wandered around the artists market. I then had to run off to school but as a great surprise, I had a committee there to pick me up once I was done! (There is always something so magical about being picked-up from school.) We then had some comida and headed up to our casita for hours of tequila and story-telling. Much later that night, we went to our local taco stand and had fresh tacos. They were divine!

Our next visitor is one of our best friend’s named Urian. He is coming at the end of August. We are so excited to see him. (And so is Byron!!) He is going to hang out here for a few days, then the three of us are going to take a bus to Mexico City for 3 days and 2 nights. I am really excited about that too! I am hoping to make it to Frida’s house and a lot of museums. I already bought a whole tourbook to prepare for our trip and to try and squeeze as many activities as we can out of the D.F!!

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