This picture pretty much sums up the difference in energy levels between us.
Home.
Somehow we got it in our heads that there was a parade at 11:30 starting at the big cemetery in town. We arrived and found that wasn’t the case at all. And in retrospect, the idea that there would be a parade in Mexico at 11:30 seems pretty ludicrous. This is not a society eager for big happenings during the heat of the day. Instead we wandered around downtown a bit.
Tattoos from Target. Sure beats trying to draw this stuff on. For the rest of the day the Mexicans would call her Catrina. La Calavera Catrina is the image of death in Mexico—which sounds ghastly, but is anything but.
So it turned out that the parade was starting from the cemetery at six o’clock and winding its way to the malecón.
It also turned out that the entire parade could fit in one picture. It wasn’t even a block long. Which was fine, because by that time we were all ready to get home anyway.
Right now the kids helping me adds about thirty minutes to the job of washing the bus. I have yet to see that additional time shrink, but I understand that at some point their “help” will actually become helpful. I also understand that once that happens they will no longer want to help.
Back in Sayulita. Planting flowers. We’re really putting down roots now. Ba-dum-bum.
Ouest has been hard at work on Christmas lists. I have to say that I’m pretty proud of the simplicity. A sewing kit, a small doll for her doll Molly to play with, a piano keyboard, and a surprise. When she asked Lowe what he wanted he pretty much shrugged his shoulders, “He can bring me anything he wants to.”
By the time I was their age I was pouring through the Sears catalog, dog-earing pages, filling out order forms, and composing 100-point lists.
15 Comments on “Day of the Dead”
Seems strange to celebrate a day of death? maybe it’s just their way of dealing with it… hmm who knows.
They would say it seems strange to not celebrate those who have died. In our culture we bury people and then bury our feelings about them as well. Here they celebrate their lives, have parties and remembrances, and do it every year! Our dead are largely forgotten. This way is so much better.
I love Ouest’s Dia de los Muertos costume and facial stickers — charming! Oh, and both their Christmas lists are lovely. I was like you with the Sear’s catalog, 100 item lists, etc. at that age. You’re raisin’ ’em right. 🙂
“…a small doll for her doll Molly to play with…” What a sweet, thoughtful person your Ouest is, Ali and Pat. You’ve done well.
TJ
How on earth did the dogs get on the roof?
Mark & Cindy
Shimmied around from the balcony. 🙂
Wow, what a Déjà-vu. Ouest´s makeup is almost identical to my wife´s on Halloween. Lon live la Catrina. PS: when your kids no longer cost time, and no longer help, washing the car will become a chore instead of a joy.
I try to remind myself of that all the time.
Have you had the tacos al pastor from Taco’s Ivan (E-Von). He’s got a stand at night from about 6:30 until his meat runs out at Av Revolucion and Calle Jose Mariscall in Sayulita. It’s right in front of a butcher shop. Not too far from the bridge/river. Then for dessert their is a family selling delicious churros just down the street by the bridge. Seriously the best tacos al pastor I’ve ever had.
Keep living the dream.
“I understand that at some point their “help” will actually become helpful. I also understand that once that happens they will no longer want to help”
Truer words were never spoken.
I am trying this Christmas list challenge:
Something she wants
Something she needs
Something to wear
Something to read
Hoping to stick to it ?
Pat,
My wife Sarah and I will be in Sayulita tomorrow and staying for a week. We would love to treat you guys to a meal if you are around for a bit! Feel free to shoot me an email! I’ll be watching my email daily.
We’ll see you here!
I remember the parade being huge with tons of kids. Weird. The kids’ Christmas lists pretty much mirror my kids. Chris has a little more expensive laundry list and Byron’s happy with anything. Gender roles??
Enjoy la playa, compadres, we sure are!! 😀
The Revolution Day parade is huge, but Day of the Dead most definitely was not. We’re going to go back to town for Revolution Day I think.