March 15, 2009 - Flexible Agenda

Had all sorts of plans for today, Sunday. Originally, I was going to get up early and take a bus to Guadalajara to see 9:30 performance of Ballet Folklorico. Sleeping late or staying in bed with "East of Eden" seemed like a better option.

Jo and I planned to have a leisurely breakfast at a restaurant and walk about town before catching the 12:30 Tapatio Tour Bus to Guadalajara. After breakfast of huevos divorciado (two eggs side by side, one with salsa roja and ther other with salsa verde.) , went to Pila Seca (off Independencia) to confirm the tour bus info. Ran into our walking tour guide "Tony". He told us that because there were big fiestas in Guadalajara today, the roads would be closed and there would be no bus until 2:30 pm. The day would be more than half over by that time. I can leave earlier than this on a school day. Needed to switch gears.....

Jo and I did not have an alternate plan but, took this opportunity to browse in the Galleries along Indepenedencia. The most fascinating was that of Sergio Bustamante. http://www.sergiobustamante.com.mx/ His creative works ranged from jewelry to shoes to life sized sculptures. They were whimsical. He even had a dining room set where some of the table and chair legs were carved as shoes and boots. Some of his larger sculptures were in the outdoor gardens and pools.

I purchased small items such as, painted, wooden boxes, ceramic earrings, small beaded pots, tin box and mirrors. The joy was in the viewing all handicrafts and arts. I dont know of any other small city that has so many tasteful, quality crafts in one locale. In addition to the shops, there were street artists and craftspeople. Time passed and it was time for almuerzo (lunch). Thought it best to find a restaurant off the pedestrian way. It might be less expensive. Did not need to go far and found Casa Tequila. No, we did not go to a tequila bar....but, to a wonderful interior patio and cafe. Because there was no roof, we were able to look up and see the Basilica ...white against a cobalt blue sky. Walls of the cafe were painted the color of orange/red clay. The contrast with the sky was most appealing. I read camarones on the menu and decided to take a chance with the Tortitas de Camaron con Nopales. I know that carmarones are shrimp and Nopales are the chopped up leaves of the prickly pear cactus. This meal was served with rice. The camarones turned out to be a thin "shrimp burgers" in a salsa roja with the cut up nopales. It was a little bit picante, but the rice and tortillas helped. Another local meal to check off the list. It was okay...but, not to be repeated. We enjoyed our beautiful, young waitress. She was very friendly and accommodating. She even brought out her pet white rabbit for us to see.

While out walking, decided to check out Librerias Gonvill, a bookstore which is located next to Walmart. I was able to find ten reasonably priced children's book to add to my sister Suzanne's Library for the children of Carbonal de Grecia, Costa Rica.

Suzanne and Ron have lived in Costa Rica for over two years. They are living with the local Ticos....not in an American compound. Last March, Suzanne conceived of the idea of a library for the children who live in her neighborhood when she learned that they did not have access to books. This library in their home is open to the migrant Nicaraguan children as well as the local Ticos (I wonder if children are called Tocitos or Toquitos?). Suzanne remembered how important the public library was for her as a child. Over the past year, she has purchased or has had donated over 300 children's books written in Spanish. A couple of months ago, when they learned that their good friend and neighbor had been layed off from his job, Suzanne and Ron decided that this was as good a time as any to provide work for their friend......and to build a larger library as an addition on their home. This new library has an outside entrance so local volunteers can keep the library open when Suzanne and Ron are not at home. "Biblioteca de Susanna Para Ninos" will have its Grand Opening Celebration on April 11, 2009.

Suzanne keeps an eye on EBay and when she finds a good price on books makes a purchase and has the books sent to friends in the US who plan to make a trip to Costa Rica. I try to keep an eye out for books...but, living in northern New Hampshire, I rarely if ever, see a book written in Spanish.

If anyone has access to children's books in Spanish and would like to donate them.... we would be most grateful. My next trip to CosaRica will be in December. I plan to carry as many books as will fit in two pieces of luggage and not go over the fifty pound per bag limit.

Guess that I got sidetracked....but, for a good cause.