Gulf Of Mexico - Phanos Proestos by Phanos Proestos
Last week on Thursday I received my work schedule for the following week and it was empty. So I decided to escape to Mexico to surprise my grandma. I've been coming to San Carlos ever since I was born. It has always served as my point of reference for paradise. It is a second home to me. A place where I've had ear infections. A place where I'm on a first name basis with Tony, the guy who drives the fruit cart, where I've swam among dolphins. A place where I've taken tennis lessons and won first place float in the San Carlos Days parade. My siblings and our lobster red skin were as much spring staples here as Pacifico and salsa for most of our lives.
The condo where I spent my springs has been sold and I am here now to help my grandma pack up for her final migration back to Portland. Hasta luego San Carlos! Echo de menos!!
Gam had no idea I was coming. Her dear friends and neighbors Bruce and Rose were in on it. Bruce came to pick me up at the bus station while Rose kept her entertained with a bottle of Chardonnay.
{Surprising Gammy}
We spent the next ten days lounging in the sun, lunching at new restaurants and recognizing when the clock struck five with a little happy hour beverage.
When I left the U.S. heading south, I realized that I would be there for Cinco de Mayo-one of my favorite holidays to recognize. All through my college years, and before, Cinco de Mayo was taken very seriously. We celebrated by waking up, putting on Mexican dresses, cracking a Corona and continuing the day with only Mexican meals and drinks. I imagined that a Mexican Cinco de Mayo would be much crazier than one celebrated in the U.S.
FALSE.
Apparently we in the U.S. are much more excited about Mexico's victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla than they are down here. My grandma and I celebrated with handmade tamales (not handmade by us, but by the local fruit truck guy), a few Pacificos and a nine o'clock bed time. There were no fireworks, parades all night bonfires. No mariachi bands playing on every corner, excessive consumption of Tequilla or drunkards raising hell at the local bar. It was treated like every other day. And so next year, I have decided I will stay in a part of the world that really appreciates Mexico's role and ultimate victory in the Battle of Puebla. Mexico just doesn't seem to get it.
Previous Cinco de Mayo
Current Cinco de Mayo
