Catching Up

I thought I would try to catch up with what we are doing. The internet is so slow and spotty that I can't always keep up to date. Our social life is great here. It's a very friendly place. We have hosted three dinner parties so far for some of the folks who have been most helpful and friendly. We only have four place settings and four dining room chairs so we can't have a crowd at any one time! We have been invited to a large party at our next door neighbours. Their son Carey is the developer of  Vivo and his parents are very much involved. They have a beautiful unit overlooking the ocean. It's huge and comfortable. They also have the floor below them where their son and his family stay while here. The occasion for the party was odd, Rosca de Reyes. Here they call it the Baby Jesus party! More than a month ago, near Epiphany, there was another party with a cake that had a figure of the Baby Jesus baked into it. (The way we bake birthday cakes with coins in it). Whoever gets the Baby Jesus had to host a tamale party to celebrate Candlemas Day on Feb. 2nd. What really happens is the figure is passed around until someone says they are willing to host! It was held at the beautiful condo next door to us but the hosts were Bob and Carey who provided the tamales (made by the mayor of Chila's wife!) and sangria. Everyone brought an appetizer or dessert. and some wine or beer. It was so much fun and the setting was perfect.
Then there was the Super Bowl Party attended by lots of people right here and organized by one of the owners. There was a betting pool (we lost) and a small auction. All fun. There is another party coming up in early March with entertainment and dinner. That also should be a good time. We have aquacize twice a week, a market on Friday's organized by our friend Bob. A local fruit and vegetable seller from Chila comes about 8AM and our crowd forms. We buy almost everything he brings. Fresh berries, lots of different veggies, and eggs. It is very fresh and very cheap.
There is always someone going into town for dinner and you can join them if you wish.
A few days ago Tom and I went to Espadin for lunch. What a lovely setting overlooking the ocean. We will return to walk the steps down to Playa Carrizalillio. We have revisited Playa Zicatela, a tourist area with restaurants and shops and have enjoyed lunch at El Habanero on the beach. It's friendly waiter Santiago treats us very well.