The reward of planning holidays a year in advance is there’s always something to look forward to. The downside is you may miss out on the proverbial “better option” – or more importantly, where you were supposed to be. We thought we had missed out this year, but with our sail in Indonesia cancelled, we were able to be exactly where we were supposed to be. We quickly threw together a trip to join a special B Day for our friend Lisa who’s been in our lives longer than we’ve been in each other’s.
Puerto Vallarta, a highlight of travel in 2019 was the spot chosen to gather. Whenever we travel to Louisiana, we catch up with Lisa and her wife Katerina so seeing them in person always beats a text, the occasional call or FaceTime. Most of the revellers however we hadn’t spent significant time with since leaving New Orleans in 2000. This was going to be an epic reunion.
We had our “silver lining” from the previous travel cancellation "cloud" – and most of us now had the silver hair to go with it. Everyone was connected to the birthday girl for over half a lifetime. They say nostalgia is “memory without the rough edges” and our week together provided exactly that: nonstop laughter, re-counted stories, a feeling of being right back where you came of age - a jolt of memory with a silver glow to everything. To sound full-on sentimental, love was everywhere.
As the late arrivals to the party, we secured accommodation a block away from the main villa, but our days started with a group breakfast and “do you remember” and “where are you/they now” conversations. The day didn’t end until we gathered pre-dinner to watch another beautiful sunset and settle in for more non-stop connection. Of course, we didn’t resist the urge to “party like it was 1999”. Thinking you're 30-something again can make you feel invincible and what resulted was an over-done first day for some at Café San Angel and The Blue Chairs Beach Club. It particularly slowed one of us (guess who?) down for the rest of the week, but was all worth it. We had a final big night out celebrating the birthday girl at the famous Iguana Restaurant and Tequila Bar . . . nothing but laughs from the van ride over to the last bite of birthday dessert.
Besides our “logical family” from the states, we were also joined by a local gifted masseuse and healer. That daily self-care on offer was an OTT luxury. Along with her massage table, she brought a beautiful energy, and even in that short time, we felt we’d made a new friend.
Next year we celebrate our 30th anniversary. Everyone in this group is now in long term relationships giving us the chance to meet most of their wonderful partners. Once again, more of that love to go around. They say you can never go back. That may be true. . . but being reminded of how far you’ve come and how easily you can re-connect with the past is pretty damn close.
Thank you, Lisa, Katerina, Tom, Oran, Michael, Joe, Suzy, Beth, Lucy, Estella and Huitzi - especially that core group who did all the pre-planning and logistics.
Lisa, you are always in our hearts and so glad we're still connected - even from the other side of the world. Here's to so many . . . and so many more Lisa B Days!
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