Dia de San Valentin
Saturday, February 14, 2009
We didn’t notice Valentine’s Day was upon us until yesterday, when someone reminded us it was Friday the 13th, the latter being a far more significant day when you’re traveling around the world (because I am highly superstitious, I made sure to generously tip the guy whose arduous job it is to tag my luggage and transfer it two feet onto the bus’s baggage hold). “Tomorrow must be Valentine’s Day,” I said, having completely forgotten without the help of my friends at Hallmark to give me an insistently polite tap on the shoulder every day for the last two months. (We are, ironically, in the chocolate capital of South America, and I spotted just one heart-shaped box in the store windows.) “What are you going to get me,” I purred to Maikael. “A trip across the Chilean border,” he responded.
Today won’t be filled with cloying cards, mounds of hearts, romantic dinners, or poetic declarations of love. Instead, we’ll load a crowded bus bound for Chile, our forth and final crossing between the two countries, leaving behind the steak dinners, malbec, tango, and poor service for good. Tomorrow will entail another bus ride and two flights bound for Lima, Peru. The next day will bring another flight to Cusco, bringing our days-in-a-row traveled to four. The closest we’ll come to celebrating will be the dinner we enjoyed last night with our Canadian friends, Yvonne, Nira, and Nicole, who we met on the bus from Bariloche and have enjoyed spending the last five days with. As we scooped up decadent spoonfuls of dessert just after midnight, Nira noted that it was officially Valentine’s Day, and we commemorated the moment with this photo. We’re nothing if not jaded.
So while you’re passing a lazy Valentine’s Day with your sweetie, think of us on the bus to Chile. At least we’ll spend the day together. Oh, wait, that’s every day. Just eat a chocolate for me, okay?
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In the 15 years between 1961 and 1976 I made special note of a phenomenon that occurred annually in the month of February – almost without fail. During those years I learned to mark “2-days” on my calendar in recognition of Valentine’s Day:
14 de Febrero, “Dia de San Valentin”
Un día soleado recordados por todos novias.
15 de Febrero, “Dia de Querido John Cartas”
Un día de lluvia es recordado por muchos novios!
Maybe a poor showing on the 15th had something to do with the quality of gifts that I and many other unfortunates made on the 14th. In any event, I hope that both of you will enjoy “Dia de San Valentin” and be glad that you’re both together – even if you’re only on a bus chugging through the Andes!
I am leaving for Madrid for 2 and half weeks. Hope to see the updates. Mladenka is sending regards. It would be nice to see you in Croatia.
Hi Elizabeth and Maikael,
Glad to hear that you both made it to Peru although it did sound to be a very frustrating experience in Lima to say the least. It was a pleasure meeting you both and I hope you enjoy the last month of your travels. Nicole and I made it back to Vancouver yesterday (we left Munira in Mexico city at the airport). I have to say, I could have travelled at least a few more weeks although I am glad to see my own Michel. We are eading up to one of the local mountains to go skiing tonight. It should be a shock to the system but less of a shock then going back to work on Monday. Take care and all the best in the rest of your travels in South America.
Yvonne
Yvonne, it was so great to meet you as well. (See, I told you you’d become a minor celebrity on our blog!) Peru is getting better after leaving Lima. I’m glad you had an easier time getting back to Canada. Best of luck getting back into the grind — we’re right behind you. Stay in touch!!