Hotel California

I debated whether to call this post "Hotel California" or "Tequila Sunrise". Today I went to the town of Todos Santos, alleged home of the hotel of Eagles' song fame. No one will say whether the legend is true or not, but it's a cool place to see regardless of its connection to the song. Across the street is a Mexican restaurant (predictably) named Tequila Sunrise. The owner of the restaurant used to be the chef at the Hotel California, but he branched out (across the street) and opened his own place. He couldn't be more charming -- he checked to make sure I didn't need an umbrella at my outdoor table, and repeatedly checked on my satisfaction with the food -- and I had the best chilis rellenos I've ever eaten, and I've eaten a lot. I may never eat them again because after having them at Tequila Sunrise, nothing else will measure up.

I also found discovered (or re-discovered) something I knew forty years ago. I didn't think it would still apply at my age. Many Mexican men like tan American women with blond hair. I was politely propositioned more than once today, which is more than in the previous year (at least) before today. One gentleman gave me his card and whispered in my ear that I should call him if I'd like to "go out at night and boogie" while I'm in town. That was all fun. I bought a beautiful silver bangle with a single pale green moonstone in the center, and another bracelet of silver and abalone. I didn't pay much for them and they are truly gorgeous and unique.

Because I was gone all day, I wasn't able to make a dinner reservation. (On weeknights, there is no reservation needed; I tried to make one last night for today, but they are accepted only between 9:00 and 3:00, and my excursion took me away and brought me back outside that time window.) I saw my new Las Vegas friends at the pool when I got back to the hotel, and they had decided to leave the property for dinner and graciously gave me their reservation -- for which I needed their name and room number. I thought that was trusting and generous, and I'll be dining on primo seafood in just under an hour. I haven't done much in the evenings, but I've been packing my days full of alternating poolside rejuvenation and wandering browsing and shopping. It's just perfect.