Let's get cracking, shall we? Estas cosas son en caliente.
First, the good news. Most of you will be relieved to hear I won't be posting any video of this last super fantabulous weekend in Valle and unless specifically requested otherwise by those involved, am bound to delete the lot and forget it ever happened. But just to give you an idea, there's this one bit where someone in the darkness goes, "Hahaha! I don't even know what's going on any more, hahaha".
Moving swiftly along then, we met up on Friday 24th at the Bar de los Artistas, which I'd never been to, have you? Definitely worth a visit if you're ever in Valle - it's carefully littered from the start with eye-catching and interesting stuff - paintings, sculptures, big, soft, leafy plants - and has a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Here's Sandrine, Lucía, Stephan, Tony Papworth and Tyler, Stephan's 19-year-old, though also present were Pat, Claudia (one of Sandrine's *ace* friends, look for her photo below) and yours truly.
So as you can see, low key but very pleasant indeed. It was my birthday and I wanted to keep partying - I'm sure Sandrine will be delighted to describe the fervour with which I tried to prevent the group from leaving - leaning over and grabbing her by the over-sized biker's jacket, pinning her to the sofa and barking, mouth foaming, eyes bulging and veins popping out my forehead, "you're staying!"
Alas - to no avail. The French contingent organised itself quickly while I popped into the L's, and when I walked back, ready for another glass of red, was swiftly greeted by a single file of cheeks, ready for au revoir, à demain. In all fairness, Sandrine had been at some extreme water sport or another earlier that day, surprise! and looked shattered. Ha!
So. Down to the bar it was for Pat and I. Till who knows when, when we got to the hotel. And when I woke up the next morning? Was greeted by this view:
Nice.
Oh, the Sun's bright, I can't see you, but yes please! I'd love some coffee. What's that? Freshly squeezed carrot juice? Yes, why not. I think we can do with a bit of that too. Gracias!
Look, I don't mean to give the place publicity or anything, but Valle has turned into a pretty cool town. Well, I mean, it always was, but now -
I mean -
The High Street has transformed into trendy city and there seem to be a good many restaurants and bars and art galleries and - quality stuff, man.
That evening we all met up at Sandrine's (thanking you, Sandrine!) for a few bevvies before heading down to the now famous La Mezcalería. There were more of us by Saturday evening - Jerome turned up for a few seconds having only just returned from Tokyo, and other mates of Sandrine's, old and new.
The outside. Quiet, you'd think. Not so.
Following day we chilled for a while at Jaqueline and Jean Pierre's - thank them very much indeed, please! - before heading up to Jerome and Gillian's for the rest of the afternoon. Until, past dusk, we finally headed for the door... clambered into the car... switched on the motor... and promptly burst a tyre.
Here's Claudia:
Lovely to see you Stephan, and to meet your kids. Thanks again, Jerome and Gillian. Lucía, qué buena onda convivir un rato, los esperamos aqui en el DF la próxima vez que vengan. Sandrine - se te agradece, m'dear - abrazo para ti.
