We were desperate for some time away, alone realizing over time these moments are very important to our relationship. The kids gave us some heck about leaving them overnight with Grandma Garcia but eventually gave up.
We left home towards the beach at about 2 in the afternoon soon to arrive in our super cool mini-van. We spent the entire drive talking about nothing other than the kids, the house and Christmas...typical parents (or at least I hope that's typical). Gus kept bringing the conversation back to our everlasting discussion of burying our newly purchased Christmas trampoline. He had researched the topic on his IPad and had a prepared a very convincing persuasive view. The issue is still unsettled. I have no doubt that I will arive home one day in the near future to a newly dug giant hole in my front yard. He's a dreamer, always will be.
We arrived at the cottage style hotel exactly at check-in time. We were directed to our room and given all the information about the property including the restuarant and walking gardens that were decorated for Christmas.
As we entered our room we both immediately commented how cold it was. There was a window that had been left open and it was a chilly beach day. We both looked around for the thermostat with no luck. I was immediately discouraged looking at a tiny single log fireplace in the corner. One unburnt log sat with a note along side stating if more logs were needed they could be purchased in the lobby for $3. Are you kidding me? I was NOT about the stay here and freeze. But, I was going to eat my free dinner before even considering leaving.
Gus thought it was entertaining bringing up all of the other "green" earth friendly features of the room knowing I was much fonder of modern conveniences than he was. After surveying the room he proceeded to the bathroom to brush his teeth. He came out later laughing saying while brushing his teeth he read a little paper sign that said there was no running hot water and if some was needed the front office would bring it to you in a bucket. I'm sure you can imagine my reaction and asked if they had a communal bath too. After a good laugh he admitted it was a joke and there was hot water in the room. Not funny, at all! After nearly 1 hour in the room we discovered the wall heater. Not very observant I guess.
Our dinner reservations weren't until 6 so we decided to check out the downtown area. We stopped at what seemed to be the only coffee shop in town, no Starbucks here of course (I was bummed, I had a gift certificate I wanted to use). We walked the through the short downtown strip stopping at a stamp store, turned out much too expensive for simple stamps for our taste, and a complete sports memorabilia store. Had some good laughs trying on hats and checking out football gnomes. We made it back to our car in time to make the quick drive the nearest beach and catch the sunset. Beautiful!
Yep, that really was our room. Gus thought it was funny.
We dressed for a casual dinner and headed over. Surprisingly, the food delicious. We sat and verbally critiqued and commented on the food and possible incrediants (since we are so educated from all of the cooking competition shows we watch). One dish contained capers and we both sat pondering what they really were. Good ol' Google to the rescue! Turns out they're an unbloomed bud of the Caper flower and have a savory bean taste. Hmmm...interesting. The restaurant was expectantly full being a Saturday night and me being a "people watcher" quickly noticed a couple just over Gus' shoulder against the wall. They seemed to be in their late 50's, nicely dressed and completely silent. I mean not a word, they didn't say a thing to each other. Just sat staring at everything in the room but the other person, didn't seem mad or upset though, kind of peaceful looking actually. I pointed it out to Gus and we proceded to ponder. Why even bother going to a hotel, having a nice dinner out and not talk to each other, share thoughts or feelings. Might as well save the money and stay home. Gus said maybe they did all their talking at home and prefered it that way. I disagreed, stating their whole marriage must be like that, friendly roommates. I wondered if they were happy or just going with the motions. Would that happen to us? If it did, I know I wouldn't be happy or content letting things be that way. I continue to wonder about them...
Next we headed to the lounge for cocktails and live entertainment. Unfortunatly, the entertainment was weathered and not our style so we went on to the spa. We were the only ones there. I wondered if we were the only ones with the bright idea or the stupid ones sitting in a spa on a freezing night. It was fun though and warm.
The next morning we ate the breakfast that came with the stay in the same restuarant as dinner. It was lovely and just as delicous. We watched a show the night before where the host was eating biscuits and gravy which started the craving. At breakfast they had just that, they read our minds! After we left Gus stopped for a cup of coffee at the same shop and bought a giant cinnamon roll. When he offered me a bit I turned him down saying I was full he said he was still hungry and wanted another plate at breakfast. I laughed asking him why he didn't get another plate, it was a breakfast bar afterall. He said he didn't know that, I should have told him. Ha.
We checked out early and headed home, missing the kids. They were happy to see us and we spent the rest of our Sunday working around the house and cleaning.
Loving life...
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