Cartajima 6.5.2007

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First morning in Cartajima!

A portrait of El Refugio in the natural daylight.

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A half-sized door under the stairs opens into bejeweled mosaic stairs
leading down to a silky, Moroccan style sitting area…the Disco Room…

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Early afternoon.
Out the window of our room, reflections of the morning light
bleach the white plaster walls and a neighbor’s potted plants.
 
Yawning and stumbling, through the house to the terrace stairs,
the sunlight dances through the glass bricked ceiling
as I climb the steep ladder staircase to the terrace.
The guys already resumed conversations from last night,
and now enjoy each others company anew.
Built by Botz and the other Refugio owners, the terrace is the prize of the property.
Overlooking the entire valley and neighboring Pueblos Blancos villages,
El Refugio’s terrace becomes among our favorite places in the world.
The panoramic views of the surrounding valley are stunning.
The village is endearing with its whitewashed buildings and quaint old world charm.

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The weather is beautiful, and soon the bouncing sun scorches everything in sight.

Around lunch time we meet Fernando, a young local guy and friend of El Refugio. 

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With a few cubes of ice, El Refugio’s local wine list appears,

and some very interesting conversations and antics ensue.

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Taking turns with the disco wig. It really gets around.

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Evening bats.

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Round 1! Fight!

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Arm-wresting! People still do that? Yes they do.

As the sun sinks, the local birds hunting for dinner are replaced with bats,

and our activities mutate as well. Botz and Fernando stage a lucha – arm wrestling!

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Fernando prevailed with his shining right arm…

Round 2! Fight!

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…but Botz was unstoppable with his left arm in the rematch.

The importance of good sportsmanship is displayed

as the gentlemen shake hands after the match.

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Botz’ tan is as dark as the terrace tiles!

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No evening with new friends would be complete without

a bit of dancing to a broad mix of…funk?

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Retiring inside, up late watching internet videos of
British comedians Rowan Atkinson and Stephen Fry.
While the videos load, we share favorite ska and punk bands,
and Botz introduces us to the indelible Amy Winehouse.
What a day of great fortune!
Finally, we feel as though we’re someplace different,
and at the same time at home!

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