(continued from Part Two)

Saturday, May 30

Do you prefer real maple or the artificial pancake syrup?

To start our first full day as a complete unit, we watch Simon make breakfast. Using the ingredients Shannon had grabbed at the store based on the list he had sent, he whips up a batch of blueberry chocolate chip pancakes. I quickly finish mine and wish for more. For me that’s something, because I normally can’t get through a short stack without getting nauseated. Shannon had bought whole grain instead of just whole wheat flour, but they turn out great.

Sadly, Moonshot eats only one bite of her stack after slathering it in maple syrup. Of the six of us, the Canadians and I are the only ones who prefer the real stuff. They mention, however, that what I have (from Vermont) is much different from what they have back home.

On our somewhat loose itinerary, this is our stay in town day. No trips over major highways, no venturing into the city.

(click any of the many pics to enlarge)

We get downtown just in time for our next meal. The Pantry features an open layout, very old wood floors and a loft for those who prefer dining in the hottest part of the restaurant. We go there only when company comes to town, but it’s a reasonable place for lunch and everyone is happy with what they order.

A quick jaunt across the street to another spot we always take visitors — The MOM and POPCorn Store — proves more wildly successful than ever. Our friends spend at least 20 minutes marveling at, and picking out selections from the nostalgic candy bins. Candy cigarrettes, anyone? After that, we sample and buy some of the top-notch flavored popcorn and fudge.

We stroll around the square, stopping for Shannon to get a henna tattoo (lasts a couple weeks) and then to visit a gift store that used to be a bank — still complete with the old wood and marble of the original structure. The guys and I get a kick out of checking out the vault and its old doors.

The Art Walk, featuring artists local and not, provides a few interesting diversions as continue around the square in the sun and the mercifully dry air. I find it a shame that my favorite piece would disturb too many visitors to find a permanent place in our home. Despite my desire for pictures, I respectfully keep my camera in check. Perhaps mistakenly, I assume that artists typically do not like strangers photographing their work (especially in lieu of buying it).

       

Back at the hacienda we shift into a gear more like local buddies hanging out, rather than a grand visit from distant friends. Shannon and Amy run off to shop while Alvis joins the rest of to watch Shaun of the Dead. Moonshot’s cool like that.

Then it’s off to Petra, a local “street style” Mexican restaurant, where again we all clean our plates. The churros were amazing.

   

Rock Band again finishes out the night, this time with Alvis, Shannon and Amy joining in the fun for a little while. Moonshot, pregnant and a bit worn out by the walking that day and the night before, turns in first. I hope that my vocal stylings on the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” don’t wake her. To test that hope further, I belt out “Epic” by Faith No More, with Simon and Moksha showing the drums and guitar exactly who is boss. We stick with that lineup for most songs, but Alvis rocks the mic on a few numbers.

       

After that we go more geeky and build some bridges in Elefunk, a great game I downloaded for $6 from the PlayStation Store.

With all that modern technology at our fingertips, tomorrow we’re going back in time — to the dark ages. Just like Bruce Campbell in Army of Darkness, except without the chainsaw for an arm.

(to be continued)