August 16 · Azurara, Portugal
Birthday for One, Table for One (with video for One minute)
Isolated but still connected, I went to the outside dining area, of Restaurante Villazur, owned by Ricardo, a man I had shot just a few months before.
At my table for one, I was pleased, I was able to read and understand more of the menu that has been foreign to me.
Greeted by Ricardo, Portuguese waitress Sofia and a Venezuelan waitress, I was able to make my order mostly in Portuguese and a bit in Spanish. (They could all speak English, but were polite enough to let me practice, what I could, of their languages.)
As a socially distanced table of 5, celebrated traditionally, another’s birthday.
Whilst I awaited for my choice of courses, I found that I was not alone, with postings, messages and videos from friends afar and anear. As I speared, my olive hors d’oeuvres, one by one.
The food arrived, each course on its own plate, to be moved to an empty plate waiting to be filled. (Sort of like the Chinese way, but in Portugal). I only ordered two courses, (I need to avoid the male middle age baby bump, and try to retain my girlish figure, just kidding. Was making sure there was room for my just desserts). I do wear my magical, meal mask, that lets food in, but keeps Virus out.
Once completed, and waiting for delivery of dessert and coffee, the young lady, older than I, at the socially distant table, came to mine, sharing her dessert with me. A very Portuguese thing to do.
My table for one, became a meeting of many, as Ricardo, shared with them, my photographic memories, of our meeting and my Facebook page. Holding no grudges for my shooting of him. At my age, photographic memories, are more reliable than my own.
With two desserts and company to share, I spent my second birthday here. Getting sang to for a second year in Portuguese, now made a tradition for me, too. (They wearing mask, so as not to be recognized with me. Or out of respect for the safety of others, a Portuguese thing to do). I was able to have my cake and eat my pie too. And a no grudges, glass of Champaign from Ricardo.
I ended my celebration, horsing around, for as I relaxed looking at a wall, I marbled at the, impression of a horse in veins. It is, interesting what is found in this world, when not looking for it, but keeping your eyes opened and seeing what arrives.
Another birthday, celebrated and more life to live, before I come to my Due By Date, with many memories yet to be shared.
Upon departure, a bouquet of a living plant, displaying its stages of life was there, as I took leave and continue to display mine.
Thank you to all of you, who shared my table with me this day, physically distanced but socially connected.