Last month we attended a Newcomer's
Lunch. It was designed for expats in our city who were new, and the
old timers as well, to meet new friends. We did. We sat with a friend
we met here that we feel is a dear friend already, and two other
people. One was here visiting, the other is moving here like we did.
We thoroughly enjoyed our lunch, and came away with a very dear
friend, who is already like family. The Southern ties that bind and
all that. There, is the background for this post. Pull up a chair,
sit a spell and I will tell you the story of how Baptism by Fire
transported us to the good ole days.
Following the lunch, we went to thank
our delightful hostess. She was telling us how there were people who
were arriving in the following days and weeks, that were sad that
they were not here, in time for the lunch. She was saying that her
vision was for this to become a community lunch with someone
different hosting each time. She was also telling us that she hoped
to connect some of the folks coming in the upcoming days with someone
to meet with. We heartily and happily volunteered to have lunch with
a lady coming the following week. But we were not very clear,
apparently. Because the next morning I read on Facebook that mom and
I were hosting the next luncheon. Baptism by Fire. Yes, we ARE
newcomers. At the time we had only been here 4 months. We don't know
the restaurants in town yet, certainly don't know the ever changing
bus routes, and nope, not much Spanish yet either. But OK. We can do
this. We are Southern ladies. All Southern ladies know how to
entertain, whatever the situation. Right?
Well to make a long story, blog length,
we began researching, trying restaurants, talking to people and
trying to find the perfect location. We found one. The Bayou Caffee,
owned and operated by a most charming Cuencano, who worked in New
Orleans and Memphis, among other places. Southern ties. In Ecuador.
God is great.
We had our lunch this week. By all
accounts it was successful. We packed the restaurant. We ate great
food. The restaurant was lovely. Everything ran as smooth as silk.
Success. But wait, let me tell you what happened.
We sent out an open invitation for
RSVP, knowing that in this day and age, people RSVP, then don't
show. People show without a reservation. Old southern etiquette is
dead. We have been mourning it's passing for about twenty years now.
So we sent the open invitation out ...on Facebook, of course. And
online websites. After all, that is how it is done these days. But
low and behold, people replied. I even got a private message from one
attendee thanking us for planning the lunch and making it look so
easy. Hark! Do you hear the joy ringing in our hearts? A flashback
of gentler more refined days. Then a few cancellations. Rejoice!
They let us know. And then, the big event. Let me see if I can set
the scene for you.
Thirty-five people, who don't know each
other, seated at tables together. Conversation flowing, steadily.
Heartfelt laughter in the air. Smiles on every face. Not a cell phone
in sight, any where. Be still my heart, the South has risen again.
Two and a half hours later the departures begin and with them, our
attendees and new friends are thanking us, with hugs and kisses and
promises to get together again for lunch.
If you are in town, and like a little
of the old niceties of life, drop by the Bayou Caffee, meet
Sebastian, owner of the caffee and a killer friendly smile. Have
lunch, or dessert and coffee, play a game (he has them there) enjoy
the beautiful yard with the open windows and doors and the breeze
flowing through. Meet a new friend or three.
Realize that the good ole days of
enjoying company, manners, and relaxing are not dead and gone. They
moved to Ecuador. The South is alive and well, just two degrees south
of the equator.
Ya'll come on back, and sit a spell.
~*~
Scarlett Braden
in Cuenca, Living the good life!
Wish we had been here, looks like a rousing success!!!
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