Finally

I finally met Daniela today.  This, after talking to her "virtually" everyday since meeting her in mid-October.  It was a very special moment.

I left Mexico City just after midnight, on a flight to Toronto.  From there I took another flight to Sudbury.  Upon arrival, I took a 45-minute taxi ride to the city, where I picked up my rental VW Jetta, before heading downtown to Daniela's place.  I arrived at her place near noon.  The temperature outside was around -20, but sunny.

Our embrace was long and full of warmth.  We spent much of our day becoming acquainted.  No more virtual.  There is no replacement to feeling the warmth of another person...

Dusk In Acapulco

Sundown's beautiful in Acapulco.  28C.  Perfect.

View

Morning:

Afternoon:

Dominic, Dominika, And Monica

Great tennis today.  All my faves won.

Thiem won again, he's in the quarters.

Dominika won too.  She's a fan fave - no surprise there.

Monica blew by Sara Errani.

After all the matches were over Ruth, Marty and I went to the fan area and hung out for a while.  Amazing weather - around 28C at midnight.  Can't be beat.

Settled In Acapulco

So we've made it here safely - and as the image shows, we won't be suffering the next few days...

Went to a Benetton store upon arrival, and I have to say I wasn't that impressed.  Maybe I'm (finally) outgrowing the UCB phase.  Some of my friends might be shocked.  Others proud.

Saw Dominic Thiem play today.  Que jugador, por Dios!  He will be a top 5 player within the next 2 years.  I will follow his progress over the next year...

I tend to think that women's tennis is more attractive these days than men's.  It seems more dynamic - except Serena who's just in a league on her own - where the game doesn't reply so much on strength and power, but also on touch, outlasting the opponent, and strategy.

But I think I'd still like to see one of "the big three" play - Djoker, Rafa, and Roger, in reverse order.  Andy Murray is someone I really like watching too.  He just fights and fights.

Tomorrow Dominica Cibulkova plays, as does Monica Puig.

Got The Earrings!

So I woke up thinking "Gotta get those earrings for her!"  So I did - went there as early as possible without seeming desperate to Ruth and Marty. ;)

They are truly so lovely.  I looked at over 100 different kinds of pairings, and this one was by far the perfect set.  My gosh, I'm so excited.

Fun, colourful, feminine, and classy.  The edges are silver.  And the package is cute also.  Not sure I can keep this secret from her till I see her in just over a week.

Pizza And Earrings

Been in Mexico for only a few hours and already enjoyed some fantastic company and food.

Spent the day with Ruth and Marty, relaxing at their apartment.  They are such good hosts, they know how to make someone feel at home, in their home.

Went for dinner at a pizza restaurant a 20 minute walk from their condo.

While walking around, taking in the atmosphere, we dropped by the artisan square where they have all kinds of kitsch for sale.  I found some amazing earrings for Daniela.  They're so lovely.  I didn't buy them because I want to think about it overnight - you know, sleep on it - but the more I think about it the more I'm convinced that they are THE right present for her.  I just hope they're still there tomorrow...

Tomorrow more of the same - relaxing at home.  Monday we take a bus to Acapulco.

Dr. Daniela

Today Daniela defended her PhD thesis successfully.  She's now Dr. Daniela.  One of the profs gave her grief about her conservative views on things, but she remained steadfast and stood her ground.  Good for her...

Below are pictures she sent me.

Off To Mexico...Tomorrow!

I can't wait until tomorrow: I'm flying south to Mexico to reconnect with Marty and Ruth.  Two days in Mexico City, then 6 in Acapulco, another day in Mexico City, and then back home to...uh....Sudbury.

I can't wait to meet up with Daniela.  I'm so excited.

Flowers

The flowers I sent her arrived right on time, yesterday morning.

Date With Coeur De Pirate

I finally got to see Coeur de Pirate.  Amazing.  What a talented musician.  And such a contagious smile and personality.  I wish she lived here, was a bit older, Christian, ink-less, and single.  I saw her perform on Valentine's Day - I wonder if that qualifies as a date...

My favourite songs were actually her newer ones: Crier tout bas, Undone, Oceans brawl, and Cast away.  The best one of all was Carry on.  It was her final song and she invited everyone to pack the isles and dance - and in prairie fashion, she didn't have to ask twice.  Of her old songs, the best one was Le long du large.

Ticket To Ride

Played again last night, with the "40s" group.  Loved it.  Nothing like playing a great board game in the dead of winter while it's -20 outside.