DATELINE: ‘The Big A,’ c. Stratum XXV
A somewhat sudden awakening upon the settee -- shades are drawn but mid-morning beams rouse Ian all the same amidst the slate-blue murk. A stained glass lamp stands on the adjoining table. Tchotchkes sit silently nearby, painted canvasses gaze downward, and you sit upright, stretching.
The bracing aroma of Bustelo wanders into the room followed by Veronique clutching two ceramic mugs. She finds room to place one down on a coffee table cluttered with art and architectural magazines. Ian savours a sip whilst his other hand digs through the crumpled blazer nearby, fishing for a Liggett & Myers to temper the caffeine effects.
With a taut jerk Veronique raises the blinds and cracks the patio door, inviting the rest of the morning inside to stir the stale room’s redolence of nag champa. Ian takes another sip and another drag to bring himself back to life. The woman turns the hi-fi on to the Big Band music of Album LXXXVIII, setting a leisurely but brisk tempo to begin the day.
Ian steps out of the shower, refreshed. Veronique returns, having walked the dog. The day is ahead.
A stroll around the corner to Las Palmeras for almuerzo and a guayabera fresh off the rack. A wander under the sun at Parque de Piamonte. A browsing through literary works at A Capella. Apéritifs on the patio at Neighbour’s. The day wanes, and it is a day well spent.
The eventual trek out of The Big A takes one through Linguine Interchange, and then a last stop for goods at Hanareum Mart before the Classic City destination.
Getting out of your town for a day or two can be a holiday in itself.
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