On Saturday night, the final events of the island's big festival took place in the coliseum. We went by dinghy across the bay and pulled the dinghy up on a near-by beach. The Ivory Moonies (Lelia and Jeff) joined us for the adventure. We waited in line with all the local residents for our tickets (7000 pesos each). Inside, the coliseum was filling up. Bleachers along the out edge of the long building were filling up. We found four seats and climbed in - finding out we were sitting in the section designed for those supporting "Miss Peublo Viejo" (the teen representing Old Town). So we would now be obligated to root for Yuli! That wasn't hard, she seemed to be quite lovely and it was good to have a goal.
The event was supposed to start at 8:30 pm - but it actually began a bit after 10 pm. It was really fun to people watch though it was very hot in the building and the music was very loud. It seemed the entire island was on hand for the big finale. Many of the women in the crowd looked like they were competing for the prize - in fancy dresses, spiked heels, make-up, done-up hair and lots of jewelry. All ages were on hand. We stood out as "gringos" but were welcomed. "Old Milwaukee" was the available beer in the coliseum (too funny).
When the event finally started - there was a dance number that included the four contestants in sexy dresses. Then, the highlight for Michael, the bathing suit competition. The stage lights often didn't work, but the young women did their best to strut their stuff in front of the entire island. Each section of the bleachers loudly cheered for their particular entrant and our section did a mighty fine job of pushing for Yuli.
Then there was more dancing - some by young children in local costumes. There was one group of adults that did a "conch" dance that was very energetic and good. Following the dances which gave the contestants time for a costume change, they came out in their evening gowns. The fun part before this particular event was watching the "gown designers" get all excited about their costumes. Each girl was also asked a question (our Spanish couldn't quite follow -but we're sure it was about bringing peace and love to the world).
Then it was time for the three judges to do their work. This took forever. There were only four girls and three judges . . what could take so long? There were three events tonight! Geez. It was after midnight when Miss Sur Oeste (southwest) was crowned. The crowning was pretty anti-climatic and just a short bit - not even a queen's walk around the stage. She won a new motor scooter as the prize and represents Providencia in other pageants if she can afford to go.
After that the band "Dragon y Cabelleros" began to play. Most of the band came in while we were waiting for the judges' decision. They set up their instruments and did a sound check. After all the set up, the lead singer and accordionist were brought in with the safety of a police escort. The Hispanics do love their accordions. They sounded quite good, but it was very, very loud. We made it through a few songs and departed after 1 am. We walked back to our dinghy on the beach. A group of army men with rifles stopped us and we explained (in Spanish) that our dinghy was on the beach and they let us through. So it was nice to have our little rubber boat protected through the night.
We slept in on Sunday, having stayed out way to late. Later that morning/early afternoon, we took a hike on Santa Catalina and the Morgan's Head trail. It was good walk and a beautiful clear day. We collected some mangoes along the way and had a pleasant walk ending in a few beers at a local establishment (Olympia Beer).
Monday was a work day - Michael tackled the kitchen sinks. The drain hasn't been draining very well so he pulled it all apart. There were lots of bruised hands, bad language and contorted positions. The end result was the determination that the thru-hull is not open all the way and jammed. Another project for when we haul the boat.
Tuesday was a day at the internet for Michael and some provisioning for Barbara. We invited the "IMSIMs" and Moonies over for sundowners. Barbara made a quiche and some hummus, Michael put some new pictures on the web site (uncaptioned as the internet here is VERY slow).
Wednesday, was the death march. What started as a "walk" to Pueblo Viejo to check the last hardware store for some needed parts - ended up being a circumambulation of the island. Yup - we walked around the entire island. It took us more than five and a half hours and it was hilly. Last time here we went up to the highest point - and this time we went around it. We saw San Felipe, Aquadulce, SurOeste, Bottom House, McBean Lagoon, Santa Isabel, Rocky Point. It started with looking for a dive shop in the hope of finding new rubber for the Hawaiian sling spear - and that ended up being a walk around the island. We went past the Naval station on Dick Hill, the beaches in Southwest, saw the national park overlooking Crab Cay. We took a few of the side roads - but mostly just hiked around on the main island road that goes all the way around. We took a few breaks for some sodas and water but started at 9:30 am and were back after 4 pm with blisters, aching muscles and the satisfaction of having done it. It was a big end to June.
Today we rest.
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