Twilight Revels

“ The Realm of Fairy is a strange shadowland lying just beyond the fields we know.” – Author Unknown

The wind is whistling and howling up against the glass of the balcony windows, a reminder from Winter, even though my eyes can see cherry blossom petals in a gorgeous heap on the grass at the end of the back alley. I can still see the tell-tale patches of snow on the mountains and just before the wind, there was a furious rain with small pellets of hail – it’s hard to believe that only last week the beaches were peppered with sun bathers and small children digging in the sand. This is the way of West Coast weather and soon the dream of living lighter (good-bye jackets!), thinking about play (hello long seawall walks and outdoor picnics!) will come to life.

My most favourite part of the longer, light filled days will soon be arriving – it’s that delicious moment that comes just after a beautiful sunset, when the familiar changes shape as the shadow of dusk washes over them, the forest or the streets we know so well become other and we have to learn their new shapes. There are new sounds to take in as well, this is the time when musicians begin to gather near the seawall, sitting on benches or the many logs scattered on the beaches, the sounds of a guitar or an African drum in the air, letting us know that another twilight revel has begun.

During last Summer, Huguette and I, as well as many other West End neighbours (and my Mom!) began to head down to English Bay to seek out as much music as we could, it was magical to watch the sun set while listening to the various offerings – it was often music that transported us to distant lands and times, if we were lucky, we might hear a beautiful voice or two as well! This ritual began our wanders to Third Beach to check out the Drum Circle gathering that happens weekly (usually on a Tuesday night), everyone is welcome and usually gathers well before the sun sets. As the drums sound, the tribal beat has everyone on their feet or sitting on a log moving to the ancient rhythm, it is electrifying and makes one feel very alive! As the sun begins it’s descent there is a great shout from the crowd and much clapping, a roar then rises up as we all celebrate the new day to come. This is the ultimate twilight revel and to walk home on the now darkened seawall with only the moon to light our way home with the sound of drums still beating in the background makes me feel that anything in this world is possible. Last week I heard some drums being played on English Bay, an invitation from the Realm of Fairy, and yes, I will heed the call again.

Card Note to Huguette – 1996

Everywhere we walked, the food we ate, the sunsets and all the faces of Mazatlan, reminded of us of you – your spirit and love of Mexico was with us, it certainly deepened our love of Mexico.

Journal Entry: December 17, 2004 – Calle Honduras (Paloma del Mar, Room 314), P.V.

I’m sitting on our balcony with a glass of red wine watching the sunset. We are starting to create a daily routine and explore our new neighbourhood. The lantern above me is on; with our linen curtain closed over our open balcony door, the lantern adds a beautiful golden glow to our room. Isobel and Frank, our old Janitzio neighbours, gave us a bottle of Chilean wine to welcome us to Paloma del Mar. They also loaned us many items to set up house with, including some candles for outside. Francisco, the handyman from the Janitzio, also gave us permission to bring a really good cooking pot with us to use while we are here – we plan to return it after our stay here. The view from the balcony is incredible, we can see the whole bay – it reminds me of California and Vancouver Island. Terry and I focus more on the jungle than the ocean, so this view is very refreshing.

The sun has set now and my favourite time of the day, twilight or dusk has now arrived. My candles are lit and my wine almost gone…

A magical sunset over Banderas Bay on the Malecon (P.V.)