Further reflexion on revisiting Mexico
Emotions certainly ran high through my days spent in Mexico.
Seems memories lurked around each corner.
Some of the best days of my life were spent here.
The 2 people I use tot ravel to Mexico with have both passed away.
I imaged them with me as I walked this vast metropolis.
One night me, Melindo, and our friend Leonel went to visit Tenampa.
Tenampa was made famous being mentioned in various 1960's
songs by some of Mexico's most legendary singers.
Tenampa is a mariachi bar located in Plaza Garibaldi.
The last time I was in Plaza Garibaldi was with my friend Bill Bayes.
Bill owned Ansley Art and Frame in Atlanta and had framed my
work for years. We quickly became friends.
I would sit for hours listening
to his tales of travel and mischief.
In 2002, we would meet in Mexico City for Christmas.
He would show me his side of "D.F." and I would show him mine
often putting him in a taxi at midnight to get him back to Hotel Gillow after a
few too many scotches. Bill was an early drinker.
He would take me to Opera Bar and show me where Poncho Villa almost
got shot...bullet hole still visible.
We would breakfast at El Popular...his favorite place.
We would visit Coyoacan and Frida Kahlo's house.
Often the night would begin in Plaza Garibaldi at our favorite watering hole.
During the 2008/2009 recession, Bill would abandon his business and home.
Leaving keys with his best friend, Zane Kelley, and instructions for the 5 of his best
friends to take whatever we wanted from the frame shop and his home.
We feared something horrible had happened to Bill.
A month later he contacted Zane to let him know that he had sold his car and
bought a one way ticket to L.A. There he boarded a bus to his favorite city in
the world, Queretaro, Mexico. We were relieved.
He loved sitting on the main square each morning reading his Miami Herald,
drinking coffee, and smoking endlessly.
I would talk with him a few more times promising a visit to his new home.
I reached out some years ago and he did not respond.
I have recently reached out to Zane, he too did not respond.
Each of these friends were 20 years older than me.
I can only imagine they are gone and have found each other
in the heavens.
Save me a seat.
..
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