Since Bryce got to see the Independencia fireworks show up-close two weeks ago, and since Sue hates crowds and being out late, Laurel and I went out at about 7 PM in anticipation of the fireworks show at 9:30. There's never a downside to showing up early for events, since things here don't usually keep to a tight schedule. Besides, there's always something going on in the Jardin.
Upon arriving at the Jardin, the Aztec dancers were back at it. Then they stopped, as the Idol of San Miguel passed through on it's way to a neighborhood fiesta. Apparently, the Idol is stored in the Parroquia, and on each day a week before the Alborada it visits a different neighborhood for a block party. As Laurel and I walked towards the Jardin, we saw a part of the street covered in banners, unlit firecracker strings, flowers and balloons, When we returned later, our taxi had to take a different route since the block party was in full force blocking the street. Here's what the traveling San Miguel looks like:
Laurel and I were hungry, so we decided to partake in the famous Jardin Burger. (For those of you Spanish-challenged, it's pronounced "har-deen burger". Sounds better that way.) Some of the other gringos we've met, who have been coming here for years, recommended the Jardin Burger stand as safe and tasty. I got one first, and was asked if I wanted it con todos - with everything - so in the spirit of Super-size Me I said yes. I was treated to the most unusual and tasty burger with hamburger, cheese, bacon, a slice of ham, tomatoes and jalapeno chiles (and maybe a few other things I forgot.) I gave Laurel a bit of mine (without the chiles), and she liked it so much she ordered one - with just bacon and cheese. Laurel can be a picky eater, but hamburgers are usually a winner with her, and this one was no exception. Here she is chowing down on her first Jardin Burger:
Laurel enjoying her first Jardin Burger
After our gastronomic adventure, we hung out in the Jardin for a while. I brought my glow poi, and soon had a few people coming up to me asking questions about them. One American woman and her six-year-old daughter chatted with us, and it turns out they had just arrived here in town, and the daughter was going to go to Laurel's school starting in two days. The daughter was really outgoing, and Laurel and her immediately hit it off and were playing together nicely until....
BOOM! The first set of fireworks were launched from the other side of the Jardin. They exploded right above us. And then without warning (at 9:10, not 9:30 as was "scheduled"), the first of the fireworks stands (called castillos - or castles - as I later learned) went off. Like the ones at the Independencia, they rained a shower of sparks over the audience. As were caught off guard, we were downwind at first, but once there was a pause, we quickly dashed to a better place to enjoy the spectacle. Even though I've seen this already, it was still as lot of fun, and Laurel thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm hoping it was a night she'll never forget.
The castillo going off in front of the Parroquia
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