3:00 pm, its check-in time at Casa Legado, everything in the house is ready, impeccable, complete; absolutely under control. Minutes before the clock hits the hour there is a mist of stress, excitement, expectation and desire. The rush of getting ready gets everyone’s blood pumping. Today we don’t know much, the reservation was a last minute one, our follow up email had not been replied to, no idea on the time of arrival, we only know this party is a party of one.
Time goes by and we keep looking out the window at the tic tac of each clock in the house. There is nothing more than to wait, getting distracted and working to pass the time until that instant when the car approaches, the gate opens and a whole new adventure begins.
It’s almost midnight and everyone has left, just me in the house. Suddenly a kind text message lets me know he has landed, it’s a matter of minutes before he arrives. I am the true host tonight, with all the check-in information ready, I keep myself excited and not frustrated that we have been waiting since 3:00pm. Some good friends have come over to bring me dinner to keep me company while I wait. I suggest via text message some dinner options for our guest, I know it’s late and he is probably hungry. His politeness astonishes me and I am happy to reply with the same consideration and kindness. As usual the built-up during the day suddenly turns into a welcoming energy. Specially because at some point I thought he would not arrive.
The lighting is perfect, the music sets a good atmosphere, the checklist ready, and the cab arrives; there is no more lingering, I greet, we meet, it begins. He is not my first guest, this is not my first-time hosting, but it always feels like a first, there is something unique about every visit. I can always enjoy the pleasure of a biased first impression. I welcome him, I introduce him to my friends that are on their way out. I have the usual rush of making him feel at home, comfortable, I need to tone down the awkwardness of being a stranger and quickly break the ice. I like when interactions are natural and in this hotel that has to be accomplished really fast in order to create a good vibe and maybe even a good friendship.
From the moment I ask about his trip, about his life, about his preferences, and about his plans, I know this guy is going to be interesting. I know I am going to learn something better than new.
He has a nerdy kind-of look and he is terrifically well dressed, no suit, casual, clean and sharp; dressed for any type of success. No pretensions, just filled with humble confidence; a good balance of brains and style that intrigues me. He is kind and respectful and opposite to my intense energy, he seems composed and serene.
He goes to his room and quickly comes back to ask for directions to a place where he can grab a beer and a quick snack. I don’t know if its late or if I’m lazy enough to give directions, so I offer to walk him there. Once we arrive, I get nervous, I don’t know exactly why, there is still a bit of awkwardness in the air, we have just met. So, I leave him there alone and then think: Why didn’t I offer to join him for that beer?, he might have appreciated the company. Oh well, some people I just don’t know how to read, plus I always try and keep a respectful but friendly distance with every guest that comes my way.
He will be staying just a couple of days in the house and a few others in the city. The hours go by, the days start always with a familiar breakfast where I want to know more so I can recommend the best of the best for each person. I just want everyone to feel like they have been taken care of and we try to indulge their small pleasures and whims. The whole team is fixed on surprising and delivering. It all seems more natural now, breakfast always makes room for closeness. As expected he goes his way to explore the unknown while I go mine hoping he enjoys his day and my suggestions.
Saturday is relaxing, the afternoon is beautiful and making use of the garden is perfect. I want to write and have some tea. The ambiance is great and if he comes back and wants to have a drink and relax; the mood will already be there. I live the house as I would hope people would as well. As I imagined, he walks in after a long day and wants that drink, he joins me in the garden for some conversation. I switch from tea to rum and I want to know all about his day and get to know him better. We talk and talk and everything flows effortlessly, I laugh, I ask, he answers, he seem comfortable and happy. However, serenity is difficult for me to read, but I don’t feel any tension. Once again, I feel lucky enough to be making a new friend.
This guy has been everywhere, he knows every conflict in the world and has been fighting to change our twisted and unfair world. How can I not be captivated; intelligence and wit simply capture all of my attention. As a friend of mine joins us the night turns into humor, warmth and laughter. A hint of cynical humor can always lighten the mood and set a great tone to break the barrier that turns strangers into friends. A few more drinks, a good dinner and joy dominates the evening. What a great night, I think. I wish it didn’t have to end, I love the company and all this socializing. My regular life has become very lonely and old fashioned fun is to sporadic, so I savor the chance of living the joy of a terrific Saturday night.
Waking up the next morning to a new friend who has already left a mark in this house and in my ever-changing soul is such a pleasure. Inevitably breakfast turns into hiking, that turns into lunch, that turns into a see you soon. He walks out the door with gratitude and I feel the nostalgia of a goodbye like every other time where I have felt a bond being built. The silver lining of this great new life; letting go of these new-found friends hoping to see them again.
But this friend stays in the city for a few more days so I get the benefit to keep in touch and the possibility of reaching out before distance and life comes between us. I have to confess I had never felt attracted to any of my guest thus far, but this time for some reason the vulnerability, the mystery and the vibe behind this guy just made me relate in a different level and I was happy it did. It felt this feminine side of me coming to life again and was happy to feel a bit of passion mixed with some childish excitement.
But he was just passing by with his baggage and his story waiting for him back home, so it was just that, a feeling, a curiosity and hopefully the possibility of a friendship. I felt a sense of adventure, of possibilities and of hope. This reminded me once again that the world is bigger than my usual oyster life and that my choices are getting me a bit closer to chance.
Now he has left, and I have been reminded of that life filled with friends and plans, men and hormones, heals and dancing and specially that I miss it all terribly. This is what feeling young, MILD and free means. Because the WILD has worn off with maturity, but the new-found confidence that comes with age has me eager to create new and unbreakable bonds wherever they might come from. Hopefully I can make this particular one last and I can reconnect in some other part of the world and in a different scenario with the one and only, Wendy.