Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Keys 4 Art - Day 1

Now that I have the photos (thanks to Elena who overnighted me a disc), I can get into a day by day, project by project, and eating adventure by eating adventure description of five of the best days of my life!
I arrived in Miami about an hour late, thanks to a passenger on the previous flight trying to flush a bottle down the airplane's toilet.  Enough said about that.   Was greeted at the airport by Elena, Jen, Sue, Val, and Nicole.  Jumping and hugging ensued, and then we drove to South Beach for what we were told would be the best Cuban food in Miami.   Sounded good to me.  We'd be met there by those who'd arrived earlier in the day, and were staying with Jacquie....Gina, Marita, Lil, and Juliet.
The restaurant is Versailles (crazy name for a Cuban place, huh?), and the food (and fabulous sangria) just kept coming.   All thanks to Jacquie.  The owner happens to be one of her clients (like Elena, Jacquie is a lawyer), and we were treated royally.
Elena, me in the middle, and Marita
Nicole, Gina, and Sue
Juliet and Jacquie
Elena and me again
and again
Val (who clearly is having a great time)
Gina, Sue, and Jen seranaded by the Cuban equivalent of mariachis
After we were totally stuffed we piled into cars for the 1 1/2 hour trip to Elena's home in Key Largo.  We got a quick tour of her large and warm and welcoming house, discussed who'd be sleeping where, and then took our first look at our studio for the week.  A living/dining room transformed into an artist's paradise.
It wouldn't look like that for long.  You know how your workspace looks in mid-project?  Multiply that by 12 and you can imagine.  
We tore into our gift bags (see the previous post), exchanged more gifts, talked and talked, then eventually found our way to our respective beds and rested up for Day 2....our first full day together, and one that would be packed with creative energy.  We'd also get to meet the rest of our group, two of Elena's local friends, Linda and Patty, who'd been unable to meet us at the restaurant.
Tune in tomorrow (or later today if I can manage it) for our fabulous second day at The Keys 4 Art, 2010.

11 comments:

Diann said...

I'm enjoying so much following your fabulous trip...it sounds like a dream come true! Of course, I never travel and you are use to such friends and fun! I hope you get to day 2 today...I can't wait! Diann

Lori said...

Wowza, great commentary, and great pictures! Can't wait for the second installment!

Anonymous said...

I just LOVE it when you go on adventures...I so feel like I'm reliving it with you!!!!

Elaine A said...

Hi Eileen -

What a fab time you had! Good friends, good food, drinks - ah a great combo! I'm having fun ready about your adventures. I almost feel like I was there - got any latin food and Sangria you can send my way? LOL!

Elaine

Sherry Goodloe said...

I almost feel like I was there with you! . . . I'm a very "visual" person *smiles*

Looking forward to more of our . . .I mean "your" trip :)

Dorothy said...

Great write up!! Wish I was there!!

Unknown said...

I wish I could have been there too. What fun you guys had!!! Waiting for the next post.

Nancy Lynn said...

Thanks a lot for letting us see how fabulous your trip was to Key Largo. It looks like a marvelous time and so many memories.

teri said...

I love those pictures Eileen. When I heard Key Largo I knew you must be down there with Elena! And I see that, just like you, you've imported some men with you. Did you sneak them back in your suitcase?

Carol's Crafts said...

What fun you had with all your art friends. I spent 3 days in Gatlinburg several years ago, with about 15 girls. We had a similar set up and had the best time. I can't wait to read your next installment.

inge said...

Hello Eileen,

It's nice to see the faces of several people of the MA journals and I'll try to remember their faces so I can visualize them when I see their name on a message...

Your face is already familiar to me :)

greetings from Belgium
Inge