Whether you spend it immersed in the duress of passion, wrapped in the familiarity of protracted wedlock, teaching young ones the ritual of surprise, sequestered in the immediacy of great company, tending a secret infatuation, or drunk and desolately alone, Valentine’s Day (Sunday, February 14) provides an impetus to do something to shake up the routines.
Here are some suggestions for the lakeside area for the special someone in your life on that particular day.
Chocolate
Look for Chocolates del Lago in Chapala and Chocolac in West Ajijic, both specialty chocolate makers. Their products can be found in many lakeside area stores.
Chocolate also makes a great gift for the children on your Valentine’s Day list.
Spa treatment
What better gift for your significant other than a quiet, relaxing day away from you? Total Body Care Spa in Ajijic offers a special premium kit that includes a one-hour VIP facial, a one-hour massage, a “paradise pedicure for 1,265 pesos (and a free manicure if you clip their ad on page 4). Reserve: 376-766-3379.
Flowers
People covet the sweet stench of botanical reproductive parts so much we grind them into concentrated oils and sell them in attractive glass bottles. This Valentine’s Day, why not go for the original?
Le Petite Fleur is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 331-599-8612 or see lapetitefleurmex.com for ideas and prices.
Floreria Axixic at Carretera Pte. 15 in Ajijic centro, opens 10 a.m. Call 332-017-4128.
Floreria Esperanza is at Zaragoza 10 in Ajijic.
Jacaranda Floreria at Ocampo 86 in Ajijic opens at 10 a.m. Call 331-155-7784.
Flores Doña Cata at Av. Los Mangos 2 in San Antonio, Tlayacapan opens at 8 a.m. Call 331-097-2081.
Floreria-Florista Charis #1 at Juarez 553 in Chapala, opens 8 a.m. Call 331-131-5031.
Dining out
Casa del Sol Inn offers a scrumptious Sunday brunch from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as well as a large selection of Mexican wines. Reservations: 333-964-5320.
Casa Linda on Rio Lerma in Ajijic has a classic Mexican feel with international cuisine. Live music by Black String makes it more romantic still. Reservations: 331-791-3211.
Go Bistro has some nice private alcoves and is open this Sunday especially for Valentine’s Day. It’s offering a pan-European menu this week. Reservations: 333-502-6555.
Armando’s Hideaway is still under the care of Chef Armando, who will whip up special dishes at your table. Reservations: 333-598-6739.
Tio Domingo offers its specialty, Chiles en Nogada, for Valentines Day. Reservations: 376-766-2453.
Yves’ has a lovely garden area to bask in on this special day. Reservations: 376-766-3565.
Staying at home?
If you’ve got a tub, get some special bath oils and take a bubble bath together.
Give your special someone a new book and enjoy reading together.
Bring some art supplies home and paint together or the same thing separately and then compare your works.
Take a walk together
Although it gets cool in the evenings, late afternoon is a good time for a walk. Stroll through lakeside villages or investigate a spot you’ve been longing to see.
Last-minute option: E-cards
E-cards, descendants of those compulsory class valentine exchanges from grade school, are a great low-level way to say “I’m thinking about you” to someone you’re not wooing. A quick internet search will show several websites that offer e-card services, most with both free and paid cards. Bluemountain.com has a more professional aesthetic than most of the others, but it will cost a monthly ($US4.9), yearly ($US19.99) or biyearly ($US29.99) subscription. Remember, sometimes it’s the thought that counts. An e-card might just be enough to make a relative or a friend smile on Valentine’s Day.