The Affair of the Necklace

Downstairs near the breakfast room there are the usual assortment of shops that exist every hotel. Our particular hotel had what else----A jewelry shop. These were no ordinary pieces but made by a local Cuban artist. Little did I know Sarah that our Sarah has been disappearing for days on end trying on necklaces and bracelets. After lunch one day, She asked me would I want to take a look at something. Knowing the hotel well, I was curious as to what she wanted to show me. Not being a jewelry person, I passed by this window many times and never really gave it a second look.

We walk downstairs and Sarah knocks on the women's door to open the glass case and show us, or really me at this point the necklace and of course matching bracelet. It is a sterling silver and jade necklace and bracelet. I think Jade but I am sure Sarah will be adding a blog piece. I have to admit they were very attractive pieces and looked great on her. The prices were expensive but seem fair. You can not use credit cards or American cash in Cuba and that caused a dilemma . We had,only a certain amount of Euros and not knowing what we would be spending meant we could not go out and buy other items or in this case expensive jewelry. So we left and made a decision to come back down when we were leaving to see how are finances were holing up. I could see Sarah was disappointed but was too classy to made any comment.

Fast forward to Thursday. After some calculation, realized I could pick of the jewelry without any undue financial burden. I decided to go down to the shop on my own and pick up the jewelry. I mentioned to the woman that if Sarah came down looking at the pieces she would tell her that someone made the purchase. We are going to the famous Tropicana nightclub the following evening and I wanted to surprise her.

After breakfast on Friday, Sarah walks over to the window for another look. She notices the pieces gone and exclaims--- someone bought the necklace...I said, can't be, nobody moves that fast. A crestfallen Sarah like a fighter who just took one to the jaw, gives me an oh, well look turns around and leads me upstairs to the porch.

No one will probably even notice this next statement but I will type it anyway. Never once did she voice her disappointment, or comment, complain about losing out on a truly unique lifetime piece of jewelry. She took the disappointment with nary a word. A true class act, my wife.

Friday was not an easy day for either of us. We were having different ends of the spectrum intestinal problems. Sarah relax around the hotel and I went with Henry J for a classic car ride along the water. Henry J (Miguel) had invited us to his home for a real Cuban dinner. A very touching and generous act that we were honored to accept. He was picking us up at 6:30 and then after dinner taking us to the Tropicana.

We were dressed to the nines. I pulled the necklace and bracelet out from my hiding place. I forgot to mention I bough both pieces for her. I was wondering how to spring the surprise on her while she was showering. I tried putting into her jewelry box when she went looking for to accessories but it was too big and the box would not close. I though about putting in on her pillow for the room and beg was too messy and it would not standout. Finally, as she is in the bathroom for a last look at herself after dressing, I come in and just say "You might want to put this on and see how it looks with your outfit." She was in shock, totally surprised with a big, big warm appreciative thank you smile on her face. She put in on and look radiant! Now without further ado here are some photos.