Cypriots, Pregnancy, And Recouped Losses

The other night, San Geraldo and I drank coffee and had our fortunes told. San Geraldo was told something about a second home ... or selling a home ... or a move. (Noooooo!!!) The good news is that he's about to recoup some losses. Now, that would be nice.

My grounds indicated that I was creative and that I either already have or am soon to have some pain in a toe. Important to know.

Oh, I was also told I have a pregnancy in my own personal future. Yes, that's what he said.

This all happened at a charming restaurant in our friend Kristina's neighborhood called La Cocina Del Cipriota, Taberna Griega (The Cypriot's Kitchen, Greek Tavern). The "coffee grounds reader" is the owner of the restaurant, which has been in Fuengirola for 30 years.

The food was excellent, as was the atmosphere and service. And it was fun for a change to be in a neighborhood away from the beach, the street vendors, and the tourists. We plan to go back often.

We arranged to meet Kristina as she finished her evening walk with Elliot and Ukko — her two dogs (one belongs to her aunt). We went upstairs and enjoyed drinks on their balcony as we watched the sunset over the mountains, the historic hillside town of Mijas in the distance.

AS WE SAT ON KRISTINA'S BALCONY.
(CLICK TO ENLARGE.)

We three then headed over to the restaurant just a couple of blocks away. It wasn't easy to leave our two new pals. Ukko is a year old and acts like a puppy. Elliot is 7 and, when it comes to Ukko, he can be a bit of a curmudgeon. I'm sure I caught him rolling his eyes a couple of times. Elliot is clearly the boss.

KRISTINA'S DOG:  SWEDISH ELLIOT.

SPANISH UKKO (WITH A FINNISH NAME).

KRISTINA AND ELLIOT.

THE UNSAINTLY SAN GERALDO CAN NOW ORDER THIS FOR HIMSELF IN SPANISH:
"A LARGE CHOCOLATE SAUCE WITH A LITTLE BIT OF ICE CREAM."

SAN GERALDO'S HANDS ARE UNUSUALLY LARGE.
THIS WAS A GINORMOUS PARFAIT GLASS. 

ANOTHER OF THE EVENING'S MANY HIGHLIGHTS:  MY TAN JEANS, BROWN  SHIRT,
AND BLACK SHOES MATCHED THE RESTAURANT'S BATHROOM DECOR.
(CLICK HERE TO SEE THE LAST TIME THAT HAPPENED.)

Now, back to the grounds: 
To have our coffee grounds read, we first had to place the saucer atop the coffee cup and flip it over (once we had finished our coffee). I was a bit anxious about this step since, in my book, it qualified as cooking. Oh, yes it did! But I managed on my own — which did not go unnoticed or unappreciated by San Geraldo. We then had to cover the flipped cup with a hand for five minutes. Our host then sat down and read the results.

SAN GERALDO WAS TAKING NO CHANCES.

TOO MUCH PRESSURE FOR SAN GERALDO.

MY CREATIVE HAND.

OUR HOST "READING" ME.
MY SAUCER WAS MESSIER THAN SAN GERALDO'S.  I REALLY HATE TO COOK!

When San Geraldo was told about recouped losses, Kristina, being Swedish, did not know what that meant. I explained it meant to recover or gain back something that was lost (like most of our money). Unfortunately, to San Geraldo it means it's time for him to head back to the casino.

As for my preganancy, I was told that could mean the birth of a new venture. And here I thought I was about to make millions. Pregnant? At my age?

I should have gone back to my friend the witch doctor...