Pancho's Untypical Day

 Another grey day and there are too many people in the garden! I can't even walk across to the other side to claim my cucumber. Old Don Gregorio is cleaning the walls, roofs and pool area of bird droppings, equally old Don Demetrio is doing his garden things and Hacinta is frantically mopping the terrace floor. But there are several other men putting up tents and tables. Well in all that commotion even my friend Toby the cat hasn't come out into the garden. And for once those pesky birds are not hogging the trees cooing up a din as they do everyday.

I want my cucumber, but how I can I walk to the other side where my master always put them out for me outside his private sitting room door. And in this busy time he's not going to search for me and bring me to the other side as he would sometimes do, gently caressing me as he ferries me .

It's my master's farewell reception tonight and I hope the weather will be kind for him. We haven't seen the sun for weeks and it's mostly damp, wet and miserable. I am sad my master is leaving to return to his country. And he won't be taking me along with him . I understand I will be put in the garden of the new Chancery the office is moving to next month. His assistant Walter said I'd be good Feng-shui for the new office! I shall miss my friend Toby who often comes sniffing at me. He is going home with my master, his PAPA, as he would often proudly claim!

The bouquet of flowers have been steadily arriving from well-wishers, even one from the Mayor of San Isidro. The first one came last night from my master's landlords, with whom he'd had a rather tempestuous relationship. But they are parting company as friends now and my master has even agreed for them to bring the wife of the Minister of Defence to look at the home on Wednesday with a view to renting it when my master leaves next month. In today's turbulent politics, wonder if her husband will still be Minister of Defence next month! And talk about defence, I understand there are 21 policemen guarding my master's Residence tonight. Gee !!!

The Residence and garden now look resplendent for the party. The tents are in colours reflecting the Malaysian flag. There is even a crystal chandelier in the centre. The three buffet tables look good . They used a mountain of cabbages, salads and green to create a backdrop for the generous cold seafood buffet (now why didn't anyone toss me a morsel of tasty lettuce!!) There are heaps of roast beef, grilled lamb and turkey and other hot foods and salads. Then there's the sweets table with chocolates and little cakes and finally the luxurious cheese, nuts and fruits table which is always a favourite with my master's guests. Earlier on my master had a small fit when on this last table were ham, saausages and prosciutto when he had specifically omitted them from his order. Poor Mr. Huamanjali was so upset at his staff's oversight and quickly scurried the unwelcome stuffs off into his van!

In the end the weather wasn't kind after all, the garua came down in full force and trickled through the tent. But it didn't stop my masters' 160 guests from enjoying themselves. The cheese and nuts table was cleared in no time! The Imam's wife said the unusual rain was a blessing, and the women around him echoed agreement !

My master had never hugged and kissed so many people in one night. The first guests arrived sharp at 7 pm and the last ones left at 11.00 when invitation stated till 9.00 pm!! Everyone seemed to have a good time and the no-show was quite insignificant which pleased my master very much. The Foreign Minister sent two representatives as he had at the last minute had to host a reception for a visiting Thai delegation. But he had yesterday resigned his post so how does this work? And who will now host my master's official farewell at the Torre Tagle on 18 July since the invitation is in his name and he is no longer is Foreign Minister now? Turbulent politics, there we go !

The usually sombre Nuncio, the Dean of the Corp came and stayed two full hours and complimented my master of his painting collection. Anna-Maria Pardo and her husband-hunting sister made the usual nuiscances of themselves wanting to be photographed with everyone! I could see how tired my master was but he was also pleased with the warmth and affection he received from his friends and colleaques all night long. And he has yet a long string of farewell lunches and dinners in his honour to attend as well as the packing to see to. His departure has now been slightly delayed now as he has recently received instruction to attend the inauguration of the new Colombian President in Bogota on 7 August. I am just happy to have him around longer!


My master's staff stayed behind past midnight and when they left he gave each of them a bouquet of flowers from the many he'd received. The lights finally went at one am. I now have the now rather messy garden to myself again. Let's hope my cucumber are there at the other side of the garden !


Pancho, Rumah Malaysia's Garden Tortoise
585 Antero Aspillaga , El Oliver,
San Isidro
Lima, Peru.


9 July 2002