Last fall, one of my Nestlé friends (who now lives in Mexico City…by way of Spain, China, and St. Louis) sent a “Save the Date” for her 40th birthday party in Mexico City. The party was scheduled to be held at the end of April. At the time, I assumed I couldn’t go, since I had just traveled to Mexico City for another friend’s wedding. I didn’t think it was feasible to take two different weekend trips to Mexico City in a period of five months.
Well, fast-forward to a few weeks before the party. After lunching with a mutual friend, I decided to look into flights “just to see.” Southwest recently opened several destinations in Latin America, and Mexico City is one of them. When I looked, a round-trip flight from St. Louis to Mexico City was “only” 15,000 points – less than the cost of a ticket to many destinations in the US! I decided to go for it! I mean, someday when I’m 40, I’m going to want people to travel to celebrate with me!
I flew down on Saturday morning (REALLY early) and back on Sunday evening, but it was totally worth it! My friend raised the bar for me when I think of how to celebrate a milestone birthday! She went all out! Event planners, caterers, DJ playing her favorites from the past 40 years (with corresponding music videos), a professional photographer, a photo booth, etc. It was incredible! Her friends traveled from China, Vietnam, Colombia, St. Louis, Spain, and possibly elsewhere. Plus, she had all of her friends & colleagues from Mexico City. It’s evident that she is very well-loved!
[Beautiful spread of food & desserts!]
[St. Louis friends posing with the Birthday Girl!]
[She even had individual, monogrammed desserts for all of those who share her birthday month!]
[Just before midnight, her sister surprised her with a video of friends & family in Spain wishing her a “Happy Birthday!” I couldn’t even understand what they were saying, and I was nearly crying! At midnight, we sang to her! How about this gorgeous cake and HUGE candle?!?!]
On Sunday morning, I got to have brunch at a gorgeous restaurant with the newlyweds. They took me to Saks in the San Angel neighborhood. It was delicious, and it was so fun to catch up with them – especially because they are expecting their first baby in a couple of months!
I still have a few years until the big 4-0, but rest assured that it will involve a par-tay! So glad to have such a fabulous friend to inspire me!
