Salvador Dali and Birthdays

Salvador Dali Museum of St. Petersburg, FL

Jan. 15, 2011  After celebrating Christmas at home, we headed out again.   Slightly slowed down this time, on crutches--with a fractured ankle (tumbled down some stairs the day after Christmas.)  Plans had been made in St. Petersburg and we were not going to miss anything.  We traveled to the Fort De Soto Park Campground in tandem with friends, Mickey and Cora in their 34 foot Winnebago.  The 1136 acre county park offers one of America's top beaches, boat ramps, biking, and numerous waterfront or water view campsites.

We were in town for the birthday party for friends, Tim and Terry---- which happened to coincide with the grand opening of the new Salvador Dali Museum.  Saturday, the beaches of Ft. DeSoto Park provided the backdrop for a birthday barbecue for the twins---attended by 30 close friends and family.  Burgers, hot dogs, an assortment of salads, sides, and yummy desserts took care of any food cravings.  Fortified by the afternoon feast, we attended the Second Saturday Gallery Walk in downtown St. Petersburg.  This monthly event, sponsored by the Downtown Arts Association, has participating galleries open in the evening for perusing, shopping and talking with the artists.

Interior view up the spiral staircase

Sunday, the members-only sneak preview of the Dali Museum furnished us with an opportunity to wander through the facility without large crowds.  An architectural gem, the museum is the second largest Dali museum in the world (the other in his hometown --- Figueres, Spain.)  We took advantage of the self-tour option and used earphones to receive an explanation of the numbered pieces.  This allowed us to leave the museum with an enhanced understanding of Dali and the complexity of thinking behind his art.  He is arguably the finest surrealist artist of the 20th century.

Followed the museum tour with a get together honoring the birthday boys.  We met with 25 friends at the Red Mesa Cantina for libations and Mexican food.  The 'handmade' margaritas made with top-shelf tequila, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice were definitely a notch above the typical margarita served in restaurants (and the food was good too.)

Our best Salvador Dali look

Tuesday, we joined the parade from the old Dali to the new Dali---  an assortment of dancers, bands and revelers participated.  The parade was followed by speeches from various local dignitaries and then the grand opening.  Thankfully, we had already toured the museum and can return another time when there will not be hordes trying to vie for a peek.