Ruminations of an Expatriate

I had breakfast yesterday morning with Dennis, from B.C., and Nicholas, from Seattle, at one of the cafes along street fronting the beach.

I asked the waiter for his opinion as to the best place from which to take photos of the area. Without hesitation he pointed to the luxury hotel looming on the hill above, and answered from the hotel’s roof top bar.

I returned to my room to change into my walking shoes, and headed for the hotel.

Upon arrival I explained to the desk attendant my desire to visit the roof top bar for a beer or two and to take photos of the town. Being a bit early for the bar, and she being not certain of the propriety of my request, made a call to check.

Soon a genial fellow arrived to size up the situation and, I think, me.. I explained my desire and he responded “adelante senor, es en segundo piso”.

I climbed the stairs to the bar, with chairs still upended on the tables, and encountered two pleasant women who had already been informed of my purposes. I downed a Bohemia and a Leon, two of my favorite dark beers, and shot some panoramic photos of the beautiful setting.

The long, sandy, crescent beach, is lined landward by low rise hotels, many with a flavorful funk factor, and scenic restaurant palapas, all respectfully set back from the periodic caprice of the sea.. Each end of the beach is flanked by natural rock barriers which protect the small harbor. The sea at the base of the harbor is relatively calm, and the adjacent beach is a family affair. While the sea breaks along the side of the harbor in large, crashing, tubular waves popular with surfers. It’s all, like, very tubular, man.

It is indeed scenic here. This an authentic beach town where Mexicans vacation. The town feels very relaxed, the tourist area is well kept and clean, and there are no high-rise, beach front hotels. I like it here a lot.

Having fulfilled my photo mission I headed off in search of some beach sandals, as the sandals I brought had rubbed raw a spot on the top and one toe of each foot within the first fifteen minutes of wear.

More later.