Contentment

Where my head was all day today. Today was, thoroughly unspectacular, and totally enjoyable. No thoughts of what should we be doing, where should we be going, what should we be planning. This would be a do nothing day.

We actually woke up late today, 7:30 am in our pillow topped king size bed, and took longer than usual to get out the door. The only thing we really had to do was get the rental car back before 10:00 am. Not a problem as it was only a five minute drive, so a quick gas up and we were there. We had washed it and cleaned it out yesterday, and the agency said we returned it in perfect condition (reinforces the importance of good hygiene). If they only knew the beating that thing took on the roads we were on..hmmm. OK. I have to say something nice here. When we rented the Chevy Comfort I was regretting not getting the Jeep. But I have to say that cheap little vehicle did yeoman duty, had great pep, met the challenges of every different terrain and road condition, held steadfast in 100 degree weather over 10 hours, and could turn on a dime. Kudos to the car and American Rentals. Excellent service.

Like I said. Do nothing day. I didn't even take a picture today, which is something, because I even shoot the lamps at home I love using that camera so much. But the day was sunny, and hot and we were right on the beach. So, not much on the blog today but random thoughts from a hard days thinking, and a few things that amused me.

After taking the car back, we changed and headed for the beach. We met Raul a few steps in, and for 10 US we got two chairs, an umbrella and access to beach service, pool and banos. This is stuff you take for granted at all inclusives, but is a bargain on public beaches.

OK. Whats first. Oh yeah, when we got our chairs and immediately headed to the water we passed what I thought was a tiny slim Mayan girl sunbating topless. Well, I was wrong. On the way out we saw that he was actually a minature version of Fabio striking poses for all who would look. He was being heckled by a number of American bubbas (more about them later) sitting in the chairs beside us. Didn't seem to phase Fabio at all. Good for him.

In and out of the water all day. In between I listened to the ipod continously. Last year I was introduced to a song , that was actually written in the 80's, Hallelaujah. The song had a huge effect on me, even to the point of changing the way I see music. I listened to the different versions and reaffirmed my belief, with all due respect to my good buddy Wayne, that the Jeff Buckley rendition, is not only the best version, but is the song itself. His vocals, just like the lyrics, are both subdued and powerful at the same time. The rest of the artists, including KD Langs olympic version, are excellent covers, but covers they are. I also now feel that his lyrics are some of the greatest ever written. After all that I tried out Metallica for the first time. They are not exactly deep thinkers but sure can play.

The Americans. Good for a laugh. Felt like I was sitting with the boys. Quite different being in the midst of all those intoxicated people, and not being one of them. It is amazing that the things you find hilarious when in the bag, might just be a little stupid when observed from the outside. Also amusing was that female drunks can be just as dumb as their male counterparts. Many laughs for me over the afternoon, but I was laughing at them, not with them.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was getting a beer and a cigar and heading out to the water to enjoy both them and the scenery. But don't worry Shirl, I was wearing a bandanna and lots of sunscreen.

Had another great supper of steak and fish and chips, a walk on the beach and an early retirement.