Do Nothing Day

Eyes opened wide at 4:30 am just as the sun was starting to poke its nose through the horizon. Another day in Paradise, and my thoughts turned to, "everything working OK today". The news was good. We popped out of bed, and hit the beach for a walk having even beat the locals out.

Once the rest of the world started stirring we headed to a place called Helen's for some cafe and nourishment. The breakfasts in the Caribbean are quite different than what we are used to back home. Sure you can get your bacon and eggs, and they are quite tastey, but more of the menu is related to burritos, tacos, and stews. Though my stomach is still not 100% and my appetite is half of normal, the stewed curried chicken and refried beans was delicious and hit the spot. Mary Lou, or "Legumes" as I like to call her now, had her own plate of refried beans, a food she wouldn't have touched a couple of months ago.

There is a yoga studio above the restaurant, and they had a great mantra on the chalk board. It reminded me of the advice I gave kids when they were younger. " If you have to chose, follow your heart. Use your head to get you out of any trouble it might get you into". As you may have sensed by now, it was a slow news day, so there was lots of time to think about this and other things, and I still believe that is good advice. Life would be a boring if I listened to common sense. Think I will expand my advice slightly though " Anyone can get inside your head. But only someone who belongs there can get inside your heart."

Today, for the first time in my life, I uttered those three words " it's too hot". Had to be over 100, and it was sticky muggy. This combination zaps all energy and makes even the most basic activity strenuous. Beach, beach, beach today, with most of the time spent in the water or sleeping under the palm trees.

Mary Lou picked up a new buddy who seemed to follow her around wherever she walks. There are many dogs loose in the Town, not malnourished like Cuba and Dominican, but they do not appear to have homes. The owner of the hotel has a young pup that comes over, and I have to tell you, I really miss having a dog. Dogs, even a dog on the street, can wash away any negative thoughts in a single pat. Thank god for Ruby and Lucy.

Even though it was a slow day, it was great to recharge the batteries. One of the many activities I found to stay amused was to swim out into the waves, float on my stomach, and see how long I could hold my breath. Worked up to 84 seconds. Another fun one was walking back to the room, getting another beer, and heading into the water to drink it. That one never got old.

Supper was a real treat, and one of the better ones in a few days. The hummus was homemade, spicy and delicious. Drinks included rum punch and beer. Supper for ML was pasta and red sauce, and I ordered snapper napoleon. Both were excellent.

After supper, stuffed to the gills, we went for a walk down a path Mary Lou had discovered during the day. Voila, there was a part of Palencia that changed our opinion of the place. There were shops, residences, small cafes and cool little bars all the way along. The artisans that were missing lined the walk, and it gave the place an entirely different feeling. Notwithstanding, this will not be the place. All the requirements are here, a medical clinic right in town, an aiport 10 drive, warm warm water, a municipal water system....but...it just doesn't feel r ight. So, go with the gut. Will have to keep looking (just as well, my sister Deb, who has voluntered to be my barwench when I buy a place, would find it too hot here).

Tomorrow will be another driving day, then we are staying put for the rest of the vacation in Playa del Carmen. It has been a fantastic week.