I made sandwiches as quickly as I could, mayo was dripping out of one and peanut butter out of the other. (Yes, I said mayo, but no worries, my addiction is under oontrol). And,for the special day I even wore a two piece suit! I told you, it’s secluded. I grabbed a colectivo (a pirate taxi split by 4-5 people) to Rigo’s corner then hoofed it into the jungle to his place. I’m sure the sandwiches getting even sloppier as they rolled around in my bag.
Rigo, Chico, Francesca 9 and Alexandro 5, were ready for the hike-slash-ride down to La Macha. Chico, that’s a whole story in itself, such a cool guy, was dressed in speedo with Francesca’s pink backpack on ready to give little Ali, in almost-matching speedo, the first ride on the scooter. Francesca had Leah the pooch and sandwiches in hand, Rigo, a.k.a, Huck Fin for the day, was shirtless in surf shorts with pack and fishing spear.
Here, there’s no production about getting to the beach – just grab some crap and go. If you forget something, so what. If you leave before or after the planned meet-at-6am-to-miss-the-traffic-time that’s ok, too. No 4 course meals, gigantic coolers or chairs to fuss with either. We had sloppy sandwiches, homemade helados and tuna straight from the can with a loaf of bread on the side, just what we needed.
Off we go, dust flying behind Chico. The hike is like a roller coaster on foot, a series of long ups and short downs. It was early so there was no rush. The exercise and the release of whatever via a ton of sweat felt awesome. Rigo helped Francesca with poor deaf Leah and I waited for her to catch up. I held out my hand and she held on as we trekked through the jungle. I took the bag of sandwiches and she said thank you with a smile – no need for Spanish or English. It just got started and I knew it would be a great day.
The trail narrowed and we scaled a few rocks and bam, there was one of the most beautiful spots I’ve seen just bursting with sunshine instead of people. We threw our stuff on the rocks and hit the water. There was no time to waste. The water was just calling. The temperature was perfect. Unlike New England you don’t need to wait for your feet to numb before heading all the way in. After a dip and taking in the view and fresh air we moved the stuff from rocks to log further away from the incoming tide. Then of course it was time for the frosty treats that Chico had packed.
We spent the day chillin’. And doing simple things that are free, simple and enriching for all – no video games, headline news or blackberry necessary. We searched for rocks and shells. The kids helping me with my Spanish, they shared their finds with the gringa. We waded in the warm tide pools, we talked with the 4 other people that came to escape the public beach. Rigo gave me a Frisbee lesson and Chico even had math lessons in the sand with the kids for a while. Did you hear that? Math lessons in the sand. The spot was already beautiful enough, but to see a near 60 year old dad teaching his kids the old school way was refreshing. Chico’s no joke, not an ounce of fat on him, he’s traveled the world and speaks 3 languages, he often catches (not always in the water either) his dinner then cooks up a storm, he sleeps in a tent and smokes weed openly. Many would call him eccentric. People in the States would likely judge him disapprovingly at first look. But, he’s top notch. He adores his kids, he never sleeps a day away and he teaches the kids math in the sand and how to play real games, not electronic ones. Francesca and Alexandro were both fearless in the ocean and attentive during math class.
Then came the snake incident. First, hysterical because I nearly bit it in the rocks due to Rigo’s excitement when he saw two snakes fighting over the same frog. Then interesting to watch nature take it’s course. Important to note that the day really must have been super good for me not to panic at the sight of two snakes.
Chico and the kids left late in the day. Rigo and I then rested for a while in the sand. The sky is just as beautiful as the ocean. Laying under the trees you can’t help but relax while watching the blue sky with puffs of white move along bordered by trees of green. We listened to David Gray’s Sail Away on the iPOD speakers. I realized it is possible to sail away for a time in this life – if you allow yourself let go of what you think you need. I also realized that it’s amazing to just be where you are sometimes, just be, with yourself or with someone you love, without a bunch of other costly or manmade fixins. That day the sky was moving faster than us and it felt like sailing.
The only thing missing from the day was a camera to take pictures to share with you. Hopefully the pictures from my mind have been explained here though.
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