Playa Beisanz

I’ve been getting a little restless lately. With the three jobs and a really low high-season (i.e. making almost no money) it’s tough to take time off for traveling around. So, in an effort to satisfy my “can-we-please-do-something-different” moans and groans Rigo suggested we visit Playa Beisanz. It’s not a private beach, but almost.

The fun part was that from where we were it required that we hike UP through the jungle and then down cliffside of Manuel Antonio to get there. Now, it’s hot nearly all the time, but let me tell you it’s definitely hotter in March! We were completely unprepared for the long walk, but the reward, complete with snorkeling, was going to be so worth it.

We hiked, and we hiked. We dripped with sweat, stopped for some juice, warm juice, but that’s ok it was wet. My legs ached and I was reminded of my first days with Trainer Jimmy. It was the kick in the butt I needed to get me refocused on my health and working my body.

We had laughs in between me barking at Rigo for being a little too ambitious and competitive. “Hello, is Piela here?” I thought. But then, in the end, as with Master P’s sometimes not-so-subtle-encouragement, his pushing and pulling me up the hill was exactly what I needed. The flashback to roller blading with Jactor was a nice memory too – he skated behind me, pushing me, after 10 miles on the Esplanade many moons ago. Friends taking care of each other, priceless.

We got there and needed the ocean like a one-armed wallpaper hanger needs an assistant, but took a second to take in the view. There were just a few people, families, not springbreakers acting like idiots, having a pleasant day. A wide open beach with lots of room to have your own piece without sitting on top of anyone else. Water with calm waves waiting to be explored, and trees that enclosed the secret location from the idiot springbreakers.

The snorkeling that I was so excited for turned out to be a bust, a little too cloudy, but we plan to return on another day. But, the swim and the nap in the shade made up for no fish sightings. I picked a spot of sand in the corner, close to the water and the jungle. The only sounds were waves and the critters scurrying around inside the trees. Siesta sounds that helped us power nap for over a good hour.

It was a tough day, but who wants to always take the easy way? It was also a simple day, the perfect balance for the rugged toughness. It was an unplanned day, the ideal compliment to the typical American way. And, it was a special day with a special friend, always priceless.