Life is not always what you think it is!

We arrived February 19th, leaving several feet of snow, wind and more to come. We hit the street, headed toward Casablanca at 1 pm, now wearing shorts and sandals. The vendors laughed and smiled, “Almost free!” “Now, it’s my turn!” Lucio caught my eye with his henna-stained tattoos. “Later, later,” I whined. “It’s time for my first Margarita.” With the promise that I would have my tattoo re-colored before I left, I climbed on a chair to receive my India lace ankle tattoo.
A half an hour later I met Dan (my husband) at Casablanca, receiving a heart-warming and unanimous arms-outreached, ready for hugs. Billy takes my hand as if a fragile gift, giving me the-ladies-kiss-of-respect. Respect yes! Latino dark, soulful eyes, of course! Inquiring about Rudy, I ran upstairs for a robust hug. Dan had already received his greeting of, “Mister Long-hair is here!”
While sitting at the people-watching table on the plaza, Earl and Kennetta walked by. Dan met our fellow travelers upon entering the hotel. Earl commented on Dan’s “Harley” T-shirt. Friends were made, bonds to be developed. Demonstrating my usual over-caffeinated cheerleader behavior, Earl and Kennetta joined us for people-watching and camaraderie. I explained that Dan and I were to meet “Bulletin Board” friends at the Money Bar the next evening for sunset and a band. Would they like to share a taxi? And so it begins…
The sun had disappeared below the jostled waves of the Caribbean. Jostled, yes? For it is winter on our favorite Mayan Island of the Swallows. The warmth of the air gives you the freedom to hold hands and apply slow-motion to your pace, again smiling at the venders now at lamp light. Dan and I entered the modest garden of the off-track Mexican restaurant. White, sparkle lights lit the green and white, checkered table clothes amongst the dripping flora and fauna. At $17.95 each, we savored lobster to dye for, leaving more for tomorrow mornings omelets. Here, not to be under rated, rice, summer squash and onions cooked to the perfect fluff and texture. This satisfies a “foodies” desire to taste the food not an over-whelming spice or sauce.
The view from our 4th floor balcony demonstrates the height of the waves splashing over the white stucco barriers. A bottle of wine, the promise of “Yhamus” completes the morning to the evening of the first day.
Foreigner does not have to be a splinter stabbed between your finger and your nail. Travel is an adventure. It is a time when everyone around you is apart of your experience. Sonrisa is a smile which is given; the result is the return of a smile given with respect.