I lived in the Los Angeles basin during the 1984 Summer
Olympics. My involvement was two pronged: one when I traveled to some high
school track to see the torch brought to the site: and two when I watched a
soccer (futbol) match in a packed Rose Bowl Stadium. My gawd, that was nearly
thirty years ago. I can still recall the wonder of seeing the torch pass before
me. The sound of the runner’s shoes on the rubberized track, the visual created
by the unitary arm-torch-flame, the labored breathing of the participant as he
strove to hide any signal of fatigue. Obviously, it was a moment remembered.
Ok, I sense my audience grows antsy. What does the 1984
Summer Olympics have to do with Yelapa? Let me tell you. In an earlier post, I
wrote that the locals were sprucing up their stores, lodging spaces,
restaurants, water taxis, beach furniture and each other. Why? You’ve forgotten
already! The reason for this heightened state of activity is the seasonal
arrival of the world’s tourists. Consider it akin to the Running of the Bulls
in Pamplona, Spain. Adjust the metaphor to reflect less bulls but running every
day for six months. As locals, we readily admit that for six months there is
indeed a lot of bull in town. Alas, we are an accepting people.
Along comes November 1; the temperatures remain high,
the humidity is even higher; while the incoming water taxi passenger numbers
increase the travelers only spend the day and then depart. Along comes November
15; the temperatures remain high, the humidity has dropped to the point of
paralleling the temperatures (good news); water taxi traffic increases but
lodging and restaurant occupancy remains flat. Along comes November 22 (Thanksgiving
Day); temperatures have dropped a few degrees taking the humidity down with it;
virtually all the seasonal ex-pats meet and greet each other graciously over
turkey, smashed potatoes and margueritas. Only a few bulls have begun to walk
the streets. Along comes December 1; temperatures have dropped into the high 70s
F with humidity falling into the mid-50s. Nights are cool, inviting one to
sleep with some type of cover. The early daylight hours are drop-dead gorgeous.
A breeze continues well into mid-morning. Whale sightings occur throughout the
day. Incoming and departing water taxis are filled to the gunnels-----yet where
are the balance of the bulls? It is a village on edge. Merchants meet you with
their eyes; inquisitive frowns crease their foreheads. Lodging managers escort
a single couple to their space then shrug as the balance of their accommodations
lie void of travelers. We are a village in waiting.
Yet another metaphor to punctuate the point. Consider
Disneyland poised for the opening bell. One day the keeper of the key ambles
forward to cast open the doors to the Magic Kingdom and
------------no cars exist in the parking lot. Now
Yelapa is certainly not the Magic Kingdom and fortunately we are without
parking lots and vehicles. Diana and I personally have three friends arriving
within the next two weeks. Hopefully, everyone else does as well. If not, there
will be untold meals/beverages not consumed; sunrises/sunsets missed; whales/dolphins/manta
rays not cited; etc. etc. etc. Come on
folks, I know you have four days of vacation time tucked away. Get in touch
with your wild thang! Venture to Yelapa!!!
Commercial
Break
Just to show that my heart and wallet are in the right
place, I will offer a 15% discount on kayak rentals during the month of December
if you mention this particular blog post by name.
hmmm............
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