Sunshine

Earlier this week, we were shrouded in four days of heavy rains. The skies darkened, the seas angered and numerous people, including this writer, became snarky. Dogs barked with an edge, youthful screams assumed a disquieting pierce, motos backfired and papayas rotted on the vine. We were a village in turmoil.

At some discretely designated instance--------daylight appeared. Children broke into the Spanish version of Ode to Joy, dog barking devolved into melodious woofing, motos ran with the purr of their first day of operation, papayas recovered lost ripeness, while writers throughout the pueblo scampered for scraps of paper upon which to craft sonnets. Our placid nature returned.

An expanded water taxi schedule nearly doubles the number of daily visitors. Most dedicate but a few hours to Yelapa, perhaps they will return. Others enter an extended adventure which will be discussed, shared and relived for years to come. A rare few of these foreigners, like me, will make Yelapa their adopted home; contribute to the economy; and actively support those who positively perform. Strangers on the paths meet and greet. Motos involved in commerce await the passing of pedestrians then nod courteously as they resume their tasks. For-hire fishing boats depart mid-morning, their hulls full of smiling fisher people, to return mid-afternoon with their holds full of bounty from the sea. Daily, a dozen or so vessels enter our bay: sailboats, catamarans and high-end day charters out of Puerto Vallarta. Passengers briefly come ashore to sun and fun. They are ferried back to their boats just before dusk to garner the last of daylight before departing. A few boats, like their land counterparts, will spend a day or two within the bay, welcomed warmly by local entrepreneurs.

Restaurants are filled with the gaiety of nightly revelers, old and young alike. Staff greets the travelers with a warm and friendly “hola.” Each table shares its stories with those of its neighbor. Groups continuously re-organize and reform. By the close of the evening, there is but one great table remaining. This is the true Yelapa; friendly, warm, inviting, positive.  

The previous two “high seasons” (December thru April) have been challenging to local lodging, restaurant owners, and shop keepers. Certainly the worldwide recession played a part, but the largest contributor to the downturn was the perceived security stigma associated with traveling to Mexico. Our Mexican village is no more or less secure than any American village of similar size. Those of you visiting, whether by your actual presence or by reading this blog, are spreading the real word----thank you.

A mid-day scattered cloud cover has moved in since I began this post. It is a welcomed filter to the direct Mexican sunshine. The temperature will remain a little lower so that you can enjoy a snack and your chosen libation just a tad more. Smiles are a permanent fixture on virtually all the faces I see. Most of us are at peace again.