Holy Week

It is Monday morning here in Yelapa. The sun beams intensely upon a vacant beach, sailboats waggle their masts at the bellies of Frigate Birds flying overhead, and the tide is out. Nothing different from that which has occurred for millennia. Now, I could just leave it at that but . . . . . . . . no I cannot.

This morning hails the conclusion of the most celebrated three day period in Christendom.   Commencing with Good Friday and culminating with Easter Sunday, billions of Christians worldwide celebrate the holiest of holies. Here in Yelapa, the most outwardly faithful dawn special attire, head gear and reading material. They reassume grave and somber faces which were set on the shelf more than a year ago. The moderately faithful schlepp coolers full of refreshments to enjoy the last family getaway before the oppressive summer heat arrives. Those of us residing in the lowest stanine on the Faithful Scale attempt to maneuver thru/around/past the religious huddled masses who occupy the center ninety-eight percent of all pathways. I am invariably uncomfortable with what to say to a person who suddenly arises from a path side shrine, pivots directly in front of me and then glances up. “Good morning”, “how are you”, or “did you have a pleasant shrine time?” I am never quite sure.

Alas, our little village returns to its usual quiet self. Mothers and fathers, grandparents plus billions and billions of children pile back into similar pangs which ferried them to Yelapa on Friday. Large ice chests once full are empty and less cumbersome to bear. The incidence of giant trash bags departing is significantly less than the number which arrived, signaling that many contained clothing or gifts for Yelapan relatives. The family en masse arrives on the beach and awaits the panga. Once the departees occupy the boat, those ashore commence waving in absolute synchronicity like two legged palm frowns. It is a drama shrouded in ambivalence. This entire ritual will play out again in the coming year. It always has.

Adventures with Teo-Update

I am beyond fortunate to work with an outstanding team of talented individuals. My technical advisor is Erin Sorenson, a native of Chicago and a fellow (???) term visitor to Yelapa. She is merging all of the pieces into an astounding visual literary offering. A major note of appreciation has been communicated to Teo’s mother, who has authorized me to use his name and image. For me, at least, this brings a real heart and soul to this project. Thank you, Mia. My short term goal is to have seven of the first year’s series available for beta reading by the end of this month. The intermediate term goal is to have Series I (twelve books) e-published and available to the public by early November. Film at eleven.

Commercial Break

The seas remain fickle and the rocks remain in evidence. My sand was recently sited swirling around the Marietta Islands. Call me first. Yelapa Kayak Rentals right equipment, right price, right on the playita (little beach) under the giant fig tree. Call Memo to check availability 322 146 5064 (Yelapa cell) yelapakayakrentals@gmail.com or ask you lodging manager for assistance. Happy Paddling.  memo