A Star is Born!

Our balcony overlooks a barnyard. Its residents include; chickens, both large and small, aged and young; black, brown, white and multi-colored, roosters and hens; one mule, the occasional cow and/or calf; two groups of garrobos, three dogs, one green iguana and the odd quartet of vultures who swoop in each morning to investigate the newly deposited spread of compost. The area’s peaceful surrounds are periodically interrupted by a traversing moto, a family member disbursed to collect eggs or sweep leaves from atop the hardened soil. It is generally a picture of placidity.

Of late, two new sounds are audible from my human perch. One is the ever so muffled sound of an infant crying. A new daughter resides across the way. She is a welcomed addition to the village in general and to her parents in particular. The second of these audible events is decidedly unique. Allow me to provide but a moment of background. Roughly a week ago, the evening calm retreated as an unknown individual ascended an adjustable stool and began to brutalize a cow bell and a snare drum. The rhythm which emerged, clank-bam-bam, clank-bam-bam, clank-bam-bam proceeded for over a quarter of an hour without interruption. My distinctly polyannaish approach to life ushered me to the conclusion that whatever parent had purchased, on impulse, this musical set would instantly realize their error and have the original box neatly repacked and awaiting the 7:45 a.m. water taxi for transport and return to Puerto Vallarta. I retired that evening having encountered yet another slice of life in “Yelapa.”

The following morn, the sun arose, the birds circled and sang, and tiny waves lapped. The morning taxi departed yet I did not discern any large box upon its bow. At l:30 p.m. sharp, just as I was about to pair the first totopo laden with fresh guacamole with a sip of Pacifico, all serenity slipped away. The drum phantom returned, only it brought a friend. Another misguided, impulsive parent had purchased a beginning level electric guitar. In a small village, news travels briskly and such must have been the case here. The joining of these two musical revelers was ordained. In the interest of complete disclosure, I must add that the guitar player had already mastered two chords prior to arriving (vroom and vraam). Practice sessions arise organically throughout the day. They are typically no more than fifteen minutes in length—thank gawd! To date the connection of dulce tones remains predictable:  clank-bam-bam (vroom), clank-bam-bam (vraam). You get the picture. I am beginning to see an increase in short duration kayak trips in my near future. Film at eleven.

Commercial Break

Morning seas are like glass and should be for the balance of the week. 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), email: yelapakayakrentals@gmail.com or ask you lodging manager for assistance. Happy Paddling.  memo