Christmas in Yelapa

Feliz Navidad Amigos ....


A perfect day at the beach yesterday.  I don't get over there very often anymore, but it

used to be a Sunday ritual.   It's about a mile walk, through town and across the river.

We crossed at the bridge yesterday, and watched the birds and the horses bathing.  So

tranquil, especially compared to the constant music of the waves. The river is our source of

water piped into the house, so we are always relieved to see a good amount of water still

running, coming down the waterfall in town as well.  It's really quite a sight to see all the 

pipes, both plastic and galvanized, criss-crossing the path, the rocks and gardens, heading

into each house along the way. There is always work to be done, as the summer rains can 

move or damage pipes.  We pay a yearly fee to have a man on stand by to fix any problems

that arise.  It isn't an easy job, and can also prove to be very dangerous.  We have 2 large

holding tanks, that we have to check every so often, to be sure they are filling up and 

working properly.  So far so good this year.


I'm very sad to say that just as we arrived at our favorite spot at Hotel Lagunita an older

gentleman who had been swimming, suffered an apparent heart attack, and was pulled

from the water by another swimmer close by.  People were preforming CPR, and pumping

his chest, but could not get a pulse.  A ponga arrived quickly and transported the man and 

his wife to Boca, where an ambulance had been called to meet the boat.  So tragic.  

It isn't the first time we have had tourist die in the water here.   I'm thankful we weren't

there to be a witness.  Especially since my Father in Law, Joe Velardo, died only 11 days ago.

He was 85 years old.

A lovely man, who had a long and happy life.  But still, a great loss.  He will live in our hearts

forever.


We are carrying on as best we can.  A few decorations up in the house.  Many people in town 

have spectacular trees and lights.  Tonight we will go out and about to admire all the effort

people have put in to making Yelapa beautiful.  Many family members, who are away in the

USA or Canada come to visit this time of year, and you can feel the excitement and the  

joy of these families.  Many times the visitors returning have not seen their families for many 

years, and you can see in their eyes and their smiles how happy they are to be back in this

little paradise of Yelapa. 


I wish I could just click my heels and be with my Dad over the Holidays, and another click

to send me to Ottawa for a little egg nog with my beautiful nieces, but I know life is about

making sacrifices and choices, so I carry on here, happy to be in a home I love, and to feel

the love of my family and friends, both new and old , living and dead, many gone too soon.

I am grateful for the peace that lives in my heart and I wish the same happiness to all.

Merry Christmas, from my palapa to yours !!