Greetings on this new moon in November.
Extreme tides has changed the little beach in town, again. The playita became larger last year, after the storm, Narda and we continue to see it take on a different outline. Beach in front of Silent Jim's house again !
I can safely say winter has arrived. It was a hot, humid, wet summer, and the temperature stayed high into October, but now we are at a cool 25 to 30 degree Celsius during the day.
The ocean was a riot and a mess a few days before the new moon, as per usual, especially in winter, then overnight turns into a soothing rhythm of come and go, here and now, like a meditation.
Mexico back on a 2 week shutdown. The border must still be open, because tourists are coming. Small yoga groups have begun, and most restaurants open. The majority of people not wearing masks, but I see more tourists with them, and I wear mine inside the store. This is really the time to stay vigilant ! I feel safe keeping to my routine, in a fairly controlled bubble. Doing all the things we need to be doing, even if others are not !
School won't return to normal till at least July, but good news is some grades in Primary School have an English teacher, who is a bi lingual native of Yelapa ! It's challenging doing online classes for sure, but it's an excellent start !
All schools have their teachers, including a Math teacher at Prepa, and Maestra Angelica returning to Secundaria, but not as Administrator.
The Museum is offering free English class to children, as well as art and yoga ! These kids all play together and in some cases from the same family, but social distancing and mask wearing is not observed.
One of the oldest Yelapa residents died this week, after a bad fall, and 8 days in hospital. The mother of Ambrosio, Lupe, Martita, and etc. The wife of Don Martin, who died just a few years ago, at 99 years old. History. We passed 4 years since Maestro Pedro died.
We are on pins and needles, waiting on news of Phillippo Lo Grande, Yelapa artist in residence, recovering from radiation treatments at UCLA Hospital. He returned to United States last month, after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. He's been almost constant in Yelapa for 37 years !
We've had a couple of residents take bad falls, and wish them speedy and tolerable recovery. Yelapa has a bad reputation for injuries falling down stairs, or hills, or trees, or cliffs, or boats ! Walking anywhere can be precarious, and you need good legs, feet and balance to get around. Go slow and lift your feet. Even in Vallarta you must pay attention to your feet and you head, while walking. Accidents are so easy to happen here.
The Hotel is still closed but the new year is supposed to bring new ownership, and Chicos has been dismantled to the ground, with brand new construction to begin. Most other beach restaurants open, with Vallarta Adventure and other tourists boats arriving regularly. I'm grateful, and feel very lucky to be here, always, but especially during a Global Pandemic ! Yelapa has always been it's own little universe, a little bubble, that I hope nothing comes along to burst !
Happy Holiday Season, Thanksgiving and Christmas !!
Let us pray for Peace and for the Health of the World !!
