The Beach

We fared better our second day on the Island.  The power returned and we were able to turn on our fan, and we had water intermittently throughout the day.  Over a breakfast of exotic fruits and passion fruit juice, the Italian ladies, who were anxious to help us, recommended we go kayaking by the lake.  They were heading toward town anyway, so they drove us to a little tiny restaurant and boat rental place we never would have found on our own and we were set.   As you may be gathering by now, I’m cautious by nature, so when I kayak I hug the shore to the extent that little children wading in the water often reach out and touch my boat as I go by.  The beauty of the morning overtook me that day, and throwing caution to the wind, I went to where the water was easily six feet deep and got an incredible view of the mountains and palm trees in the distance.  

 Sam and I took turns paddling further and further out and it was a wonderful morning. 

Not having a jam packed schedule, and not knowing where else to go, we stayed at the little restaurant on the beach all day.   

Sam sitting on the beach

We immersed ourselves in the local culture.  I had the most unique ham sandwich I’ve ever had.  You could easily try this recipe at home.  It’s three hot dog buns, chili sauce, one piece of processed ham, and several chunks of cheese.  You can just follow the picture:

We drank cold cokes and cold water (yay!) and watched the locals who came to the lake to swim, do laundry, wash their cars and generally hang out.   There were also a lot of equine visitors to the lake. 

According to a kid we met who spoke English, it is “vacation time” for the horses who run wild for several months when they are not needed for farm production.  We also saw a lot of pigs, cows and chickens which was pretty fun.  

We went back to the ranch for siesta and to read until dinner, which was a repeat of the night before: same buzzed pirate, same pirate stories, same amazing food. This made me realize on a deeper level something I have always known; the hospitality and love put into incredible food can cover over the awkwardness of a drunk pirate any day.