So where was I...oh, yes, the jacuzzi beach bar. I did mention it was wonderful right! While sipping my luscuous margerita in this tropical paradise, a tall, young, dark haired lovely man walks up. (and I do realize this sounds too good to be true but it is, why on earth would one not tell the truth about a tall, dark, and handsome stranger!!) And since I had to practice my 'learning-to-be-more-outgoing-and-less-shy-and-stupid-around-handsome-men-skills' - i decided why not practice on him :) He and his friends were visiting from Brazil and we chatted pleasantly for about 20 minutes, then he invited me for a swim and of course I said 'yes'. (perhaps the margeritas were making me a little less shy as well - shocking) So we swam as the sun was setting and I couldn't have imagined that at the start of my day, which you may remember was a little rough, would have turned into this...ahhhh!!! (deep sigh of dreamy happiness)
His friends joined him after a time and they were all heading off to town and the bars. I was - once again - going to try and make it inside for a shower and change before dinner. It is such an interesting experience to travel alone this way, there is so much freedom, to do whatever I want, talk to whomever I choose and I am really enjoying the experience. It is startling to see other people's reactions that I am traveling alone - the tall, dark, handsome Brazilian was the most shocked and responded with a "That is very brave!!" And then there are some that nod and say, 'that is nice' but I can see in their eyes that they think it is sad. And perhaps I will change my mind about how I see it someday but I don't find it 'sad' in that way - I find that I am more tuned in and more willing to communicate which is good. The area I find missing is not having the 'shared experience' that such adventure fosters, but I am absolutely not going there! at all!!
The restaurant I chose was just the perfect way to wind down after the day and now I am enjoying a fine dinner and lovely wine while staring out over the ocean and watching the fountains in the pools change colors. I have breathed more deeply and contentedly tonight than I have in two years and it is so great! I enjoyed talking to the waiters, in my sad broken spanish, and to their credit they were exceptionally patient. (and not to fool myself, I am sure the short skirt and the fact that I was sitting alone didn't hurt)
My waiter, Humberto, who requested that I give his actual name, was charming and I learned a new phrase that I am sure will come in handy again. "La quenta por favor" - may I have my check please.
So to cap off a genuinely perfect evening I took a walk on the beach, with the soft warm breezes blowing and watching the churning waves in the filtered moonlight. I just kept breathing in the warm sweet air, finding comfort in each breath, I wish I could bottle that feel - of peace and communion with the world. I could have slept out there in blissful enjoyment, but somehow I think the hotel would not approve...hehe...and there is the little matter of the fact that crabs freak me out...ewww...too much like spiders!
But I will be back down tomorrow night and maybe if the water is calmer for a little swimming :)
