The life, the good life.

As the sun sets and the sun rises. I'd like to be able to give an accurate count of how many sunsets I have seen since November 10th, but like the topes, the curva peligrosa signs and all else that I have encountered on this journey thus far I always think of it far too late.

But with friends here I am able to remind myself how beautiful it is to see the sun setting. Every night around 7pm, we rush upstairs or to the nearest vantage point to watch the inevitable sinking sun. The bright globe seemingly brighter and bigger here than anywhere else. And the comments always the same, "ahh, that is beautiful".

It is like that with every thing we see and do. Their eyes, ears, and nose taking it all in. From the cheap taco stands, to the cute kids on the beach that innocently play in the surf with them. From the constant "hola's or buenas dias" from each passerby to the picture of all of us standing a mere 8 feet from about 20 American Crocidilos that live in the Mangrove's here in La Manzanilla.

And at night while we all sit around the table talking about each of our individual lives and what is going on in the particular moment. My friends elated to be here, but also somewhat jealous of my lifestyle. It is not always easy I tell them. There are the stares, the constant stares. The whistles, the obsession with the white girl. Even though I am not the only white women here, by any means, I seem to be one of the few my age, traveling with a dog and a car, through Mexico. There is the fact that everyone knows me and where I am at 10am, at 2pm and again at 5pm. There is the language barrier, not knowing "exactly" what is being said, but hoping (with fingers crossed) that I have not offended anyone or better yet not said something that gets me in trouble. This morning being a prime example when I told the man at the beach that my dog was married as opposed to being tired (cansado versus casado). You would think I would have that one figured out the many times I have told people I am married. No mom, I have not gotten hitched.

But then there is the beauty of all that and more. The laughs you get when you say things like your dog is married. The fact that my Mexican neighbors look out for me and know when I am gone too long, or there is a stranger up by my house.

My mom always asks what is it I do all day. Her friends asking her. Communicate. That is what I do all day I say. Life is slower down here, people do sit around and talk, and talk, and talk. Sometimes that is not such a good thing, being that gossip also abounds with that. But it is also heartwarming that people do sit around and communicate with one another. If I go to someones house to borrow a book, an hour and a half later I return. If it is with a Mexican, it would take me twice as long since, as previously mentioned, I don't seem to be able to use my Spanish words so well. If you go to the tienda (store), you always sit for a bit and talk with the women. They asking me where the dog is if I don't have her. Or, noting how tranquil it is with nada mucho gente (not much people) around. Yesterday Brooke and I went to get our hair "done" and 3 hours later we emerged. Because along with our incredible Spanish lessons, Maria only speaking Spanish to me so I can learn, it is also a place where people talk. Friends of Maria's showing up to say "hola", or the moms with their kids showing up to get the much needed buzz cut. All the while, talking and laughing. And everyone being courteous enough to speak slowly so we can understand. So while at home we are challenged by the constant clock, the need to be somewhere, or do something, here in Mexico the clock ticks at a different pace and allows one to "smell the roses", or see the buganvillas as that being the prominent flower. If I had been at home, I would have been tapping my foot or looking at my watch after 2 hours, yesterday however, we didn't want the time to end. Brooke and I both wishing that we had spent the day in Marichuey's beauty shop.

Seven months seems like a lifetime in some respects, but it also seems like just the beginning for me. And even more so when you have friends from home visit you and your life here. Thankfully they remind me why it is that I am here. And why it is that I enjoy the lifestyle here so much. And the need to continue my pursuit of exploring and experiencing.

Hopefully all young and old that read this will some day take the opportunity to also smell the roses. Afterall, what is life but an experience of different experiences.

-Heidi and Moo, John, Burton, Michelle and Brooky too.