Fuimos a la playa (We went to the beach)

Just got back from 3 fantastic days at Las Lajas Beach Resort.  We've been there before, but only for the day, so this was a real treat.  Friends Sylvia, Dennis (yes, another Dennis), Jim and Lesia joined us for a little fun in the sun.  Miles of beach to walk and explore, a hammock to rock me to sleep, birds and butterflies galore, a lovely outdoor restaurant and a delicious pool to wile away the hours and great company made for a wonderful time.  Dennis convinced me the sharks were on holiday and the water was safe, so we rented boogie boards and had a blast. I'm a timid chicken when it comes to the ocean, but it was so nice.  I can't wait to do this again.
 We explored the area a bit as well and took in the sights in Remedios, a little fishing village where we chatted with a local family and played with their pet monkey.  The monkey was quite attached to his little owners, but  tolerated us for a bit.  There were fishing nets and boats everywhere as this is the main industry of the area.
We take so much for granted and this little village was a real eye opener.  Most people walk or bike everywhere and only a few homes had cars. A few others had horses for transportation and I saw several folks riding around.   The family we met was very gracious and pleasant, but I am sure we appeared very foreign to them.  They had a small shack for a home with no doors, no floor and very little furniture that I could see.  Most of their living was done outdoors, yet they were all smiling and eager to answer all of our questions about the area.   I think I heard there is a big fishing festival in July here (remember what I said about fiestas) so we may have to return and check it out.
 We  took a side trip to Nancito to a  small archeological site with an interpretive museum and many incredible petroglyphs.  We hit it on a good day as there was no fee.  The fee is usually only $1.00, but free is nice too.  We walked around with a very helpful guide and learned a bit of the history of the area.  Sylvia helped to translate as she is a fluent spanish speaker.  As is often the case, a farmer found the petroglyphs while tilling the land.  Nice that they are being somewhat preserved, although nature is having its way with many of the rocks and they are cracking and are quite weathered.
We then moved on to San Felix to view the church, but it was locked during lunchtime which was when we got there.  It is known for its frescos, so we peered in the windows as best we could and then found a street vendor setting up for....you guessed it....another fiesta.  We had some empanadas and meat on a stick (couldn't say this in spanish if I tried) and said our goodbyes and headed back home, a little sunburned, but very happy.  TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND ENJOY YOUR LIFE.