In the Beginning

From original diary-
Jan. 22nd - 2010
Left dreary rainy Seattle for a quick trip to Manzanillo to visit old friend Karen and her significant other, Jeff. We had free tickets about to expire and were looking for a fast getaway. We flew from Seattle through Los Angeles into Manzanillo expecting to sip a few Margaritas, get sunburned and head back home, de-stressed.

Rented a car at the airport and drove the only highway headed north for Barra de Navidad. Our first Mexican surprise is unannounced road bumps. They come out of nowhere, are rarely announced and serve to rattle your teeth and test the suspension. As a traffic monitoring device, they are extremely effective.

There are coconut palm trees lining the roads with banana trees tucked in between the towering palms. A light breeze rustles the fronds. We start peeling off layers of Seattle as the sun quickly penetrates our fleece, down, wool and heavy denim.

We wander around Barra driving right past the Coldwell Banker sign Karen said we couldn't miss! The roads are twisty alleys crowded with families, scooters, and trucks much too big for this small village.

Karen's house is gorgeous, the pool cool and inviting and we are quickly changed into linen and ready for dinner at Isadora's, the restaurant they manage. Swordfish sushi that is heavenly, large lime margarita with fresh lime, nothing better.

Sleeping in a tile lined room with the windows open, a light breeze ruffling the curtains and the moon tickling my eyelids. It feels like magic.