Finding my rhythm

 July 2

I woke up the first time with the sound of a txt from a friend at 6AM. I was having a fitful sleep thinking that I needed to get up to go to work or do something. My body was fighting this whole rest and relaxation thing. I realized that I’m almost addicted to the constant go, go, go, the connection to email, facebook, linkedin, txting, whatever else dings on my phone. Normally, this isn’t hard for me to disconnect but I realized that I’m usually busy doing activities or seeing sights during a trip that I don’t realize I’m not connected to my other world. This trip is a whole other challenge. Total detachment and spending time with me and the people I meet on my journey. Sounds easy enough, but it’s taking some physical effort to adjust.

Just in case you were lost...

That said I did finally manage to sleep in until 10:30 for a grand total of 12 hours of sleep! Winner, winner! Chicken dinner! So....what was in store for the day...beer and beach time. Realizing the breakfast buffet was about to close I jetted to the lobby to get my morning coffee fix and then slowly got myself ready. I eventually found my way to a local restaurant above the main square (after some fun picture taking) to enjoy the local delicacy of conch.

Every man's dream :)

Tell me more, captain...

 While there I met a couple who had been there for 10 days. I wondered what one does on a tiny island for 10 days so of course I asked. Their response, “a couple of tours and then explored every beach on the island.” They seemed almost excited that someone had taken interest in their serendipitous exploration. They went on to explain that their accommodations were unintentionally remote and thus they had no choice but to get a rental car which meant exploring the island while driving on the other side of the road. That said, over lunch I heard a couple of tales about deserted beaches and harrowing tales of their poor roller skate of a car making it to the end of rough pothole ridden roads to find azure waters and sugar fine sand beaches to enjoy. They proceeded to give me tips on the places to eat and things to do. I didn’t have the heart to tell them I was leaving the next day, they seemed too excited to share their adventures.

Ready to sail?

Happily full of conch fritters, I made my way to the supermarket. This is one of my favorite activities when I get to a new place. It gives you an idea of the local expectations and culinary styles. Let’s just say that this supermarket was nicer than any store I’ve been into in Arizona. It’s clear they cater to the rich here. Aisles of perfectly displayed fruit, alcohol, and assorted sundries displayed in visually stunning arrangements were throughout the store. I made my way to the fridge to find the beer section. Wanting a local beer I asked the attendant if I could buy singles (they were all packaged in 6-packs) and he came over and took them out for me one by one and then helped me to the register. That’s service. Then the cashier and I struck up a conversation, a comparison of mani pedi techniques (what can I say, I am a girl and she had pretty nails). I left feeling happy, well served, and thinking everyone on this island is extremely nice.

Pedi in the sand :)

 Off to the beach I found my spot in the sand and watched the storm off in the distance making lightening strikes in the ocean. I cracked my beer and went to float in the warm bath water and soak up the energy.

L-i-v-i-n!

From there I migrated to my towel where I worked on my fourth book for this trip thus far. Eventually I felt the rain drops and figured it was time to go back to the hotel.

What more can you ask for?

Happiness!

Upon my entry to the lobby I was reminded about the cocktail party happening in an hour so I made a bee line for the hammocks by the pool. A nap seemed like the right thing to do on a...what day is it?....afternoon. So I passed a good hour rocking with the breeze under a coconut palm tree. Occasionally opening my eyes thinking that I hope one of those doesn’t fall on me.

The view from my breakfast table.

I heard the karaoke music at the bar starting up and I took that as my cue for happy hour. Off I went to join the festivities and the rhythm of island life. For now, at least, my body wasn’t resisting this new rhythm. Maybe it just needed some detox time.

Yay for a new rhythm!