Back to Basics (Mostly)
From an American point of view, I have done without a lot since I arrived in Mexico. This place is pretty primitive.
There is no air condition, no telephone, no television, no Internet where I am staying. Zipolite has one payphone and no bank. The next town over has a bank, but you can't withdraw money or use the ATM unless you have an account there. The next town has a bank you can use. Of course, if you don't have any money, you'll have a hard time getting there.
I brought one small bag for the week and each night I have rinsed out my clothes and hung them out my window to dry, not so much out of necessity (I was told they could have my clothes laundered) as because I liked the idea of it. My clothes, when worn the second time, smell clean and hang a bit stiff. I like it.
I have taken no more than five minutes to get dressed and ready each morning. Each evening, instead of removing make-up, I remove the sunscreen from my face and the gritty white sand from my hair and from in between my toes. My shower is not so much a shower. I have in my bathroom a plastic garbage can, not unlike the one we put on the curb once a week. I was given said garbage can and a bowl for pouring water over myself and asked not to waste as water is precious here in Zipolite. There is no hot water. And the pressure isn't strong. There is only off and on.
I have no cell-phone service. I cannot receive phone calls or text messages. I cannot even turn my phone on to retrieve a phone number. My first three days in Zipolite, many times, I would have sworn I could hear my phone ringing. I would start and then move toward my purse to answer it before realizing I was just imagining things.
I do have electricity. I have running water, my toothbrush, and toothpaste. I have a firm bed with a mosquito net. I have my laptop and access to an Internet cafe at the other end of the beach (a 15 minute walk). I have wonderful things to read. I have a daily regimen of strenuous exercise and interesting people to talk to (when I'm allowed to talk).
I have my digital camera and amazing view of the beach. I have had amazing meals. Three squares a day, all vegetarian, all very fresh, all served to me without having been asked my order or my opinion. I have liked everything I've been given.
And better than anything else, I have the time to enjoy all these things.
There is no air condition, no telephone, no television, no Internet where I am staying. Zipolite has one payphone and no bank. The next town over has a bank, but you can't withdraw money or use the ATM unless you have an account there. The next town has a bank you can use. Of course, if you don't have any money, you'll have a hard time getting there.
I brought one small bag for the week and each night I have rinsed out my clothes and hung them out my window to dry, not so much out of necessity (I was told they could have my clothes laundered) as because I liked the idea of it. My clothes, when worn the second time, smell clean and hang a bit stiff. I like it.
I have taken no more than five minutes to get dressed and ready each morning. Each evening, instead of removing make-up, I remove the sunscreen from my face and the gritty white sand from my hair and from in between my toes. My shower is not so much a shower. I have in my bathroom a plastic garbage can, not unlike the one we put on the curb once a week. I was given said garbage can and a bowl for pouring water over myself and asked not to waste as water is precious here in Zipolite. There is no hot water. And the pressure isn't strong. There is only off and on. I have no cell-phone service. I cannot receive phone calls or text messages. I cannot even turn my phone on to retrieve a phone number. My first three days in Zipolite, many times, I would have sworn I could hear my phone ringing. I would start and then move toward my purse to answer it before realizing I was just imagining things.
I do have electricity. I have running water, my toothbrush, and toothpaste. I have a firm bed with a mosquito net. I have my laptop and access to an Internet cafe at the other end of the beach (a 15 minute walk). I have wonderful things to read. I have a daily regimen of strenuous exercise and interesting people to talk to (when I'm allowed to talk).I have my digital camera and amazing view of the beach. I have had amazing meals. Three squares a day, all vegetarian, all very fresh, all served to me without having been asked my order or my opinion. I have liked everything I've been given.
And better than anything else, I have the time to enjoy all these things.
Comments
The no A/C and no hot shower...hmmm...not so much. I guess I'm a little more high maintenance than you are! HA!
Still I'm enjoying the updates. Keep 'em coming!
In any event, i'm glad you're enjoying yourself ;) It sounds peaceful and lovely.