This morning I stood at my row of windows, watching the sun’s reflection on the soothing ocean. The beach speckled with footprints, but with no one in sight. This beach is unswimmable and as such, is most often empty. I contemplated my evening as I leave tomorrow for new york. Perhaps I shouldn’t go to skibow class. Perhaps I should run now instead of my normal routine.. My dog whimpered anticipating his morning walk, which would take place either way.
I thought about whether I would swim today and decided to put my bikini bottoms on under my shorts, stuffing my small top into my purse. The decision was made. I would grab my towel, dog, sketchbook, two phones, book and credit card. Man, how I love my mornings. And yes, I still am going to work ……
I smiled at the tranquility, at the ocean, at this jewel of a life I have here. I feel like it is my little personal belonging, and only I have ownership.
I go to starbucks at that hotel next door, and peruse the spansih paper. Practicing my spanish did not make the cut for this mornings activities (writing this did) and I would not be purchasing it. As the cashier said, “good morning, what would you like” I said “grande americano,” my usual. The barista excitedly retorted, “I am already making it!!!!” I smiled. The joy of familiarity in life.
I now lay on the beach by the hotel, playing with the sand beneath my toes. There are few others here- but as I approached, I know that it is mine. In a few hours, it will be littered with locals and the hotel guests, distinguished by their white chairs, their sign of superiority. When I came on Sunday I helped myself to a white chair, pleased that no one said anything. I still am a gringa I suppose.
So I will lay or sit here every morning. My activity varies between emails, practicing spanish, writing, reading, and swimming, yesterday swimming with my dog (ps he is 4 lbs). I wish I could shove all of the above into the hour I have here. Its a moment I long to hold on to …..
(Side note: three attractive men just came to jump into the ocean after their working out. My dog, went over and nuzzled up to one as he lay on the beach. His wet swim trunks acting as a cold reprieve from the hot sun. I laced my top and took off my shirt. The intention was to grab my dog and go into the ocean. I said I think he likes you better than me. And the man looked up, his eyes pierced me with their lightness against his latin face. He smiled and had teeth like a movie star. I can’t recall the last time I saw real teeth and thought about them as something so beautiful- smiles, yes- teeth, no. “No hablo ingles.” He said to me. I searched to say what I said in Spanish- now it comes easily, however then I stumbled. To write for me is one thing, to say, another. He spoke to me and I would answer. Not sure if I was answering a completely separate question. I asked him if he lives here and I think he said no he works and exercises and then later something about in front of el bombero-fireman?) After a few strained moments I ventured into the water, holding my dog on my shoulder. I don’t really know what was said as he walked towards me in the water, but I realized, he was asking me to take his number. Asking me if I come here everyday as if now, he would join me. At this moment, I melt ….I leave to new york tomorrow, but I assure you, I will be here in the morning …) Could I fall in love with someone who speaks not a word, and I mean Nada ingles?
the cadence of routine to be continued .. Time to swim and go to work.
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Attaining me 
