getting used to the
real Mexican
side streets. We walked past the Melaque day care, their Gym and a pool
hall. This is just in front of somebody's house.
Tuesday, March 28
A lazy, lazy day! Kind of hazy today for a change. And HUGE Surf! Tuesday is quiet in Melaque. Almost no people. Almost no beach vendors. Almost perfect. Dad and I decided to go talk to Alfredo about getting our deposit back on the first hotel. He had said he would talk to the managment, and to come back after the weekend. Today he says "Manana, or miercoles" Dad kind of looks at me, and rolls his eyes. Manana! We will try again manana. Tomorrow....right!We bought some groceries and ate both breakfast and lunch at home today. Christy and I went for a walk later, down to La Paloma. I had looked at this beautiful oceanfront retreat on the internet. They have a lovely spot on the beach, and offer Art lessons and Spanish classes. These are two of the things I am very interested in, so of course I wanted to check it out personally. We met Nancy, who showed us her art studio and introduced us to Sharon who teaches Spanish. She said I was welcome just to drop in and take a lesson. She seems to be a very nice lady. I had actually written her some e-mail explaining our search for accomodation, and she said it was one of the most amusing e-mails she had ever received. She showed it to all her friends. And she did put me in touch with a friend who had a spot we may have been interested in renting, but we didn't need the whole villa for two weeks, and it didn't have a pool. With 4 teenagers, we really felt a pool was something we were going to use a lot. Anyway, it looks like a great spot, and from what I've heard from others who have stayed there, La Paloma gets great reviews!
Christy and I continued our walk, getting used to the
real Mexican
side streets. We walked past the Melaque day care, their Gym and a pool
hall. This is just in front of somebody's house.
We spent a little time on the beach, and then a little time in the pool. Decided to practice snorkelling in the pool. What a riot! Jeff and I sucked water big time! Christy had no problemo! (Mind you, she breathes through her mouth anyway!) (grin) She can dive right under water and then blow out the water. I just suck water, gag and snort! Guess I need more practice.
Grandpa, Jeff and I decided to head out for supper. We walked past the
ruins of the Casa Grande Hotel. 
In October
1995, there was
a devastating earthquake in Melaque and the surrounding villages. Many,
many buildings collapsed and were damaged beyond repair. Even now, 5 years
later, there is devastation all around. Many property owners literally
walked away from their homes and businesses, and many still have not
rebuilt them. There are also many stories of people who Are starting over,
but the Casa Grande Hotel is not one of them. Apparently there were three
45 ton water reservoirs on the roof. These undoubtedly contributed to
the collapse of this 5 star hotel. 
What seemed really odd to us, was that
so much of the insides of the buildings are exactly as it was left 5 years
ago. Dad found a bar tab dated 1995 for 2 Dos X Beers just laying on the floor
along with many others.
The three of us walked around town for over 1/2 hr before we decided where
to eat... El Dorado. Turns out it was just 3 doors down the beach the
other direction from where we had headed. At least we're close to home!
It's 8:30 PM and Christy is bagged. Jeff is studying and think I will read for a while. I e-mailed Greg a short note this afternoon requesting more film and sunscreen. Can hardly wait till he gets here. He's gonna love it!
Back Home