Let me preface this by saying that I have only a few friends, and even fewer from my “old life” in Chicago. At this point, I’ve been here so long that, understandably, most of those with whom I was extremely close in the “old country” have moved on.It’s human nature and totally normal, and it doesn’t make me angry or upset me.So that left me totally unprepared for what happened to me over the last few weeks.
First, my old friend, Beth, came down and we had a great time hanging out for a couple of days (I posted about our Isla Mujeres day).Since she was staying in Cancun, however, we didn’t get to see nearly as much of each other as I’d have liked.
Immediately after Beth left, one of my old, old friends, Adam, came down with his girlfriend, Martina.Now Adam is a real blast from the past, an ex-roommate and the best friend of my ex-long-term-boyfriend.I hadn’t seen or hung out with Adam in about 8 years, since he was one of the many things I lost in the “divorce.”
I was initially a little nervous about him coming here, although I was simultaneously excited.When I knew Adam, I was (like him and everyone else I hung out with) a bartender at a live music venue/rock club in Chicago and spent my days sleeping in and my nights working late and then partying hard on days off.We were young kids with plenty of cash and cool haircuts.And lots of black in our wardrobes. It will suffice to say that I never considered myself a “beach girl.”
Now I’m a broke old lady with a hair color that can be found in nature, who wears flip flops and stained tank tops everyday.And the beach town “hippie” esthetic creeps in like a cancer until all of a sudden I look in the mirror and see Stevie Fucking Nicks.Michael and I even recently bought a broken down 1974 VW Westfalia camper van that we’re going to fix up and actually be seen driving around town in.
So for 10 nights, into my routine, boring life came pale-skinned, tattooed, and beautiful Adam and Martina.The second I hugged Martina for the first time, any fears I had about not being accepted were laid to rest:She gave me a hug like we were family; a real hug, with no perfunctory pats on the back.I was smitten and have remained so since.
Although I was only able to take off one day of work while they were here, we spent a Sunday together and got together several times for dinner.What they did for me was remind me that I live in a beautiful, peaceful place, and that I have to make an effort to enjoy it as much as possible, for as long as my living here lasts.It was a bracing splash of water in the face, a reminder that my life here is not all about waiting in line to pay bills, struggling with immigration issues, or being frustrated with traffic and tourists.
Thank you, Adam and Martina, (and Beth and Leslie, and Dan and Crystal),for the much-needed reminder.
I took Adam and Martina to Tulum.Money Shot #1:
And Money Shot #2:
She is so pretty.And yet, I like her so much.
After Tulum, we went snorkeling in Gran Cenote:
Then, we picked up Irena, Martina’s friend from Chicago, and headed to Playa Selva.
The bent palm is hanging in, though barely.
We enjoyed a picnic lunch of Booger Chicken and all the fixin’s.
We lazed about in hamacas:
One Sunday, we rented a van and driver and all headed off to do one of our favorite things:hang out on the beach with a cooler full of beer and sandwiches, and do nothing.We went to Turtle Bay in Akumal (which in Mayan apparently means “Place of the Turtle.”) Because “Adam Likes Turtles.”
Irena and KC go snorkeling:
Obviously I had had enough vodka and Agua de Jamaica to kill a burro.Take a look at that crooked horizon:
Martina.*sigh*
Bullshit, Jesus, those are obviously my footprints!
Stupid Bird Cannot Find The Cheeto Poff:
After a long day of eating, drinking, and swimming, we stopped at Cenote Azul to rinse off the sand and salt water:
What an incredible day, it has sustained me nigh these 7 days since Martina (and Adam, oh yeah, Adam) left me.
It’s the weirdest thing.As soon as she left, the sun went dark, the air turned cold, the Sea dried up, and all the turtles died.
This is what I’m looking at now:
What a difference a week makes.
[...] gear, the snorkeling is free. I wrote a blog with photos of my recent trip to Turtle Bay in Akumal here. __________________ "The greatest enemy to human souls is the self-righteous spirit which [...]
By: Three important questions - www.Playa.info on January 24, 2008
at 11:26 pm
Good ole’ Adam. I miss that guy sometimes. Had a blast working the podium with him.
You know, back then, I had the COOLEST haircut out of ALL of us.
Now, i’m just fat and bogus…
By: trucker on January 24, 2008
at 11:28 pm
While I’m also fat and bogus, I’ve never lost the cool (you… in the back… what are you laughing at…). I get a little bit excited when I see you missing home, it gives me hope that someday you’ll come back here.
Love, Jer
By: Jerry on January 25, 2008
at 1:15 am
heather,
We had such a great time, and Trucker, you did always have the coolest hair.
adam
By: adam on January 25, 2008
at 5:41 am
Oh my, Thank you for the visual vacation. I am freezing my ass off here in Texas.
By: rasa on January 25, 2008
at 7:05 am
You are funny. I like you. (I’m normal….really I am!)
By: Elizabeth on January 25, 2008
at 10:16 am
A very wise old woman once told me (my 103 year old grandmother). Throughout my entire life I have been able to count my dearest friends on one hand only……the rest have been acquaintances. Love your posts
By: Mike on January 25, 2008
at 1:22 pm
That retarded bird is the funniest thing I’ve seen all day.
Are they really called “poffs” down there? It certainly sounds better, some how. “Would you like some cheese poffs?” So close, but yet, so far.
By: James on January 25, 2008
at 5:49 pm
what a fun time we had at the cenote. Oh, wait, I wasn’t there but your words, they took me there. I cold feel the warm sun on my skin.
By: Amy on January 25, 2008
at 8:27 pm
Martina really does give the best hugs, doesn’t she? But, next time I see her I’m going to hug her and pretend it’s you.
By: KT on January 25, 2008
at 9:32 pm
Ok, Scott wants to know how we get to where you are.
By: Stef on January 26, 2008
at 11:12 am
It’s always great to reconnect with old friends. Looks like it was a blast! I am so ready for our Playa vacation.
We will see you soon!!
By: Monica on January 26, 2008
at 4:29 pm
can i come?
By: preston on January 26, 2008
at 11:44 pm
You summed it all up perfectly. I miss you and can’t wait to come back!
By: Martina on January 27, 2008
at 6:38 am
Having just gone through something similar with old friends, I can totally relate. Isn’t it great when you find the connection is deeper than just “We work together/live in the same place”? There are a lot of folks I thought were my friends in Canada, but since moving it’s become clear that they were not. Interestingly, it’s some of the fringe players of my old life that have come to the surface as tight friends. Go figger.
Thanks for the great pics!
By: CancunCanuck on January 28, 2008
at 6:07 pm
Great pics
By: tacogirl on February 2, 2008
at 12:30 pm
I too lost my Heather in a car accident, she was my sole mate, and she was the one I loved. It’s been 2 years; I have lost multiple six-figure jobs, I have no idea where my life is headed.
God I loved Heather . . .
By: MrEthiopian on October 21, 2008
at 12:53 am
Hi Mr.Ethiopian: I am so, so sorry for the sadness and loss you feel. Thank you for stopping by to share your feelings. I truly hope you find the peace you seek. Blessings, friend.
By: heatherinparadise on October 21, 2008
at 1:05 am