Let’s be honest...

Feb. 29th - one of my friends said to me before we left for this trip; so you and your husband (significant other) are going to be together for a year, 24/7?  I’m not sure I could do that.  As much as Alan & I love each other we both need our own personal space.  I will take my camera and go off to be totally immersed in taking pictures.  Alan will go to a local coffee shop to talk about business with the owner.  But at about 5pm we both circle back to this dock for a glass of wine & to watch the sunset...and all is good.

Fresh red snapper

Feb. 28th - There is a grounds keeper at our home by the name of Diego.  He is very sweet and is always around to answer our questions or give us guidance about the island.  Yesterday we asked him if there was a place we could buy fresh fish to go with the vegetables that we had.  He said he would get some for us.  We said; are you sure it’s not too much trouble?  He said; not at all.  We gave him some money and he got on his bike and rode to the other end of the island to get these.  We had to force him to take a tip......I’m going to miss these people!

Reefs

We went snorkeling at a reserve called Mexican Rocks yesterday.  It was beautiful and teaming with reef fish as well as sea turtles, eagle rays & large lobsters.  Fortunately, the reefs here are still pretty healthy.
BTW - About 25% of all marine species live in coral reefs.  According to scientists about 70-90% of reefs are expected to disappear in the next 20 years due to climate change.  Coral is very sensitive to temperature and it cannot adapt to our warming oceans.  The coral turns white (bleaches) then dies.  If you want to learn more about it there is a great documentary call Chasing Coral on Netflix.  You can see the trailer at chasingcoral.com.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry & narrow mindedness

This sign is in downtown San Pedro.  The people here generally make a point to not put down other people, other groups or other countries.  It’s a refreshing change.

How the locals live

The locals do not live as well as we do however they seem just as happy....hhhmmmm

Passions

Have you ever thought about your “passions” in life?  Or written them down?  I have and I’m going to share mine with you.  My closest friends will not be surprised and if you have been following this blog you won’t be surprised either.  Here you are...

Travel - dah

Photography - I love the art of telling a story with photographs

Nature - the more I am outside and “in one with nature” the happier I am

Caring for the environment - I will proudly say I am a “tree hugger”

Caring for my health & body  - As I mentioned before, not for vanity reasons but to be able to go on adventures when I’m 80

Giving back - I have been so blessed in my life, I feel it’s the right thing to do.  There are many charities that are happy to take my money but I give my time & money to organizations that line up with my values, such as environmental causes and helping people that have the biggest challenges and the smallest voice.

If you are squeamish don’t look at this...

This is a 3 inch black scorpion.  I was picking up some clothes on the floor when I saw it.  At first I thought it was a twig...then it moved!  Of course I yelled for Alan to come and kill it. (while I stood on the bed).  We later learned it is rare to see them especially in our home.  They are not poisonous but they have a painful sting.