And, in the past several years, even that annual trip south hasn’t quite satisfied my appetite for adventure…and for keeping my Spanish sharp. So I’ve been traveling again in the fall, exploring a new destination in Latin America each time.*
So back in June, acting on a whim, I googled “Find me a hidden-gem little beach town anywhere in Latin America.” Intriguing as the results were, most spots looked like it might take two days just to get there.
But the description of one caught my eye: Right on a broad, mile-and-a-half-long beach; flanked by rocky headlands and backed by jungle; just 1,500 inhabitants; vibrant community spirit; several nice-looking little hotels; decent restaurants…All this and it’s relatively easy to get to.
So, what’s the name of this magical place? Well, I could tell you…but then...I’d have to, well…you know… **
NOT IN MY BACK…PATIO
That’s the dilemma with any as-yet-unspoiled destination. You’d love to spread the word—not least, to help the hard-working folks who have to make a living there. But if a lot more people come, “there goes the neighborhood,” as they say.
I know my hidden gem—this joya oculta (Hey, why don’t we just call it La Joya.)—won’t be hidden much longer. One can almost see the wave of big-time development, with its high-rise condos, sterile, all-inclusive resorts and Señor Frog’s dives, creeping up the coast toward it.
Just a few miles away, another village, which itself was a sleeper just 20 years ago, is now considered by most to have lost half its charm.
Most importantly, I’ll keep
an open mind and heart.
READY TO SEE GENEROUSLY
So off I go, cameras and laptop in hand, hoping my picture of "La Joya" turns out to be more or less accurate. Scores of such adventures, though—especially those in Latin America—chasten me to manage my expectations. To skew the truism of the century, it will be what it is.
During the next couple of weeks, of course I’ll keep my eyes, ears and all the other senses open. But my version of adventure travel calls on more than my physical senses; it summons what I call seeing generously. Sensing with open mind, heart and spirit too.
With any luck La Joya will prove as beautiful as I imagine, its habitantes as unfailingly kind and generous as those I meet in most Latin American towns. That’s all the motivation this tall, pale, tottering gringo will need to jot down a few reflections about this, my perfect little hidden-gem beach town.
Stay tuned…
* I’ve been on a somewhat less-than-urgent quest to visit every country in Latin America before I croak. So far, I’ve checked off seven—as well as half of Mexico’s 31 states—so…hey, it’s a start!
** The hypocrisy is not lost on me; on one hand, I want the unspoiled, authentic charm of 1970s Mexico, and on the other, they better damn well have high-speed Internet.
Want to support my ad-free writing? Buy me a coffee—just click on the purple button at the upper-left of this page. Many thanks! – Jeff
