I think I feel guilty about this. We are in a HUGE resort, high above the ocean, built by an North American ballet dancer from San Francisco. Go figure. Three pools (we just returned from a late swim in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean and the small fishing village, reminiscent of Puerto Vallarta in the 70's. It's all that I really don't care for in an underdeveloped country vis-a-vis wealthy tourists swarming in and changing the culture and investment structure, and boy is it great. Wonderful food, big huge safe salads, and we three are sharing a house meant for long-term stay, with three bedrooms, three completely tiled baths, three CNN TV's, and Wi-Fi. People in Santa Fe would love to live here. LOOKS like Santa Fe detailing, actually. All the trim, towel racks, counter tops, chairs, etc. looks like they are made in a carpentry shop on site, using a local wood. Don't know which wood, but it's teak-ish. We found a coupon in a paper for 25% off (will I EVER change?) , so we are each paying about $60 a night. It would rent in the States for about $1000 a nite. What can I say. San Juan del Sur is 1.5 hours by fast cab from Granada. And this is not even the good beach area. Many foreign investors here, I have several friends who have purchased beach front property. Values seem to double in four years. Or at least they did. Good luck Barack.
It was actually a strenuous week, mostly due to the climate at this time of the year. Sticky, sweaty, wet, and exhausting. Thankfully, our lodging was terrific. Too bad only a few of us had A/C, I felt pretty lucky. It turned out not to be a photo workshop, more of a photo tour, sort of. That was OK, but I felt an opportunity was missed all the way around. Would I return? Sure, maybe for a long week-end.
Anyway, off to Guatemala tomorrow to meet Beverley. Hooray. Time for a change of scenery, although travel with my two current companions is swell. We have been together in Peru, Africa and Seattle at various times.
