The Bay of Nudies and Turtles

   Monday morning I finally started the beach adventure that I had been imagining for the last month. When packing for my trip I was so concentrated on beach, and copious amounts of sunshine I only packed shorts, tank tops, and sundresses. Until monday they'd been hibertnating in the bottom of my backpack. Now they are out, and well as this is a nudist beach I don't even really need them still. :)

My first half hour in Zipolite- lounging already. 

    I am couchsurfing here as well, with a super great guy named Allan and his roommate Sandy-Bell. They are both students at the University of the Sea here in Zipolite, Oaxaca. I really don't know how they ever find time to go to class, or study when the beach is 3 minute walk from their front door. Shortly after I arrived Allan told me that he had to leave for an internship in Veracruz the next morning, but I could stay at his place with Sandy. As he was only in town for one day he insisted on showing me everything there was to do in 10 hours. (Remember, I'd spent 10 hours on the bus the night before, with the largest man in Mexico seated next to me. Shall I just say I was longing for those shaded hammocks with Corona table service.)

The view of the bay from the sunset spot in Mezunte.

Sunset with the wild dogs in Zipolite. 

  I changed into by swimsuit right away, and we headed off to the beach. First, we went over to the little cove called Playa de Amor... almost everyone was 65, and naked. The water was deliciously warm. Swimming in the ocean is fun, and reminds me of swinging as a little girl. Everytime you get so far out the current gently pulls back, and you swim back out. You can do it for ages.
   Allan wanted to show me a different cove further on. Allen is a surfer, and his adventure gene is prevalent. As we started walking over these 9,000 degree sharp as glass rocks, I wanted to return to the lazy naked beach. Allen insisted that further up there was a neat blow hole. So I continued, reluctantly. Somehow he pulled me all the way to where the blow hole wasn't, but a beautiful view was. So I suppose it was worth it.
After this, we went surfing. The waves are low this time of year. Which is good for me since I haven't surfed in two years. Surfing feels like flying to me, and I don't even care if I stand up. Its about feeling that rushing energy of the wave. As the swell lulled we left the beach, and headed up the coast to the small town of Mezunte to watch the sunset. I love the pacific, and the way the sunsets and sunrise always have a gorgeous sherbert pink and orange quality. From the point where we watched the sun fall you could see up the coastline in both directions. I was feeling especially blessed for my fortune.
  The next day I found myself enjoy a morning coffee with Sandy-Bell. She and I were on the same wavelength, and planned to spend the day out on the beach. While we were out there there were a few locals casting their nets out for fish. It took about an hour, but then they brought in 2 bucket loads at once. Sandy knew the fisherman, and asked him if we could get some fish. Before I knew it we were gutting fresh fish on the beach for dinner.

Cooking our fresh caught fish for fresh
fish tacos!

  We met up with two other couchsurfers from France who would be staying with Sandy and I, and headed back to the house to start preparing our feast. We had 10 fish, tortillas, tomatoes, and potatoes, and 4 hungry mouths. After about an hour and a half of cooking, and 3 liters of beer we sat down to feast. It was delicious in the way that simple food is better with good company and conversation. Really one of those moments that you can't imagine before you leave home.

Road side sopes made with quesillo. The
best cheese I have had in Latin America.

The kindergardeners and I with the guide. :) 

 The last two days have been dedicated to worshiping the sun, and playing with the ocean. My kindle has been my constant beach companion. I did put out a bit of energy, and made it up to Mezunte to see the turtle museum. There is nearly every North American turtle species you can imagine in all different ages. I happened to take my tour with a group of 5 year old elementry students.... Which is good cause we have the same vocabulary. Plus I like their excitment. Turtles are cool!

  One last day on the beach for me, and I plan to enjoy it to the max. That shaded hammock I was lusting after on Monday has my name all over it. Tonight I am going to eat a big plate of shrimp with tortillas! YES! Then a night travel to the capital city of Oaxaca. Back to city life and long pants, but I am still on an adventure.

Sandy Bell and Bazil enjoying a mechelada. They love chile in everything here. Ice cream and beer included.