La Paz is an important regional commercial centre with a population of 250,000. La Paz was noted for its black pearls which were harvested for over 400 years. By 1941, the pearl industry had ceased to exist due to over harvesting and disease. The Nobel prize winning author, John Steinbeck, visited La Paz and based his novel,The Pearl, on his experience in this lovely city.
Sonya took a picture of this lady while sitting in the Nuestra Señora de La Paz Cathedral, which was built in 1871. The lines of wisdom and experience that give the character to her face belie, or perhaps complement, the inner peace you see here.
Next, Dan says we have to go see the Hotel Yeneka and make SURE you have your camera ready.
As you can see (yes this is indoors in the hotel), this brings a whole new level of meaning to the term eclectic decor! On our way out we met the designer / owner of the hotel.
Although he spoke some English he was clearly more comfortable in Spanish. Sonya asked where he got the decorating ideas and he said that he saw them in his dreams. I asked in Spanish if they were sweet dreams or nightmares. He answered, “Erotico.” I will leave it to you to translate.
Next we were off to the whale museum.
The skeletons depicted above are those of small dolphins (delfins) indigenous to the area. Notice the human skeleton - perhaps not as well suited to a sea going life! We learned that the blue whale is the largest mammal in the world, and no land mammal’s structure could support the size that they become. To put it in perspective, the tongue of an adult blue whale is as large as an elephant. Yes, you read that correctly!
As you will know, Sonya is mostly a people photographer and can capture some very interesting cameos of people.
As you look at this man, you can’t help but wonder what his story is. Unfortunately, he never got to where we were sitting, so we could not find out. We will leave it to your imagination to fill in the blanks of his life story.
Leaving La Paz, we headed back north through our beloved (NOT) construction zones and narrow winding roads.
After getting through this round, I had to get out my screw driver and go around the trailer and tighten all the screws that came loose. Some screws were sticking out a half inch! It was a 40 minute job in total! RV manufacturers should use the Baja road system to test the durability of their trailers - certifying them as “Baja Tested”.
Next stop Puerto Escondido, meaning "hidden harbour”. Bordered by the Sierra de la Giganta mountains it makes for a beautiful setting. The marina is a site for a planned resort, hotel, condominium and marina complex. To date, they have spend US$400 Million, and you can make your own determination as to the value proposition of the expenditures to date from the pictures.
Fortunately, neither goat nor RV were hurt in this encounter. Compare this to a couple of fellas who pulled in at 1130 at night, after having had two tire blow outs and hitting a cow! Thank goodness we have our caravan leaders to show the way!
Another tough day in Paradise, as you can see from below.
The next picture bears witness to how hard it is to travel down here, as Dan, our jefe (leader), takes a much needed break!
Although life seems idyllic from our perspective, it is not all roses here. This is Rosa.
Dan tells us that she is younger than anyone on our trip, but you would not know it from the story written in her face.
One of the vendors brought her little boy with her, so Sonya had occasion to give him a punching balloon.
Although his mother did not speak much English, she was able to get across to Sonya that she had another child at home. Sonya understood and gave her another one to take home for her second child. Shortly after that, we heard a pop, knowing well what had happened. Sonya brought out another balloon, this time not inflated, and the little guy came running straight at her, buck naked! This time mama was not blowing it up until they got home!
On our second day at the beach, we got a group together to go to Taco Tuesday at Playa Buenaventura, the next beach over. The main reason was to see one of our former travel mates that had previously dropped off (Larry and Linda), to spend the winter playing with his band buddy - Fast Eddie and the Slow Lerners!
This band looks like rockers from the 60s who arrived here in the 70s and never left! Sonya said that she had to find a set of shorts like the ones on the guy second from the left (grey and yellow sarong pants)! Watch out Geoff, last time she brought you a Burmese men’s skirt as a souvenir!
While the band was playing, Sonya got a little shopping time in, since she is not a big rocker fan! She found some lovely wares from this lady along the beach.
Fortunately (for me), she had left her wallet back at the trailer, and this time she didn’t have mine! Oh well, next time!
Now I am off for a relaxing paddle around the island.
See you next after Mulegé and Guerrero Negro.
Hasta la vista,
Paul & Sonya