Olas Altas Beach is a short walk from my condo along the new promenade called Nuevo Malecon. Facing part of the beach is a luxury condo called Molino de Agua which has its own extensive grounds and tranquil swimming pool. I couldn't help but notice the number of Mexicans manicuring the grounds & sweeping round the pool on my walk & the privileged few in the pool breast stroking their way leisurely along. It reminded me of the Primates documentary by Sir David when he described how high status Japanese macaques commandeer the hot pools in the snowy Japan winter and exclude their fellow low caste macaques. Is it not to do with lack of space in the pool but rather a Darwinian struggle within the species which may, as Sir David intones in his inimitable way, be the difference between life and death in a snowy Japan winter. Molino de Agua's pool usage of course does not have such stark consequences but methinks the same primate, human hierarchial rules are subtly in play as in Japan's macaque society. Any pool will do me!
Just along the beach from the flash condo's stylish 6 foot walls a few oldish locals chat. Then suddenly they become interested in the pelicans diving near the seashore. One of them produces a throw net from a bucket and positions himself by the shore...then he runs towards where the pelicans are diving and casts his net. Wading into the surf he is pounded by waves as he hauls in the net revealing a number of struggling large white fish. He repeats the exercise and his mates surround him to help and presumably share in the catch. There will be a fish feast for some tonight.
Further along the walkway waiters are setting up tables on the sand for their anticipated guests. Patrons have breakfast in the sanctuaries of beachfront restaurants gazing out to the expansive Banderas Bay, as waves crash languidly nearby.
The solo traders in traditional white attire, who carry their merchandise by the beaches and pathways all day, are busying themselves and sharing a few jokes as they steel themselves for another day of business in the fierce sunshine.
Amateur fishermen chance their luck on the small jetty between the two beaches before the heat of the day drives them away.
Further along at Los Muertos beach a multitude of coloured beach chairs & tables are ready and waiting for the day's visitors.
It's a very pleasant scene and a very relaxing walk in Puerto Valarta along the seafront by Olas Altas and Los Muertos beaches. Inspiration for the day ahead.
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