DianaT - 7-7-2007 at 05:05 PM
Just a part of everyday life.
I gasped as we stepped onto Armando’s front porch and patio. Steps from the beach, yet up on the small hill, it is a priceless scene. No part of
the Bay of Asuncion is missing; eternity is in the distance. His home is larger than most in the town, but simple, nothing fancy. Only a table with
no chairs occupies the front porch. As we entered the home, the front curtains were closed to the outside.
It was day four of our return to Bahia Asuncion and our contractor, Armando, insisted we come to his house to meet his wife and his young teenage
daughter. Gracious and friendly people, we enjoyed the visit, even with the language barrier. Words in English and in Spanish passed between us and
we all hoped there was understanding. As a young boy arrived to visit the daughter, we joked about Armando closely watching his beautiful Alejandra.
With closed curtains and not so many windows, the view was gone, but the friendship was growing. Wanting to express feelings and thoughts became
exhausting and frustrating, but increased my determination to learn more of the language of my adopted second home. We all struggled to help each
other with words. Armando expressed his frustration with knowing many English words, but the difficulty in putting them together. We know he sees
the future once the road is paved. It is a future we all agreed is possibly good, and then again maybe not so good. But the view alone will bring
them here.
Leaving the home, we were back on the front porch and patio. Expressing our amazement and wonder over the magnificent feast nature was spreading
before our eyes, they agreed, but it was different for them. We watch families drive down to just watch the ocean, and the community is vigilant in
protecting the sea’s bounty. This land and the life sustaining sea have been their home forever. This view is simply a part of their every day.
Such a beautiful place with beautiful people
Diane
Baja Bernie - 7-7-2007 at 06:37 PM
Thank you for sharing...............I sense your heart is good! That goes a long way with real Mexicans. I am sure that you realize that it is not an
everyday thing to be invited to meet a Mexicans family.
Roberto - 7-7-2007 at 08:46 PM
Baja on the internet - ain't it wonderful?
You don't even have to leave your computer seat. 
longlegsinlapaz - 7-7-2007 at 09:08 PM
Great thoughtful & insightful post!! You "GET" Baja & it's people!! Ain't it wunnerful!?!
vacaenbaja - 7-7-2007 at 10:17 PM
With all the recent earthquakes in the the area, are you planning to keep the stucture to a single story?
Was there any difficulty with title etc?
It wil certainly be a great place with growing opportunities, and no doubt problems as the place grows. Alas sin once again has come to EDEN. I sure
we are all jealous.
Congrats.
CaboRon - 7-8-2007 at 06:23 AM
Diane, Thankyou for your beautiful story. This is the Mexico that I hope to find someday. You are truly blessed, CaboRon
Marie-Rose - 7-8-2007 at 08:16 AM
Diane
Thank you for the wonderful memory! We also had a very similiar experience with our neighbor/caretaker this spring. Husb., daughter and I were a bit
nervous when invited to come over to meet the relatives. The oldest son speaks a little english so this was helpful for the introductions. It was
such an honor! It also strenghtened my resolve to work on my spanish so next time I will be able to better communicate!!
I so miss their honest demonstation of affection for their family and friends... and never take it for granted that they have welcomed us into their
community!!!
shari - 7-8-2007 at 08:25 AM
Its' those little things that make this community lovely...whenever I go to someone's house we end up marveling at all thier plants and they always
give me a bag of cuttings or seeds, or fruit they have. I always wondered why at birthday parties they have these humongous cakes...well even after
you are served your piece...when you go to leave they always give you a piece or two for those family members who didn't attend the party. I find it
interesting and incredible that these families with literally no money ALWAYS send you home with something...it's been a big lesson for me...I"ve
mostly been on a very tight budget my whole adult life bordering on poor and so I always watched my pennies....but here I see poverty stricken
families being incredibly generous...always giving coins to the kids packing groceries...buying a beer for the town drunk...giving rich gringos free
food etc....it's humbling. diane and john, I am so glad you SEE and understand what's going on here and appreciate it...we are very glad you chose to
be here and you won't regret it. Well, gotta go plant the nopales that the mechanic gave me yesterday which by the way are delicious as well as an
insulin replacement...diabetics used to control their diabetes with it! terrific with scrambled eggs or in a salad. viva asuncion
Bajagypsy - 7-8-2007 at 08:58 AM
I was brought up learning that to gain any type of wealth, one must give. It doesn't matter if you only have 2 peso's to your name, there is always
somebody that has none, so you must share in your wealth. That is the reason I love Baja so much, people just give, with no thought of what they are
to gain. It is the purity of their hearts, that makes me want to return time and time again.
DianaT - 7-8-2007 at 12:47 PM
So very glad some of you appreciate the stories and thoughts---I love to share stories----for me, it a part of reflecting on and learning the
experiences.
Thanks. 
Diane
[Edited on 7-8-2007 by jdtrotter]
Iflyfish - 7-8-2007 at 03:39 PM
Keep em coming!
Iflyfish