WONDERS TO PONDER

Houses painted in all kinds of jewel colours

sheds and clucking chickens

a tiny piñata shop overflowing onto the street; the maker herself sitting in a wicker chair

a lazy dog sleeping on the roadside, completely oblivious to the noise and dust

people chatting and sleeping in doorways

the broiling heat

the flames of a taco stand

wafts of grilling corn tortillas

at least eight household shrines to the Virgin Mary, decked out in candles, ribbons and rainbows

I think my heart went out to these Mexican towns upon the very first glance. And, although most of our stay was spent by the blue waters and touristy sites of Akumal, my heart decided to stay back in the dusty streets of elsewhere. So alive, so real, so crazy and cuckoo and happening and now. Those are the places I wish to get to know, if ever given the chance to go back to Mexico.

The vendors selling fresh coconuts on little stalls off the highway. They would hack the top off the green husk, wait till you drink the water inside before stripping the insides of the fresh jelly, which they would mix with lime and chili.

Everything with lime and chili. Everything.

A scooter whizzing past with two young barefooted passengers.

A scooter whizzing past holding a family: a mother, father, and two children.

A scooter meandering past ridden by a young guy holding a tiny dog above his head.