An easy 45-minute flight in the puddle jumper, seated right behind the pilot, we arrived on la costa de Oaxaca, transported to a new reality. Reminiscent of Haight-Ashbury – peace/love/marijuana/barefoot hippies, and oh yea…nudity…the beach burg of Zipolite.

Gritty streets, mural artists, rustic accommodations, thatched roofs, mariscos y cerveza, big surf, fabulous walking beaches and expat locals that look like they have been here way too long. Who am I to judge the good life of others? 

Hot and humid – so the lack of hot water showers is not an issue. AC – ha… fans abundant, along with mosquito nets and sheets only. Culbrebocas (masks) are almost nonexistent, a complete reversal from la ciudad de Oaxaca – where everyone masks up. We continue to mask up around others and take precautions.

Week two we move to the hillside hotel Arigalan with fabulous views of the coast, stunning sunrises, a lovely private patio and our personal dipping pool, which I visit frequently throughout the day because it is so dang hot and humid.

To the south and 110 steps below we have a quaint small bay with good snorkeling and swimming and the wonderful walking beach of San Augustinillo.

Down the hill to the north is the small beach town of Mazunte filled with yoga and meditation centers, massage, reiki, dark rooms, aroma therapy, vegetarian restaurants and all types of folks seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Beach life happens on mañana time…