Yes, I am back in Barra de Potosi, Mexico, the small four streets by four streets fishing village at the end of the road. It doesn’t get more local than this.
Mainstreet Barra de Potosi
Some things have changed, some things remain the same. Isi and Analeydi, who work at Casa del Encanto where I stay, are here as are Lucy and Martin, a 30-something couple from the Czech Republic who volunteer here. They explained “We just love it here, the lifestyle, the sea, the no stress day-to-day living”. So they are here going on two years.
There is a small new farmacia, a hostel and numerous condo units are now completed.
The dentista and the optometrist vans visit the village every few weeks. The fisherman string nets for their catch in the laguna. The street dogs, sunsets and sunrises are much the same.
The beach enramadas continue to serve fabulous guacamole, ceviche, shrimp cocktails, local fish and oysters beachside as you wiggle your toes in the sand – barefeet and swimsuits encouraged!
Early morning paddles en la laguna provide viewing for an abundance of waterfowl.
The days consist of yoga classes, leisurely breakfasts, ocean swimming, beach walking and a swim across the channel in the laguna leads to a hike to the deserted beach. Afternoons are for reading, writing and a siesta to beat the afternoon heat and humidity.
For dinner, local entrepreneurial women set up tables in front of their homes and open their street cafes offering delicious enchiladas verde, sopes, quesadillas, tamales, elote y mucho mas. Or we sauté fresh shrimp or dorado in butter, garlic and lime and enjoy chilled white wine – which is outrageously expensive, as Mexicans prefer cerveza or tequila.
An occasional night at Ridleys Pub, the gringo bar, provides music from the Tighty Whiteys, the local gringo band, playing my favorite song Memphis Women, Fried Chicken.
If you are looking for night life this is not the place to hang out. Museums – nope, antiquity – nope, upscale restaurants- nope, cafes – nope, lots of shops and sights – nope, ATMs – nope, entertainment – nope, tours – nope, UNESCO designations – nope.
Just simple, rustic village life, on the sea at the end of the road.
