Veracruz

What makes a beach beautiful? Is it pristine sands or crystal clear water? Coral reefs and tropical fish? Yes, I do believe so. However, as I am sitting here, trying to frame my experience of Veracruz over the last 24 hours, I struggle to find words that will do it justice. I would not use any of the terms that typically describe the picturesque beauty of a Carribean resort.. I feel something more. It is a sense of peace that begins at my feet, now connected to the sand just below the water. My feet appear magnified. Ever so often a single piece of seaweed languidly moves over my toes. Back and forth. Ebb and flow. I know where I am. I know I am 'here'. I have never felt more 'here' in my entire life, firmly rooted in the sand. the seaweed crossed my foot again and we both realized that it was not time to go yet. We would leave in our own direction.. on our own time.

Let me take a step back...
Fresh off of 15 hours on a bus, we were eager to set our eyes on the sea. Dropping our backpacks at the hotel, we briskly walked the 9 blocks to the nearest beach. Sandals off, we dashed forward until we delicately dipped our feet into the water, as one would savor the last bite of pie. Curious to see more of the beach, we walked the length until an affable young boatman approached us trying to sell a snorkeling trip. Enter Fernando. Beach Bum. Not a care in the world other than meeting new people and having a good time. We explained that we were hungry and pointed at the myriad of beachside restaurants that covered the beach behind us. Fernando's wide smile momentarily lapsed into a frown, stating that these restaurants ruined his beach. He then asked us if we wanted to see a natural beach. Up for another new experience we shrugged and set off to a hail a cab for... Playa del Norte.

This is the point where my mom probably would have said "Don't do it", and a scary movie plotline would lead the naive tourists to a dark alleyway. However, after a few miles we turned down a dirt road which opened onto a mesmerizing, expansive beach. The cab drove us further down the beach until tiny colorful dots became large beachside tents (restaurants). We chose one that was surrounded by hammocks, for obvious reasons. Setting down our things to feast on fresh seafood, we watched as the sun gathered all the colors of the sky to deliver a breathtaking sunset. After a tiresome game of futbol with the locals (playing in the sand is not easy), we moved our table down to the surf to eat our meal. We threw together a makeshif fire and sat in appreciative conversation for the next few hours. I finally turned towards the ocean to cool off my legs, yet my eyes immediately were attracted to the silver reflection in the water. Following it up to its origin I witnessed a full moon of insurpassable beauty. Reaching my hands up to the sky I tried to sum up my feelings that appeared so raw, coursing through me in this moment. I couldn't help but note the timing of a phrase I gleaned from the pages of my latest read, "The perks of being a Wallflower". The main character, Charlie, is trying to describe a particularly fulfilling moment as it is actually transpiring...

I feel infinite.
Yes. Infinite.

gregorio