Having recently moved to the tropics of Southern Mexico from the desert-like climate of Central Texas, we initially loved the sweet little afternoon rain showers. But then the rain didn’t stop. For close to three weeks it rained, rained and rained some more. A tropical depression invaded the Yucatan in more ways than one. Hurricane Manuel pummeled Mexico from the Pacific and Ingrid from the Gulf. In Acapulco forty-thousand tourists were evacuated and mud slides swallowed a whole community. In Bacalar, the worst we had was mold, mosquitoes, a leaky roof and a few docks under water. It seems like all I had to do was think about my kayak to hear thunder. It’s creepy.
Many of the expats are on their summer jaunt to the US. The Tortas were spending way too much time on Facebook in this beautiful, strange land, so Thursday we decided to brave the elements and travel 2.5 hours to Tulum to visit our Austin friends Karen and Skip. It was a change of scenery and an excuse to ride in air conditioning. Living in the wilds of Tulum has its own challenges. Keeping the jungle from swallowing your house is a full-time job. We did head out to see if the beach had been washed away in the recent flooding, only to be blessed with a beautiful sunshiney walk. Nine months ago during our initial visit to Skip and Karen’s, we were exploring the possibility of making the move to Mexico. They took us to the same beautiful beach as a talisman for all the hard work ahead. Never could we have believed that in nine months our life would be completely different and we’d be living in Bacalar.
When rain flows, it can take everything in its path for a ride, even the Tortas. The opportunities to “let go” abound. We are continually letting go of an old way of life, as well as the expectations for this new one, and we are ever grateful for the occasional sunshine.
Tulum Beach Nine Months Later
the adventures of dos tortas 
I was starting to think we actually went the wrong direction and was in Seattle.
It’s hard enough changing our entire lives (which I have no regrets) but to have to live in the rain for so long, I did not expect nor enjoy. Everyone tells me this is not the norm. Well hopefully we have been through the a typical weather so I can enjoy the typical weather.
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Alex, this much rain really is not typical even if it is the rainy season…for me, I’m grateful to just have to deal with rain and not a hurricane which is another seasonal option here. Like you, my toes are webbing and I’m battling mold and also stray frogs which show up in unexpected places.
Last evening’s interlude at Casa Carolina got me out of the house and tapping my webbed toes. Meeting you and Lisa was a distinct bonus.
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Thanks Kathe, We had been told that the lake doesn’t rise and there’s rarely mosquitoes. Ha! All over the world folks are saying, this isn’t the norm. It’s hard to know what the “norm” is any more. I’m happy with whatever comes. Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.
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Did I sense a subtle comparison with Seattle rain?!!! ha I laugh. Think rain from November to March………oh did I mention it is raining as I key this in? The real rain comes in November. I am currently looking for the “make change easy switch.” I understand it is hidden in a deep cave guarded by bears. But one flick of the switch and all discomfort is gone and obstacles are removed…………..yawn. Now where did I put my pepper spray?
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Make change easy switch? You are too funny. It’s raining again and the sky is black. Actually looks like a B & W photo. Cool air blowing in the window. Just lovely.
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Do you guys have a phone number?
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Yes mam. I’ll email it to you. Thanks for stopping by. Casita Carolina is a great addition to the Bacalar community.
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