Peace and relaxation

January 23: 90 degrees

Just as we finish up our last sips of our morning coffee, our shuttle to Montezuma arrives.  We pack up our bags, hug Sara, tell Samara goodbye and head off to our next destination!

The shuttle stops in town and pics up a few more people for the trip.  Mandy is extremely thoughtful when we travel together.  She knows that I like to sit next to the window to see and explore,  all the while, avoiding getting sick.  With this kindness, Mandy is also subject to whoever might sit beside her.  Today, it is a tall, stinky German guy who insists on sitting with his arms up.  The body odor is unbearable and the shuttle's AC doesn't seem to be enough to push the smell away.  At one point,  Mandy taps her finger on my arm and asks, "Is it rude if I ask him to put his arm down?"  I laugh and we try to adjust the AC again.

After a couple of hours through dusty and bumpy mountain roads,  we arrive in Montezuma and walk into town.  It is a very small little hippy town with just one major intersection.  Here, cars, motorcycles and ATVs pass and the road is aligned with fruit trucks, artisans and tour stands.

The town of Montezuma

We learn of a trail that leads to a waterfall that is about a 5-min walk from where we are staying.  After unpacking our things and changing our shoes,  we head for the trail.  It isn't long before we come upon the stream that will lead us to the falls.  Many big rocks and a hiking trail later, we come upon the waterfall and it is beautiful.  The water below is crisp and cool.  You can feel the coolness from the mist in the air.  There are only about 10 people here and everyone is pretty spread out so, it feels like it is even less crowded.  Mandy gets into the water and by the expression on her face, I can tell the water is cold.  She tries to get me in but I am hesitant.  Instead,  I sit back on a big rock and just watch.  It is such a peaceful place, the air smells fresh, I can feel the mist from the water and the sound is calming.

Mandy swimming in the waterfall pond

Amongst the peaceful waterfall,  the calm of the yoga retreat in which we are staying and the hippy artisans in town,  I think I am feeling what Montezuma has to offer.