CDMX/PV
I visit Mexico City at the speed of light: arrival, airport, customs, metro to a suburb, gym, sandwich, metro to the airport, security, airport from the sky.
After the layover I arrive at my actual destination: Puerto Vallarta, a city on Mexico’s west coast. It’s a city hijacked by tourism, boasts pristine beaches and has temperatures in their thirties, the sun is shining in its prime.
My holiday outfit is simple yet effective. A towel, swim shorts, sun screen, a bottle of water and a lack of cellphone. I’m reestablishing the connection with myself by disconnecting from the digital world.
Off to the beaches I go.
Beaches. I love beaches. Their shape, how they feel, to lay on them, how they move, how hot they are, their thick, juicy… Apologies, misunderstanding. Bea-ches. Yes, beaches are nice too. I like the… sand.
The patch of sand bordering the Pacific Ocean is wide enough to escape the crowds. All I choose to do is kill time by burning hours at the shore. Letting projects be, working on a suntan. For a day or two I let the future get past and enjoy the now as a present.
When I’m not investing in becoming the crispiest individual in the northern hemisphere I stroll over the boardwalk. There are palm trees on both sides and numerous restaurants and a clear view of the Pacific to the left and right, depending on your direction.
When the sun starts setting and night is about to fall, I make my way from the touristy part of town and break free from the numerous voices of the Mexicans’ northern neighbours.
During sunset I always try to seclude myself. It’s my favourite event of the day. And during it, I can’t be arsed to deal with the selfie-crew nor any redundant conversation.
I find my safe haven somewhere far from the boardwalk. I sit down on a low, stone wall, with my feet dangling above the sand, lock my mouth and unscrew my ears to mute the world.
The sound of a computer being activated is heard by others in the distance. A Windows-logo appears and the heaven’s screensaver starts. The sky parades its colours while the sun pretends to be a submarine.
There I sit. A few weeks left. Laced up thoughts run ultramarathons through my mind. I ingest two pills to fight the pain and contemplation, and turn this chaotic dojo into an organised library.
Once the daily show is over I lower myself onto the sand. I saunter along the waterfront, take my hand and whisper sweet nothings into my ear. Heading back to the laboratory, back to progress.
I wrote a novel! It’s available on: https://www.amazon.com/Vic-Koopmans-ebook/dp/B0B6TC4WX9/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=GWSYPFYSYYSU&keywords=vic+koopmans+head+first&qid=1658281167&sprefix=vic+koopmans+headfirst%2Caps%2C127&sr=