Sayulita, Mexico ~ February 6, 2006
Posted today for Taphophile Tragics
We spent a week in Sayulita, Mexico, a charming beach town with even more charming cottages rented by the week. Who could not want to wander along the rocks south of town and find a lucky snorkeling spot? We did, and we had uninvited company. The young man's presence would have been OK had he been friendly or felt safe, but neither was the case. He followed ominously, quietly, always watching. Not entirely threatening, and then again not entirely not threatening. It was one of those times. We did not want to expose our fear and we did not want to ignore him. He carried something in his hand. . . .
Lee made toward him to strike up a conversation and feel out the attitude.
I tried to remain casual and took lots of photos. The close-ups of the gorgeous pink and purple crustaceans did not come out, but here's a glance down the suddenly-hostile rockscape. In the end Lee was't comfortable. I believe he said, "I THINK he's OK, but he's kinda weird. I'm not getting the right vibe." That was good enough for me and we picked our way back to the car.
A few yards from where we had parked the car we again came across this intriguing small cemetery with its interesting colors and uniquely-shaped graves. When we first caught sight of it I had almost thought it was one of those places that – in the US – you would have found dumped cars, engine parts, mattresses, and anything else people didn't want to pay to get rid of in the proper facilities. Because of that, this gulch had already taken on ominous feel for me before we even hit the beach. Coming back now I wanted to stop and take some photos. I could see finally how intriguing it was once I knew what I was looking at. But the sense of vulnerability remaining in my veins from our beach excursion left me even more interested in getting out of there.
I took these few shots from the car and we said we would come back, but we never did. I kind of wish we had gone back, but on the other hand it felt much more pleasant to watch the bright orange flowers, blue sky, and strange frigatebirds gliding in the open air.
10 comments:
Mexico has been a dangerous place for vacationing Canadians over the past couple of years...
The Mexicans do seem to know how to celebrate their dead.
It's to bad you couldn't have enjoyed your time there in peace but better safe than sorry.
It does sound like a creepy experience and I admire your sang-froid and persistence in at at least taking the photos that you did! The cemetery does seem like a peaceful place though...
Always best to listen to your instincts even if it does look like an interesting little graveyard.
YOu have to be on guard these days!! A very nice burial ground.
The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up just reading your post! I always err on the side of caution. Probably comes with age ...
The cemetery seems to me to be one of those unauthorised areas that just morphs through common usage. Certainly different from any mainstream cemetery that I have seen anywhere in Australia. But we are of the Anglo-celtic tradition.
This is the second cemetery now, that you have shot from your car window. You and Lee do insist on going to wierd and wonderful places. I am too much of a wus for that.
Love your yarns. Keep 'em coming.
What a beautiful and unusual place.
Herding Cats
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What an interesting post and your name for this place sure fits well! Yikes. What was the guy carrying in his hand?
I think you were wise to get out of there asap. You probably looked like fresh pickings to that guy! And who would ever find you?
That cemetery is pretty creepy, too, although I usually don't feel that way about cemeteries.
These days, I don't think I would visit Mexico.
i really enjoyed reading your story!
how scary... i think i would not have liked my bf going to that person to speak with him. how weird! better to leave indeed.
the cemetery looks interesting, with the trees. and i never saw colored gravestones!
so... those spaces in the us that you describe, with abandoned cars and such, thats really just from people too lazy to bring it away? i saw many of those around.. always find it so weird!
Hey there!
That was interesting and just a wee bit scary. You just never know the mental health or intent of people you run into. It looks like a great place. I know you were VERY happy to see the cemetery and probably had your camera out before you even thought about it.
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