Today I went on a deeper exploration of this beautiful little Mexican fishing village. I wanted to see what life was like on the other side of Highway 200. Delving into the lesser known neighbourhoods of La Penita – Isla del Verano, Miramar and El Campesino gave me a better insight into the flavour of the town.
To access this part of town, simply cross the Highway at any point around the main street of Ave. Emiliano Zapata in La Penita and head up into the hills.
Miramar
The streets of Miramar that parallel the highway are gently undulating and lined with humble abodes. These casas are predominately made of brick and are single or two stories high. There are a few government offices sprinkled through this neighbourhood, however it is primarily residential.
The streets are cobblestone, dusty and dry. I could see people going about their everyday lives, hanging laundry, sweeping the stoop and chatting with neighbours.
Isla del Verano
High above Miramar is Isla del Verano. This area is on the crest of a rather steep hill giving it stunning views of the bay and right over the other side into the valley below. There are homes literally built onto the very crest of this hill giving them both views.
I stood beside one home and the ocean was splayed out in front of me while the magnificent Sierra Madres lined valley behind me. I was not expecting the views to be as breathtaking as they were.
Most of the homes up here are quite large to downright huge. Many are three and four stories high and built on the side of this small mountain. The casas are utterly beautiful, constructed in a classic Mexican style and painted with vivid bright colours or stark white. There were a few ultra modern homes sprinkled in but they were not the norm.
El Campesino
Coming down from Isla del Verano and into El Campesino was a very steep drop. There were a few vehicles that passed by, carefully applying their breaks on their decent down the cobble stone streets.
The El Campesino neighbourhood is mostly residential, and seems a little newer than Miramar. Homes are single to three stories high and a real mix of newer modern structures with older simple brick abodes. There is much more commercialism in this neighbourhood with salons, mechanics, hardware stores and abarrotes on almost every corner. Especially up closer to the highway.
I had such an enjoyable day exploring this side of the highway. I am always so glad when I am able to wander off the beaten path. I am rewarded every time with the most unexpected things.
On this day, at the top of Isla del Verano, I met an elderly gentleman caballero (cowboy). He was sitting on a curb in the sunshine, smoking a cigarette and drinking a coke. His face was full of friendly character. I asked if I could photograph him and he graciously let me.
It was such a warm and heartfelt tiny moment for me, but it made my day. Looking into his rheumy eyes, I wondered about his life, his thoughts, his memories. We shared a smile and a laugh. That was enough. ๐
