A Mexican Success Story

Chiara and Alfredo met here in Huatulco just two years ago. Chiara is Sicilian and, having spent time in London, speaks English with subtle British, Italian and Mexican accents. Alfredo is Mexican and having lived in the US, speaks excellent English. 

Chiara and Alfredo

Their travels, entrepreneurialship and a certain savvy, owe to their success. Chiara was already running a small ice cream restaurant, Las Primas, when they met. Together they expanded to include breakfast and lunch. Alfredo also owns a beach restaurant in one of the nine bays and within two weeks they will open a bar down the street from Las Primas.

Chiara with daughter Isabella

Chiara will be breastfeeding their six month daughter, Isabella, one moment and off for supplies on a motorscooter the next. They always have time to chat, are calm and super organized. Having a nanny helps for sure. But our first child threw us a curve ball for the first few months. I would have become unhinged with three businesses to operate and a home to keep up as well.

Cacalutia Bay and Beach

Yesterday afternoon we took a 40 minute ride in a covered boat to a secluded area with reefs, rocks and a pristine beach. The fish were exquisite, brilliant blues with bits of subtle orange. We saw eels and pencil fish. Soon I'll send some photos taken with Alan's underwater camera. 

The boat anchored a distance from the reefs so we could jump off,  then later on pulled anchor and motored closer to the beach so we could get back on.

Today I feel battered and stiff because the boat had no ladder, so after we anchored, we jumped off the side with our gear. After snorkling around the reefs, we swam to the beach against the current (no small feat). There was a strong undercurrent and the wind made for tough swimming.

Getting onto the beach was a test of endurance because of the undertow. You had to paddle fast like there was no tomorrow, get your feet firmly on the bottom and try to beach yourself before the next wave. Bob was washed in and out forever. I kind of half crawled in with Susan's help.

The boat had motored over closer to the beach for easier "boarding". That was an operation and a half. To get back on the boat, you kind of pulled up, then flopped and rolled as the boat tipped low to one side in the trough of a wave. You had to be super fast before the next wave tipped the boat way back up again. Gads.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas Eve from all the Noppes. I'll be in touch again soon.