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| Business and residential mixed together |
The neighbourhoods of Isla, the colonias, have a vibrant atmosphere with
a chaotic mix of residential and commercial, much like the small towns in
Europe.
They are lively and lived-in. New visitors occasionally remark that
they see extensive poverty. We see diversity. We see hard-working neighbours
and friends who live where they work, and work where they live.
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| Tiny tienda on Juarez Avenue |
On Isla Mujeres the tiny store-front businesses
intermingle with modest living spaces. In the street just south of our casa
there is a myriad of small houses and apartments interspersed with a variety of
establishments. The majority of the proprietors live behind or above their
business. Within a few blocks we can get our golf cart repaired, purchase a
gift for a child, visit the veterinarian with a pet, get our laundry washed, or
documents photocopied.
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| Lawrie at Orlando's Golf Cart Repairs |
There are
two dental offices just a few blocks south of us. One is situated on an upper
floor of a house, and in front of the car repair business. The other is tucked
behind the air conditioning and appliance repair shop. Our favourite upholsterer
is located between two houses near one of the island’s animal shelters.
If we
are hungry or thirsty there are several little tiendas selling sodas, eggs, bread or snacks. Our preferred tienda carries a good selection of fruits,
vegetables and freshly squeezed juices. A tortilla factory operates six days a
week scenting the air with the delicious smell of freshly-baked corn tortillas.
When they close for the day, an evenings-only restaurant sets up in front
selling tasty food to their neighbours. Two nearby stores sell cold beer to
compliment the evening meal.
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| The guys having their morning get-together |
Scattered
in amongst the businesses are the long-time residents; living and working their
entire lives on Isla. Every morning a group of seven or eight people from adjacent
dwellings gather on one large street-side verandah, to share a sociable cup of
coffee and the local gossip.
Another man walks two blocks south to buy his
morning newspaper, returning to sit outside his front door while he carefully reads
each page. In the evenings, when the sun has shifted behind the buildings
another long-time resident sits on his shady patio waving at passersby, and
shouting pleasant greetings.
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| Vibrant colour combinations are common. |
Every home on the island is unique, whether
it is an expensive house or a humble dwelling.
Cookie-cutter neighbourhoods are virtually unknown with the
exception of a new development of beautiful high-end homes at the southern end
of the island.
Typically the colonias
are an unruly mix of brightly coloured buildings and unfinished houses, varying
from simple huts to three-storied residence.
Until recently a mortgage in
Mexico was almost impossible to obtain.
Even now with an increase in the
availability of bank mortgages the interest rates are astronomical compared to the
three percent that a Canadian or American would pay in their own countries. Consequently
buildings are finished when, and if, the owners have a few dollars to spend.
We
love the chaos, the colour, the vibrant feeling of lived-in neighbourhoods. It’s
what makes Mexico so interesting.
Hasta Luego
Lynda & Lawrie
Isla Mujeres Mystery
Have you got yours yet?
E-books $2.99 USD on Amazon, iBooks, Nook and Kobo
Paperback $11.99 USD on Amazon
Isla Mujeres Mystery series; a humorous Caribbean adventure set on Isla Mujeres, a tiny island off
the eastern coast of Mexico. Murder and mayhem. Pirate treasure and hurricanes. Lovers and families. And there is a dog, a lovable rescue-mutt, Sparky.
Come join us for the adventure.
Cheers Lynda and Sparky
