If Facebook was your only source of news for the events in these little fishing villages, you would believe we were all cowering under our beds and were reduced to eating fallen mangoes and discarded fish.
There is a tendency, probably throughout the world, to filter everything through a coronavirus prism. And there is no doubt that much of the world is operating under rules that have restricted people from living their lives.
That has been less so here. Especially, this week.
There was an abrupt change the week before Semana Santa when local authorities shut down our beaches (and townspeople demonstrated at the entrance to town) to discourage tourists from coming to the beach along with an unwanted infection. Even though it seems an eternity, that was only about 6 weeks ago. The governor of Jalisco then issued a rolling stay-at-home order that may be lifted here in another week.
The Semana Santa shutdown and the early departure of northern tourists had an immediate effect on the economy. With no reason to open, most shops and restaurants closed. And because there was an immediate disruption in the revenue stream, soup kitchens opened, and dispensas and food vouchers were distributed.
Life in my part of Barra de Navidad did not change much. People needed to be out to take care of their daily business. Even after the governor issued a public mask order and an edict that people over 60 had to stay home (except for essential business), compliance was lax -- and that is a very liberal use of the word. A few people wore masks, but most of the masks hung around necks like inefficient drool cups.
The most obvious sign that life is going on as usual is on the main street of our neighborhood. We hear how economically stressful it is for local businesses. And I do not doubt that. However, it is not a feeling shared by the entrepreneurial spirit of my neighbors.
Three new businesses are opened or are in the process -- all within a block of my house.
The first was a water-bottling operation that opened, I believe, before most of the closure orders were issued. A steady stream of bottle-carrying customers wait to have their containers filled for 8 pesos. The line makes the place look a bit like a tortilleria. The water guys also deliver bottles in a truck that seems to have earned its spurs in previous business battles.
The second shop opened this week. An ice cream stand. It is part of a national franchise, and has been attracting waves of unmasked parents and children looking for something sweet and cold to help deal with our increasing heat.
The third is going into what was once a dress shop next door to the ice cream stand. I was going to ask the workmen what was going to be offered there, but I did not want to interrupt their work. If I am patient, I will find out just like everyone else.
I am not certain why these three shops have opened at what would seem to be an inopportune time. There is a mismatch between charitable donations and business expansion.
Maybe the owners are simply hopeful. Maybe they know better than what some of us fear. Whatever the reason, they are offering their wares in our little part of the world where life is quickly transitioning back to normal.
A normal that is fully aware that the next day could be filled with horrors -- or beauty. But that is not this day.
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