It is Monday. We have breakfast in our hotel that includes instant coffee. It just doesn’t do it for us. Yesterday we saw a very nice little café called Café Jazz. It was full twice when we went by. As it is much quieter today, we decide to try again. It is at the other end of the Malecon and as we approach is we discover that it along with quite a few other places are closed today. It seems that Monday is a day of rest for a lot of businesses here. Bummer!! We go back to the coffee place we went to yesterday. They didn’t disappoint. Nice cappuccino 😉
On our way back Leslie and I meet a couple who are from Kitchener, Ontario. They have been here in Salinas for 3 months. They have rented a 2 level penthouse condo for $1,500 per month. They give us some good info on the best beach and how much to pay to rent a shade tent and chairs. Since it is a quiet day they say we shouldn’t pay more than $10, but likely could do it for $8.
Headed back to put on swim stuff and head to Chipipe Beach. This is the best beach according to the couple we met and Cathy Pearce. Off we go to find this beach. Not too difficult.
We wander past the first offer of a shade tent just to see what we can do. They second woman offers us one that we thought was $10. Leslie gave her $20 and she brought $12 back in change. Seems that we bargained without even bargaining.
The guys head in for a dip. The waves are still strong here, but not like our experience yesterday. Leslie and I guard our bags while they swim. A young woman approaches us asking if we speak English. She would like to leave her bag with us as she goes for a swim as well. She is from Germany. She has been here for the past 3 months teaching German and English to children. From what she said it sounds like the kids have been out of school for 3 months. We have seen many children in school uniforms, so we are not sure ???
As we enjoy the shade many vendors approach us with their wares. We are happy with the cerveza or beer guy, the empanada woman or the Bollos fellow. Turn away the jewellery, clothing, massage and cocktail vendors. Everything you could want is brought right to you.
There are some very old looking fishing boats on the beach right behind our spot. They don’t look too seaworthy, but there are fishermen sorting through the nets in preparation of going out.
Heading back to our hotel we walk past the beach that was sooooo crowded on the weekend. There are still some people but overall the town is much much quieter today.
A couple of the restaurants we have had recommended are closed. Along with the Jazz Café there is Jhimmy’s. We decide to walk to the Lov N Oven for dinner tonight. Nice meal outdoors. The Malecon is very busy with people walking or jogging along. We feel very safe here.