Streets of La Paz

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I’m back from my twenty-four hours in San Narciso. We arrived around noon, checked in, had lunch, and then took a pleasant beach and street stroll. Swan brought along candy to hand out to some lucky kids, but there weren’t very many out and about on a Thursday afternoon for some reason. The Mope Resort has undergone some upgrades since my last visit, including adding a swimming pool and a bar near the beach. We didn’t swim, but we gave the bar a go last night and enjoyed the venue and views. We got hit with a rainstorm and had to move to a more protected area to enjoy the rest of our beers (they didn’t have wine, so Swan made new with Red Horse, a popular local brew). Another walk this morning, then hung out in the room until our 11 a.m. checkout time. More rain just as our driver arrived, but we made it safely back to Barretto.

I’ve got some pictures of the overnight getaway to share:

This helpful map is painted on the wall at Mope. We were in Barangay La Paz (top center)
I chatted with the Filipina owner and asked her about the origins of Mope. She said her husband’s name is Matt, and Mope means “Matt’s Out of Pocket Expenses.” I don’t know if she was serious or not. I met Matt the next day (an Aussie bloke), and he told me he works half the year back home to help pay for things. So, maybe that really is what Mope stands for.
I was a little surprised that when I went to Booking.com, the only thing available was the “basic room.” It was no problem for one night, and it was only 1600 pesos.
The room was indeed basic. No TV, no windows, and no hot water shower. It did have aircon and housekeeping brought those chairs when we requested something to sit on.
Swan rearranging the furniture
We headed downstairs for a looksee and some lunch
Indoor motorcycle parking. Probably belongs to the owner’s husband.
You can always make it workout at Mope!
The new pool
I’ve never heard of a “urine detector.”
The beach in front of Mope
The beach looking in the other direction. Those are the Capone Islands offshore from Pundaquit.
The Mope Resort as seen from the beach
Somebody looks ready for lunch! Those surfboards are available to rent, but even as a California kid, I never learned to board surf.
The chicken burger was pretty impressive
I’m not sure what Swan had, but it came with rice.
After lunch, we took a walk and Swan did her candy thing.
The beach still hasn’t recovered from the recent typhoon.
The clouds above the South China Sea were impressive
A small lake blocked us in this direction
You can’t get to that village on the other side from here
Well, wading across that river was an option we chose not to take.
Where the river meets the sea
It might be fun to try and walk to Pundaquit someday. But what’s that in the distance, a shipwreck?
A passerby told us it had washed up during the typhoon.
Another beach view before we hit the pavement
Where Caterpillars go to die.
One of several abandoned houses we saw on our walk. This one looks like it used to be a mansion.
We looked and looked, but never saw a pot of gold.
There was this streetwalker, though.
I was raised in the Foursquare Pentecostal church. I rejected that indoctrination in my rebellious teens. This is the first one I’ve seen in the Philippines.
This resort is for sale. Man, I could create my own beach bar. Ah well, dreams like that are for the young.
Swan finally found some more kids to treat
I’d like to give this place a try next trip. It was too far from Mope to visit last night. Also it’s the only other bar/resto I saw on our walkabouts.
Back on the beach again
Boats and beach huts
A Swan on the beach
Heading back to Mope
Lovin’ the cloud show
I’ve been warned
Not to worry, I’m no small craft
The sky is growing angry
But we still have time to dispense some happiness in the form of candy.
Looks like rain
I understand that was a restaurant at one time. Been closed since my first visit here.
A construction zone delivery
Made it back to Mope right at beer o’clock and plopped down at our table near the beach to watch the storm roll in.
Here it comes!
We were forced to take refuge from storm in a better covered area.
Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain!
As the evening progressed, we met a couple of locals
And I sprang for some food to share
And remaining true to my nature, I went with the clubhouse sandwich, a traditional Filipino favorite. Well, it was last night anyway.

We drank our fill, headed up to the room, and had a basic night’s sleep. Downstairs this morning for coffee and pancakes, then another walk.

Then morning beach view
The beach road
A ship at sea. Not sure what that long extension over the bow is for.
Some morning clouds
And just before we departed for home, another storm rolled in.

The drive home was thankfully uneventful. Swan did stop at a nursery to buy some planting soil, and then we restocked the candy supply at the Subic marketplace. And now that I’m home, I’ve decided to stay here. Yep, I am not going out on a Friday night, not even for the SOB. But don’t worry, I’ve got beer in the fridge. It’s looking like more rain, so the Rite Spot may be a no-go. It could be that rare night when I watch TV.

Four years ago, I posted a poem on Facebook that I had written fifty-two years ago in high school. Get ready to cringe:

Alone in my fantasies
Alone with my dreams
But when I wake with the dawning
One sullen fact remains
That I am alone in my love for you---
The sun doesn't shine; it rains.

Today’s YouTube video has some worrisome news regarding tourist visa extensions. I’ve been living here for over six years as a tourist. Under current immigration law, I can extend my visa in 60-day increments for thirty-six months. Then, I’m required to depart the Philippines, and when I return, the clock is reset. That may be changing. Coincidentally, I’m going to the immigration office on Tuesday for my next extension. I guess I’m going to find out then whether the rules have changed.

Anyone up for a laugh?

That’s a bit of a boner, isn’t it?
Sounds like a 50-50 proposition
Maybe Facebook can factcheck this

Okay, I’m outta here. Not sure what I’ll have to post tomorrow, but that won’t stop me.

Here’s a bonus for you. When I was pulling up that Marty Robbins tune, I came across a video of a vlogger’s reaction to hearing it for the first time. I’ve never watched reaction videos before, but I see now there are a whole slew of them. It was kind of fun to watch someone hear a song by an artist I grew up with.

2 thoughts on “Streets of La Paz”

  1. I remember as a kid, I was told that pool water had some sort of chemical that would change color in the presence of urine. Pretty sure it is BS, but at kept me from peeing in any pools. LOL

    Beautiful skies there in La Paz. Glad you enjoyed your trip.

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