Late Afternoon on the Malecon

The light and its effects on the malecon's ambiance changes all day long and well into the evening. By the time most of these photos were taken, the sun was coming almost directly across the whole of the area as it approachesd its final dip over the horizon. This building and others like it are entrances to restaurants lined along the beach where many go to have a late afternoon drink or something to eat while absorbing the glories of the sunset.

The intensity of the sun washes through all in its way, making the umbrellas at the edge of the restaurant entirely futile.

Selecting a bag of lightly fried and salted potato chips from the senora's mobile stall. She is also selling cocadas: mounds of shredded and baked coconut, very sweet and tasty. She is parked outside a close-by OXXO store, the local 7-11 equivalent. 

To the left of the OXXO lies one of the family business stands that opens early each day and shuts down in the mid-to-late evening. A variety of dresses, t-shirts, bathing trunks, hats, and souvenirs are sold here to tourists. Generally one bargins at these shops as prices vary considerably according to the cut of one's jib.

This group of musicians in traditional dress appears every late afternoon on this spot. They play and sing old songs very nicely. Many locals and tourists arrange themselves on the benches opposite to enjoy the music and the delights of the dying sun. A violin case a few feet out from the musicians holds the offerings of their transient audience.

A heron or egret sits atop one of the huts that protected diners from the earlier sun.

This picture was properly rotated earlier but has found its way into this collection on its side. No matter. It shows an oft-repeated exhibit of a traditional rite practiced by one of the original indigenous groups of the area. Four men dressed in traditional costumes fall backwards from the top of this pole which is anchored by a fifth, who pipes their descent. With the pole's rotation they come closer and closer to the ground, held above it by an attachment to one of their feet.  A sixth man solicits donations from the passers-by.

The piper atop the pole.

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One section of a particularly beautiful sculpture at the far northern end of the malecon. The woman releases the bird to fly away.

Late afternoon drinks or early supper at the beach immediately in front of our building. The restaurant is called The Sea Monkey. 

Supper with Sue and Phil at the northern end of the malecon where we are interrupted by few salespeople. Our supper came in stages which we enjoyed as the sun went down. By the time the main dish, a grilled red snapper arrived, however, the sunset show was over and we were in entire darkness. Great hilarity as we attempted to distinguish between the head and the tail, the meat and the bones, and among the various vegetable accompaniments. No light or candle was available so our server gave us his cell phone which sported a flashlight app. Too funny.