Everything is a little slower here, which is a welcome change. But it’s taking some getting used to. The picture shows a view of downtown Atlántida – the centro – in winter. It’s a tourist town that comes alive from mid-December to the end of February, and nearly all restaurants and many other businesses close down for the rest of the year.
Houses in the centro are now shuttered, with ALQUILER signs out front. FOR RENT. The owners count on the revenue from those 10 weeks to sustain them. I’m living in the western part of town, mostly away from what I’m told will be the summer noise. Suits me.
Turns out that I’d been over-optimistic about jumping right into a new routine of working on the book. I’ve been hibernating, instead. Recovering. Even the weeks I spent in Montevideo were like that. Yes, dealing with some health issues and continuing to handle the wrap-up of business matters in the States, but mostly I needed alone time. Needed time to heal, in every sense.
It took nearly six months before I’ve started – now, finally – to write. I have yet to explore the town I live in or go into Montevideo very often. The relative isolation of this little house has been exactly what I needed. I wonder if I knew that when I rented it, rather than finding an apartment in the city.
I’m starting to get impatient with myself, though. It shouldn’t take this long. Horrible word, should. Working on acceptance and indulgence, recovering from some pretty extreme stress the last several years. Deep breath. All will be well.
Renting la casa near la playa