Lessons in Kite Flying

I grew up with a father who loved kites. I mean LOOOVED kites. He'd build them, buy them and fly them, I learned a lot about aerodynamics and science from my afternoons in the field with dad. Last week I saw a post on my favourite Cancun forum about an upcoming kite event on Isla Blanca and I got all giddy inside. The weekend rolled around with some phenomenal weather (and I do mean phenomenal, perfect, ideal, outstanding, g-g-g-gorgeous weather) and we headed out for the untouched zone of Isla Blanca.

Isla Blanca used to be a regular stop for us. We'd visit frequently, enjoying the lack of resorts and tourists (no offense), the pretty beaches and rustic piers and relative quiet. Then we had a couple of not so fun experiences and found ourselves on southern beaches instead. I was ready to forgive (can you forgive a beach?) and forget and enjoy the day of "papalotes" (kites).

Down the long and winding road (thanks Beatles), we weaved our way through bougainvillea-lined paths and jungle groves, ending up on the sandy lane in the middle of nowhere. We learned years ago not to try to park too close to the beach, no need to go hunting up ten guys to dig us out again. We loaded up with the requisite gear and trudged up to the site of the kites. The wind was up, the sun was shining and some of the most amazing kites I have ever seen were soaring in the sky! Max got hooked up with his kite and off he went.

The other little kids were something special, they had all come from the children's home/orphanage called "La Casita". This day was really for them, the group "Let's Fly Kites" had come down with their bags full of goodies for these beautiful children and worked together with "Give a Toy, Get a Smile" to give these kids a memorable day. The smiles on those little faces brightened my day and my cockles were warmed by the generosity and kindness of the folks who had put it all together. Sometimes it's easy to forget that there are some GOOD PEOPLE in this world, good people who go out of their way to do good things. Yesterday was a great reminder.

I had expected a fun day of flying kites on the beach, I did not expect life lessons (but do we ever really expect them?) I got my reminder to smile, that there are still decent, caring folk out there and the world is not all bullying/hatred/bigotry/greedy/self-centred bullshit. Max got another lesson in "you're a lucky little kid you know, you've got a mommy/daddy/house/food". We met some lovely people, saw some gorgeous kites, and got our fill of fresh air and sunshine. Overall, I would say it was a pretty darned successful day.