Sly and the Family Stone made this song a hit in 1969, but it might as well have been written as the anthem song for summers in La Paz, BCS, Mexico. Hot and Fun! Oh, and so many traditions, like counting the number of times each day that someone tells you how hot it is. Oh, really?
There are many other traditions and fun things to do in La Paz in the summer. As much fun as it is to observe and say hi to fellow walkers/runners/skaters/bikers/strollers along the Malecon before 8 AM, it is even more fun to come out for sunset and life after dark on the Malecon. This every night event was one of the things that most attracted me to La Paz. Mostly centered around family activities it is such a pleasure to watch everyone strolling the Malecon, sitting & talking, enjoying an ice cream, watching the volleyball games and simply enjoying life with each other. If you’re looking for music, art or another event, don’t worry there is certain to be one coming up in the next hour or certainly not later than tomorrow.
The summertime also brings out the BBQ. I was informed early in my life in La Paz that I would never be a true Paceno if I didn’t purchase a BBQ and certainly not a gas grill. It had to be fueled with charcoals. I have learned from some of the best how to grill carne asada, make a variety of salsas and guacamole concoctions. I already knew how to open beers so I had half the equation down pat. Enjoying a BBQ meal with friends and family is, as they say, priceless. They even allow me to sneak in a Gringo song once in a while. Heck, I might even play the Sly Anthem, although it is hard to get that song out of my mind once I have sung along.
Summertime life in La Paz is not limited to early morning or evening activities. The daytime offers lots of fun experiences, with many centered round water activities. While a dip in a pool followed by a poolside margarita and reading a book is quite relaxing and delightful, experiencing the Sea of Cortez is the main attraction. There are so many ways to have fun on and under the water. The summer is the best time for fishing with quite the variety of fish to be caught and enjoyed, most likely on that same BBQ. For me, I had an eye opening experience during my first summer snorkeling trip. Five minutes after being in the water I surfaced and just had to tell someone how clear the water was. I was informed that is the way the water is in the summertime. Hot and clear. No need for wetsuits, the water is perfect. As far as viewing, it was like watching HD TV compared to analog. I couldn’t believe the clarity of the water and neither will you. You can see forever. If you have not experienced this, you must give it a try. It is all part of Hot Fun in the Summertime of La Paz. Now, I challenge you to get those lyrics out of your head.
Jim Donahoe has been a licensed real estate broker for 30+ years, has consulted throughout Western Mexico for the last 9 years and has been a full time Paceno for nearly 3 years. Jim is the Broker Manager for LINDA NEIL PROPERTIES in La Paz. jimdonahoe@me.com – (612) 140-1054
