Los Jovenes en Puerto Morleos

A week ago when we arrived in this small tropical fishing village we noticed the plaza buzzing with young children playing. Some playing soccer, some just running around, and others skateboarding. We had to wait for our host so we took to the plaza immediately. We did bring one skateboard so I (roberto) started skating with the other kids. Each trick they did I would duplicate and it was exciting to be around other skaters. Then I did a couple they could not and started to gain their respect. Then the big jump came and following the other skater I attempted, landed, and broke our only skateboard we had brought. It was a tough moment for the group and conversation insued in a no bullshit type way. Very important while traveling together to keep a code of no bullshit! I began to ask the kids if they had any boards around that they didn't want but to no avail they all said no. As we were driving away that night all the skater kids made a big effort in waving goodbye to us, it was touching. I think we gained some face that night. The next occasion was a night of soccer in which Nick and Andre played with two little boys. It was a great match and as a spectator it was absolutly moving. Then a bunch of older kids came around and asked if we wanted to play. Both Nick and Devin jumped right in. The game lasted for over and hour and a half. The young hispanic kids diligently played but all droped like fly's as the game continued into the night. I need to say that Nick and Devin played until the end. Their team lost but they played with tanacity until the bitter end. During the game Devin switched from runner to goalie. Some of the other teams players would kick the ball really hard at the goal but the boys on Devin's team would protect her and get in the way of the ball so to not let her get hit. Then some sentence filled with slang would be hurled at the other team. I latter got the translation from Nick and they actually said "don't fuck with my goalie." What wonderful kids I thought. So after this night again we gained a bit more face in the eyes of these youngsters. The most heartwarming of all is the third situation. We go to e-mail a couple of nights ago and Nick comes after me and says "Roberto some little kid just said he has an old skateboard that he does not want anymore and he going to bring it to me tonight."
"NO WAY"
"Yes Way"
Sure enough now we have a new old skateboard with trucks wheels and everything. The youth of this town are amazing. The have truely captured our hearts as well of friendship. Now each night we enter the plaza they all say high and there is a nice sense of belonging. Gracias para tu hospitalidad los jovenes de Puerto Morelos