Written by Chillie Falls, April 4, 2023 for accessadventure.net
On March 15, 2023, the ms Zaandam sailed into Huatulco, Mexico, a Pacific port of call I had never visited. Keep in mind, this was the “no phone” bucket list cruise for me that sailed full transit through the Panama Canal. Eventually, we would finish the cruise in San Diego.
The cruise pier was a rather long affair that led to a reasonably flat, reasonably smooth beach village and shopping area.
During this cruise, I had developed an dry, nagging cough and hoped to find a pharmacy to purchase something like Nyquil, a product I use at home but do not travel with, to attempt getting rid of the cough. Thankfully, I still felt fine.
Asking directions from a local police officer, I determined that the town pharmacy was located about 6 blocks inland, but reachable on my Scootaround scooter. It was a beautiful, warm morning so I started my ride enjoying the shops and vendors and my usual answer of “No Gracias.”
About 4 blocks in, I noticed a street narrowing about a block ahead, and at the same time, felt,, more than noticed, a person walking beside me and slowing moving closer and closer. My danger antenna went up and I knew some type of action was called for before I lost my wide open space.
I turned my scooter right into the man who was caught by complete surprise and almost tumbled to the ground.
“What the hell are you doing,?” he spat in way to good English.
As loudly as I could reply, “You were getting way too close.”
“I just wanted to give you some directions.”
“Sorry. I do not need your directions,” I screamed attracting several shop owners.
“Do I get a tip,?”
“Hell, NO.” and rode away.
A couple blocks furthers, I found the pharmacy, which was up 3 stairs and completely inaccessible. So No Nyquil.
At least I didn’t get robbed, or worse.