Chapter-7: Boa of Snake Island
The Paso Fino horse pulled the cedar cart at a steady pace, and arrived in San Juan within an hour. Various two story and three story wooden buildings sat along the main road. Shearwaters, gulls and Zenaida doves spiraled and glided in the darkening sky. And, a short while later, the horse and cart pulled up to the hotel.
Diego paid the driver as he turned and studied the intricate details of the roman style hotel. He walked at a slow pace and studied the dolomite marble building, with its ionic columns.
Half way to the entrance, a curious sound called out to Diego’s attention. He stopped and searched for the odd little voice. To the side of the road, in the tree line, the sound repeated. It said,
“Co-kee, Co-kee.”
Diego stepped closer to the sound and searched for the source and found nothing. For another time, he thought. He dismissed his curiosity and continued to the hotel, Hechizo Primera.
After settling into his fine room, Diego went down stairs for an early evening meal. The hotel’s main dining hall bustled with live music and a multitude of conversations. Many patrons were eager to lend advice or company or share a coffee.
A hotel guest recommended Diego try a medley plate, which came with: one ground beef and potato empanada, one sweet fried maduro, one mofongo, one serving of pernil and one serving of arroz con habichuelas.
The smell of the food pulled Diego hard and his stomach demanded to be pleased. He dug in and received a welcomed taste of pure delight, with a tear escaping his right eye. Each bite of his food expanded with tremendous flavor that left him feeling warm and satisfied. He smiled as he ate, lost in the flavor of spices and delicious aromas.
The music continued on while a few couples danced.
Diego smiled and devoured his meal, forcing himself to slow his eating. Midway through his meal, Diego had an odd feeling of being watched. It forced him to look up from his food with unease. He searched the dining hall, the musicians and other patrons, but could find no one that seemed out of place. For another time thought Diego as he dismissed his odd feeling. He scooped up some fried rice and carried on with his meal.
Finished with his food, Diego walked out to the beach with his black coffee. The salty waves roared all around and the odd feeling struck again. Once more, Diego searched his surroundings; yet, nothing appeared out of place. Perhaps it’s the sound and smell of the ocean he thought my body thinks I’m still on the ship.
Diego finished his coffee and returned to his room. He lit three oil lamps and a thick candle and sat at his small desk. He prepared for his business meeting, scheduled for mid morning on the following day.
“Better to be prepared, than to vomit up excuses,” Diego re-checked all his documents and prepared for negotiations. A couple of hours later, he blew out the oil lamps and the candle next to his bed. He stretched and yawned in his soft bed, and welcomed rest on dry-solid land. The waves crashed and faded off in the distance, and Diego eased into sleep within a few breaths.
The meeting ended early with great success. No protests, no modifications and all paper work had been signed and stamped. The tequila from Palomas, Jalisco would begin its travel across the ocean to Puerto Rico in three months. Although grateful with the success of the meeting, Diego couldn’t shake another odd feeling.
The meeting moved too easy, too smooth and too fast. Each of the two businessmen he talked with seemed more interested in signing the contracts and leaving early. Not once did they try to negotiate.
What a peculiar trip, thought Diego as he returned to his room for some rest.
Brunch had been served during the meeting and Diego wasn’t hungry. Instead, he felt more at ease with the completion of his business, everything sealed and accomplished.
By Diego’s request, a hot bath awaited him in his room. He soaked for a good while and cleaned himself thoroughly. Afterwards, he dressed in his loose pantaloons and stretched and climbed into his soft bed. And, he drifted into a deep sleep.
Total Consciousness 