To my grandmother Socorro and anyone who’s still creating memories with her.

The State of Sonora has appropriate somehow; a part of my heart, my family, my experiences, and it is now attached to myself even on how I speak. However, there’s a special place in Sinaloa where I’ll always belong.

Escuinapa, (Def. Nahuatl: “Land of prairie dogs”) better known as “Perla Camaronera” which makes reference for the inmense quantity of shrimps and fishes available at the zone, long time ago. This place, is in my opinion, a small part of a paradise where I´ve found the biggest treasures. Without ignoring that some members of my family live on that area. This town at the south of Sinaloa, located next to Nayarit, has the best and happiest people I’ve ever met. No matter the situation or whatever your past was. People there are truly honest when they smile at you, and they’ll always give you a warm hello whenever you pass by.

I stayed there visiting my family the last weeks of April. During a few days I couldn´t find the exact words to write about it and describe the sensations I started feeling. It was kind of calm but also full of enjoyment and energy.

I started speaking with other people of different ages, and until then, I understood what their stories meant, that love and modesty. Most of the people there, had travel the world or live in really distant countries but still found some free days to go visit the town and their family or friends. They all found their way for a break to walk by and get their “atole” from “La Güeris” with some traditional sweetened buns at the Town’s Market.

After those casual conversations, I concluded on the word I was looking for, it was happiness. There’s an indescribable but almost tangible happiness in Escuinapa. You can feel it on their looks, their strong voices, but overall, on their smile. They have no need to know you officially, they’re not concerned on your last name, they’re not worried on where you come from, your economic situation  neither your preferences. I’ll dare to say that almost everyone on that town is quite witty, and they have an instant and very creative ability for nicknames. In this wonderful town where I was born, life is lived.

The typical food are mostly tamales from different ingredients, but the best known is made with shrimps. Seafood is also a winner, based on the location of the town, which makes it easier to be in the beach or go visit an estuary. All these surrounded by a vibrant green, tall coconut palm trees, mango trees and more.

With the weather, people choose to enjoy a classic ToniCol (vanilla flavoured softdrink) or my favorite, a Tejuino (Corn based beverage) from “Doña Chepi”. On the evenings, everyone gets a piece of the best pastries for a great price. Hand-made, goes out of the oven straight to your front door.

I’m more than proud to share with you, that the enhancement of this town had the recognized participation of my grandfather, Juan Ibarra, among others. At the same time, Escuinapa was awarded for its eco-friendly culture, plus, it is a place where most of its habitants use bicycles for the everyday movement.

I wish I could tell you more about my small but appreciated town. For example, about its classic colonial architecture, about the huge backyards at any home, or describe you how the wind enters even in the best hidden places. I wish I could describe you more about the tropical weather, or that turquoise color taking over the sea, or about the mangroves, or the beautiful images to capture on the road… I wish I could give you some more details about my grandmother’s diverse garden and how every morning birds from different sizes and colors come and visit… I wish I could write even more, but maybe what I’m saying won’t match your opinion, or maybe you’ll have better memories than mine, or this short list of beauty, landscapes, experiences, it will keep growing and adding some more, because, when we’re trying to remember everything, sometimes, we just miss a thing…

You got to know me a little more, you know where I save a part of my heart and my culture… If one day you get to visit this recondite but great place, you’ll remember it forever, and if it’s not on your way, then, I hope you meet someone else from my town, someone from Escuinapa, Sinaloa. Someone that will always share a smile.