“What’s the story on the tourist business in Xcalak?” Mike asked me.
“I really don’t know,” I told him. “I haven’t been in Mexico for ten years. Why?”
“I bought some property up there about eight years ago.”
“Why would you do that?”
“The Mexican government was building the coastal highway to Mahajual. They planned to extend the highway down to Xcalak and the realtor said business would be booming.”
“I know they get cruise ships in Mahajual,” I said. “A lot of cruise ships come in there but I don’t think Xaclak gets any of that business.”
“You’re probably right,” Mike said. “Since Xcalak is just over the border from this island it’s kind of the butt end of Mexico. I hired a boat and a captain to take me there early in the morning. Why don’t you come along?”
We left at daybreak and made good time on our trip.
“I’m starving,” I told Mike, when we arrived. “Let’s find some breakfast.”
At a little restaurant with two tables we took a seat and an old man took our order.
“Sí, señor,” he said to me. “For you, eggs, toast and coffee and for the other gentleman, just coffee.”
When we got the check I was shocked.
“You must have made a mistake,” I told the old man. “You charged me $25 U.S. for my eggs. Is it supposed to be $2.50?”
“That price is correct, señor,” he said. “Two eggs, $25 dollars.”
“Chickens must really be scarce around here,” Mike said.
“No, señor but tourists are.”
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