The Village at Playa Buyé

Every Beach has its own feel. Not only every beach, but even different stretches within one beach can feel very distinct. That’s why some say there are 244 Beaches in Puerto Rico others count 1200.

Playa Buyé certainly holds a very unique place among them. It is mostly locals who crowd together on the fine, white sand. The water always has that shade of blue, that you look for in a postcard. The surface is flat and shimmers with a million sparkles. From a great number of mobile sound systems Reggaeton, Bachata and Salsa flow together into a delightful cacophony; only to be superseded by the squeaks of happy toddlers. A whiff of seaweed hangs heavy in the air.

At the edge of the raucous crowd, I claimed a spot tucked in between two buildings and a sandy boat ramp.  I anchored my chair in a tall pile of Sargassum. I faced south and pulled down hard on the rim of my hat, with the hopes to block at least some of the blinding sunlight. Squinting through the woven straw I could make out the brightly colored village, that rises from the shoreline. I started drawing breathlessly as if I could outpace the sweat that beaded up on my forehead. 4 hours later the tide had risen half-way up my calves, but I had a great line sketch finished and a few colors laid in. The rest would have to wait until I got home.