Some names elicit deep emotions. Like Kenya’s Nduko, Isabela reeks of passion and seduction with a hint of lust. I picture Isabela playing the object of everyone’s affection in a Mexican soap opera. In the final scene, set in a Mexican beach, she stands tall in a beautiful silk gown. Her body glows beautifully against the sunset rays falling on her exposed back. Ricardo, her lover, is on bended knee looking up longingly at Isabela. Maintaining a self-assured pose, Isabela looks out to the sea and declines Ricardo’s offer. She then walks away, taking long graceful steps like a lioness. She never once looks back at poor Ricardo.

Isabela, the hostess at The Carmen Playa, welcomed us and recommended the seaside bar. Recently built, The Carmen Playa dots the beautiful coastal landscape. It is the kind of place James Bond would stay at. On the morning of the big day, he would come downstairs, order a shaken Martini and admire the sunbathing bond-girl. Anyway, there is strong Brazilian influence in the decor at The Carmen Playa. So, it was only natural that I ordered their world-famous caipirinha. As I sipped this delightful goodness, I looked across the gulf of Mexico and ran through the script of my life so far. As Cessaria’s Besame Mucho played from the Bose speakers up above, I realized this is the closest I have been to a heaven.