By Jim Fry aka Jaime Frito

 A strong familial bond crosses over cultures and borders.

His name is Edy Pena and he was bartending at The Chicago Connection that first day we were here 17 years ago. He left an impression on us when we first met, and it was over a year before we saw him again. He surprised us by remembering, not only our names, but where we were from as well. Soon after we saw him the second time he started working at Flippers, and by this point we were coming to Playa del Carmen for 2 weeks, then 3 weeks,, and then twice a year. As the years passed by, Edy married Mercedes, and then they had a daughter, Mayte, followed by their son, Jesus.

Very early on in our friendship, I discovered Edy had a passion for fishing, just like me! His brothers are commercial fisherman in Progresso so he has been around fishing his whole life. So whenever we would arrive in Playa del Carmen, we would head to Flippers to drink some cervezas, people watch, visit with Edy, and we would ALWAYS talk about fishing.  Then on one trip down to Playa del Carmen we headed to our established local hang out, and it was gone. All of those years ago we did not have the ease of communication that we now have available to us, and I did not have Edy’s address. Where was my compadre?

Since I would always spend time at the beach, it did not take long before I found my friend, and he was working as the first mate on one of the fishing boats. We watched him for a good part of two weeks, working hard, getting customers, and cleaning fish that was brought in. All of this hard work, all for only 10 dollars per day! So I helped Edy out, and he was finally able to buy his own boat, and he named it the Mayte, after his daughter, who also happens to be crazy about fishing.

He then proceeded to jump through all of the hoops, and follow the rules to start a legitimate business. It was also suggested to him that it would only add to his legitimacy and reputation if he joined the National Guard. And join he did, showing up every Saturday for one year to complete his commitment. He paid his fees for a license, made sure he had approval from the Coast Guard, applied for insurance, and he keeps up with his taxes. He is an honest, guy who is fun to be around, and makes me laugh, and as Jimmy Buffet says: “If we couldn’t laugh we would go insane.”  

All of these years later he still has a knack for remembering peoples name, where you are from, and everyone always feels safe with him, on his boat, or otherwise. So after 17 years, we are still the best of friends, he is like a son to me, and we have shared good times, and sad times. So the next time you are at the beach, look for the Mayte, in front of The Blue Parrot, and you will be gald that you did.

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