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Nacho Queso
While born in the Yucatan, the Legend of Nacho Queso, began in the Equatorial Pacific on the coral atoll known as Christmas Island. Nacho, or Erv, the name he was traveling under, was a soon-to-be-retired solicitor from Washington who had come to fly fishing late in life. I was hosting two groups on the island and soon befriended this unassuming angler during our stay. Little did I know how our friendship would grow.
Traveling with groups of like-minded individuals helps to overcome any fears one has in pushing beyond perceived comfort zones and soon "Erv" was venturing out on his own. During one such adventure, deep into the Yucatan Jungle, Erv had an epiphany and emerged back into society as a Mexican luchador, Nacho Queso. He documented the transition and forwarded to me a pictorial record of the transformation.
While joining me in far-off corners of the angling world, I soon discovered there was more to Nacho than a mask and cape. He loves people, and they love him. Guides, kitchen staff, cooks, and other guests flocked to his impromptu performances where he demonstrated his famous sleeper hold or a collection of other moves taught him by masters of the sport, or from watching old black and white movies.
It should be told here, that Nacho is not just a one-trick pony. He has many personas that he breaks out in the appropriate places. While dressing as a giant Chiquita banana on a flats skiff on Andros Island might not make the world a better place, it brought joy to the lodge staff and one particular guide who joined him in singing Harry Belafonte's Banana Boat song. I witnessed the performance, and it was magical.
Pure joy is magical, and Nacho, in various disguises spreads joy throughout the year. Dressed as an Otter to teach water safety to youngsters, or hopping into a hospital as the Easter Bunny, Elf, or giant chicken, smiles follow wherever he goes. Those smiles are not limited to children either. He plays in two ukulele groups, performing adorned in flashing sneakers and bold Hawaiian shirts.
Jennifer and I recently visited my long-time friend in celebration of his 80th anniversary on planet Earth at his home in Ewok Village. (Google Maps had a hard time finding the place.) He greeted us at the door dressed to the nines in a bedazzled vest and formal coat, complete with a feathery tophat, explaining his position as the high chancellor of the local HOA and Rotary. We shared a meal, talked of adventures, and voiced our hopes for the future. Our smiles lasted through the entire visit and we left for home filled with the power of laughter and hope.
The world needs more Nachos.
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