Amidst the dust and poverty along the southwestern coast of Mexico lies a large beach city called Manzanillo, and there stands a deliciously bright paradise oasis known as Club Maeva. There is contrast everywhere: between the resort and its surroundings; between the 15-hour days under the smoldering sun and the nights filled with glitter and sequins; and in the lifelong bonds established between vastly different cultures.
The resort lives in a gloriously uncharted portion of the 125,000-person Manzanillo, far from the huge navel base and slew of popular resorts inhabiting the city that oozes tropical beauty in the day and sensual fantasy illusion at night. The rainbow beaches often backdrop deserted hotels and ravaged, vacant lots. Where there was once a booming family fiesta in the backyard of a nice house, there is now weeds and distant memories. But vibrant within the destroyed shack next door is a block party laden with true friends. Club Maeva is the shimmering gem along the varied and kaleidoscopic coast of Manzanillo. The Maevamigos (the incredibly talented sports and entertainment team at the resort) are the charm of pretty little Club Maeva in Manzanillo, and I am the assistant choreographer among them.
When it comes to animation, Jonas is master. Everything from mounds of sequin, to fake breasts, to fake eyelashes, this supple Maevamigo is a unanimous favorite. These showmen are not trained to perform but are expected to deliver.
Contrasts Photo-report by Jeanette Prather
Ironically, the smooth lines and graceful presence of this elegant white bird does not depict the chaotic atmosphere of the resort accurately. This deception is a mask created by us Maevamigos as an Arcadia illusion for the guest to enjoy their vacation. Tranquil are the green palms peeking through the window of the bird.
Casa Tequila is the epitome of the small town Mexican restaurant. This restaurant/ bar is a humble little hideaway where everybody knows your name.
This is the valediction upon driving out of the resort. It looks as though a downpour is about to occur over tropical Maeva.
Triton is conspicuous in the corner. Attention to detail and color has left this restaurant popular and attractive. Looking up and seeing the King of the Sea emerging from a dusty little building an earshot beyond the crashing waves.
Aside from averaging over 80 degrees everyday, there are usually a minimal set of clouds drifting through the sky. This particular day it threatened rain and chaos only to deliver an interesting yet calm sky scenario.
Each culture holds a negative stereotype, and Mexicans are no exception with a not-so-friendly depiction of being gun- wielding dirty drunks. Jonathan is a true Mexican with a pure heart and mind. Stereoptypes shatter negative misconceptions through obviously natural instincts.
Here is Club Maeva´s infamous logo of the aesthetic white bird with a deteriorating tail. This is the figure and symbol of our resort; a beautiful yet truly simple and glorious diamond in the rough. I find it ironic that this particular bird happens to be the first of hundreds outlining the wall of this massive-acraged resort. This is what you may see as you exit.
Mexico is infused with a splash of rainbow at each glance, but upon closer inspection a hint of decay is detected. However, that´s what makes this place beautiful, human and real; it´s an organic territory of beauty meshed with reality.
