With hammers, wheelbarrows, and power tools slung low around their waists, these imposing figures would pass by our balcony every morning as we awoke. We were mesmerized by the ripples of their tanned muscles with each whack of their hammer and vibration from their electric drill, so we didn’t care about the noise of the construction. The view of the ocean was also pleasant.

My lover would sneak in a visit and provide us with suggestions for places to visit on the island. He advised us to visit a farm that grew tomatoes and lettuce under hydroponic conditions.

A neatly arranged bouquet of hydroponic lettuce and tomatoes was on the doorstep of our apartment the following morning as we opened the door to leave.