Day 2

Woke up to a beautiful day :) Much easier morning run at 67 degrees than the 72 yesterday, amazing what a few degrees can make. Linda told ys a few days before we arrived that the water was so high waves were coming over the malecon walls, picture below shows a few piles of sand that has still not been removed from the malecon.

We decided to do one of our favorite walks to La Playita for lunch, best view and happy hour from noon to one, but watch out for the potent margaritas, they are sure good though :)

The walk takes you through some of the most picturesque areas.

After a couple margaritas and a hot walk back someone needed a nap, I headed back out for a couple supplies and a cold bubbly soda.

We finally had a clear night, went up to the pool deck for out first sunset :)

Since there was no threat of rain tonight decided to take a cab to Cuale Paridise for dinner along the river, truly a special place. Dave snd l split shrimp fajitas so we would have room for one of their special Mexican Coffees.

A little hard to tell from the picture below but the glass is lit on fire, a good show and very yummy!

We had the cab driver drop us off on Basillo Badillo for the Friday South Side Shuffle. There is music in the streets and shops open late and serving refreshments. After walking around headed to Mi Casa for jazz music, fun and unusual trio made up of an accordian, clarinet and an eclectic mix of percussion instruments (Jared you would have loved them)

Was a fun but very late night for us!

Day 1

We started our first day with a very hot morning run, sweated out last nights margaritas so guess I can have more today:) view along the malecon during my run:

Decided to spend our first day on the beach at our favorite spot, Fendencios, again what we always do our first day here :) Had a leisurely beach day reading, people watching, eating, drinking and visiting with Linda and Andy. The waves were a bit much for me today so headed to our pool after the beach. Below pictures, my beach view and lunch (it was yummy Margaret)

Headed out to get some supplies for breakfasts, ect, after a few miles of walking to gather all the supplies we were feeling a bit peckish so had our own happy hour on our patio. I was so excited  to find the ice cube trays I bought last year in our freezer, we may not have the same room but we have our ice cube trays! 

We went to dinner at Tony's Please then to Nacho Daddy's to listen to Chris Kenny and watch a reighndeer dance!

It has been an awesome day :)

We Have Arrived!

This is what I woke up to:

This is what I went to bed to!! 

Feels so great to be back :)

Even though our plane was full the airport was quiet when we arrived at 3:10, no lines at customs, that never happens! We have been in the custom lines for at least an hour on previous trips. Quick taxi ride to Villa Olivia where we were greeted with a big hug from our host Denise. She offered us drinks, beer for Dave and a shot of tequila for me! Denise took us to our 5th floor room, a bit bummed because it is not the same room as last years but oh well it is still great and best part is we have fabulous next door neighbors 

Daves sister Linda and her husband Andy :) Andy very neighborly welcomed us with a yummy margarita! Think we will like our new neighbors :)

After unpacking and the cold beverage we all headed out for a lovely dinner at Fajita Republic, because that is our usual first night dinner, can't break tradition. After wandering around the neighborhoods it was time for bed, it had been a long day that started with me shoveling snow at 2:50 AM!

Christmas and New Years in PV 2015-2016

This holiday trip came about during the 1 month we spent at the lovely Villa Olivia in Puerto Vallarta last February.  We were hoping to again spend 1 month in January or February but alas the Villa was already booked up :(  Our lovely host at the villa, Denise, said something to the effect of "why don't you come over Christmas, I know there are still rooms available" and then added "you must stay through New Years because the fireworks from the upper deck are amazing, and of course all the guests get together for a nice little party",  Well how could I pass that up! The next thing we had to do was talk our adult children into joining us.....that was not too hard :)  So here we are all packed and ready to go! And lesson learned, I already have January 2017 booked at Villa Olivia!

Last year I know I posted a picture of a packed suitcase with some unusual stuff we take with us such as peanut butter, paper towels, a couple baggies of homemade spice mixtures for a few delectable dinners we whip up with the fabulous fresh local ingredients to eat on our lovely balcony with a killer view by candle light, can you tell I am getting excited! This year I am packing a few more items that will stay there in storage for "long term renters" such as a garlic press, potato peeler, lime juicer (for margarita's and guacamole of course) spatula.  We did purchase some of these items last year and left them in the kitchen of our unit which we again have on this trip, we will see if they are still in the drawers :) The villa allows long term renters to store a box of personal belongings.  Our neighbors at the villa last year stored beach chairs, cooler and umbrellas, which could all be very useful, may need to make a few more purchases this year. We will see how this works!

So in keeping with my first post, or actually second post, from last year I feel I must again give thanks. 

1.  I am thankful for family and friends who will be house sitting, tending the chickens, shoveling      

snow, caring for elderly dog, and transporting us to the airport.

2. Thankful that Hurricane Sandy spared the area and the people that we have come to love.

3. Thankful that our sons and their wives will be joining us to spend what should be a very special memorable time together.

4. Thankful that we are able to get away from the cold and dreary weather for a period of time... and get to run outside :)  I know not everyone thinks that is exciting....unless your have ever run on a treadmill.

5.  Thankful for airline miles.

5. Thankful for an incredible exchange rate 17.31 peso to 1 US dollar as of today.

6.  And once again just so thankful that we have the opportunity to travel to Puerto Vallarta, the place we have fallen in love with!

Day 28

My last day, sob.  I have to catch a taxi at 2:00 to head home.  I went for an early morning walk along the beach, it is so quiet on the beach in the early morning before all the activities start up.  The only activity on the beach was this exercise group, some were even running stairs.

 After the beach walk I headed home to have breakfast and pack up, sob.  Then I checked out of my room, the cleaning staff gets off at 1:00 on Saturdays so I got out of my room early so they could get it ready for the next people checking into MY room!  Sob again.
After I deposited my luggage in one of the common areas I headed out to walk along the malecon for one last time, along the malecon are many bronze statues, there is a free walking tour one morning a week that a volunteer does to talk about the statues and the artist, we need to do this next trip.  There are not very many sand sculptures at this time, there usually are more around the holidays, so probably between now and Easter they will start building more. If you take a picture of the sculptures or of any of the street performers a trip is expected and should be given, this is how the artist makes their money, they do have to get a permit. Then I had my last lunch at Cafe de Olla and headed back for a last dip in the pool, sob, collected my luggage, hugged our lovely host Denise goodbye, sob.
You all know I will be back!!!!!!!!!

Day 27

27 days went fast! I think I had my last PV run today :(  I stopped at the Super Mini Mart on my way home to purchase my last papaya for breakfast :( Laura catches the 4:40 flight home today. After she packs we head out to walk along the beach and malecon. And of course some last minute shopping :)

So happy that Laura spotted some hand made paper art! They are  way too cool and can't wait to finish them for hanging!

We have Laura's last meal at Si Senior on the beach (she will never eat again!)We are charmed by these adorable children during lunch. Their parents appeared to be operating a fish on the stick bbq near by.

Good bye Laura :(

I spent some time at the pool and got a picture of my favorite, best ever, sweetest room maid Jessina and handy man Daniel 😊

I will miss them 😞

I went to a pharmacy to purchase an antibiotic to have on hand at home, you can purchase them over the counter here! I always get a short course to have on hand, have never used them, but you never know!!! Also purchased my year supply of vanilla at the pharmacy! Orlando brand is the best!

The other alternative to conventional medicine, even in Mexico!

My last dinner, left over pizza from last night on the balcony.

Last sunset in PV :(

But soon I will be enjoying my lake sunsets, life is good!

Day 26

I got in a morning run, I know my days are numbered on runing along the ocean In the daylight at 68 degrees :(

Mom and Debbie head home today, they have a late afternoon flight and planned to go to the beach and use my room until  they head to the airport.

Laura and I decide to take the bus to explore Bucerias.  We have to take two buses to get there, took about 1.5 hours. I have only been there once and it was about 7 years ago so I asked a couple of ladies on the bus if they were going there, yes they are, told us to get off the bus when they do, also told us their favorite beach restaurant where there go twice a week to eat, drink and swim, all the way from PV!

The view down in Bucerias as we walk to the beach:

Our lunch view from our table :)

Shrimp quesadilla and margaritas :)

I really like the vibe and beach here, very quiet but not too quiet, a nice change from busy PV.  I think I would enjoy staying here sometime.

Having fun!

Shopping :)

Church in town square.

We had a eventful bus ride back to PV!

First event, still disturbed by it, a very inebriated local, drinking from a bottle of tequila was at the bus stop with us, he starts to board the bus, I hesitate to board because I am not sure I want to spend a long bus ride with him, the driver tells him something, we are still outside the bus, the man starts to back down the  bus stairs and falls straight backwards not even trying to catch himself hitting the curb and pavement hard, scary hard! Luckily some locals come and drag him out of the street,  we feel a bit helpless, we can't call the ambulance, sure hope he is ok! 

About half way to PV our bus lurches and clunks loud enough to startle us then stops in the middle of the highway, driver can't get it to start...... Now what? Another bus stops, we all get off and onto the other bus! After learning the other day that a bus is owned by the driver and or a family, they join the union and get a route but are self employed so they are not going to be radioing for a back up bus when they break down, we were at the mercy of a generous passing bus to stop and pick us up! And one did within minutes!

Took an afternoon dip in the pool before heading out to dinner at Los Muertos Brewery for pizza and wine.