As promised, some pics from our yearly journey to Mexico. We returned to my favorite area , Puerto Vallarta. Such a beautiful and welcoming place to go! It was amazing
We actually stay in our residence club condo in Nuevo Vallarta , about 20 minutes the other way from the airport, but in the same area. It affords us the opportunity to go in to old Town or travel in other directions like to Bucerias, San Jose, and many other area, which is just what we did this year.
We have met this particular cab driver a few times over the years, he is friendly and kind and has often offered a private tour.Well this year we took Hector up on his offer, and I am so glad we did!
He took us out for an authentic Mexican breakfast at a local cafe, homemade tortillas , and the most wonderful cinnamon infused coffee. then off to a tequila distillery for a tour and tasting! (yay they finally let me go to one! ) Then to an artisan market in Bucerias and up through the jungles and over the hills to San Francisco and Sayulita! What beautiful scenery! Stopped on the way to let us taste some Jack fruit at a roadside stand and show us one of his many friends shops.Then back down the hills to show us the farming areas ,and a quick stop back into Bucerias for me to purchase a Mandela puzzle.
Originally made by Tibetan monks as a tool for meditation and relaxation, the puzzle can be manipulated into many shapes some signifying the formation of the world, or some that just give the bearer comfort and peace. A coworker has one in her office and asked if I could bring a couple more home. I asked hector, and after his initial shock that I knew what it was he gladly took me right to the artists store to buy them!
He then took us to his home town of San Jose, where he purchased us a sample of what he claims are the best tamales in the state! we agreed and bought more to take home for supper!
After such a big and wonderful day we enjoyed tamales, and home made (by me) Pico de gallo, and guacamole, just like the sweet lady from the grocery store last year taught me!
I would highly reccomend Hector, and if anyone is going to Puerto Vallarta, I have his card so feel free to email me for his contact info, you wont regret a day spent with this wonderful guy!
Before going out with Hector we had another outing, to Pipi's restaurant in old town to celebrate my brother in law Marc's birthday , and as you can see it was wonderful!
We had a few nice days hanging around , relaxing at the beautiful Grande Luxxe resort
Enjoyed the lazy river
the views,
the breathtaking sunsets
fine dining
even breakfast got fancy from time to time
We took a trip into old town to the waterfront market, and another favorite place ,Oscars bar! A great place to recharge after walking the Malecon
We had one final adventure before returning home, with a cruise to the Marietas Islands, volcanic formations in the Banderas bay. You cannot reach them except by boat and by swimming! My brother in law Marc and I chose to try the swim to the Hidden beach, we were advised if you can swim 200 meters it should be Ok , well 200 was a low estimate it was more like 250 each way in a cross current through the cave, but we got it done, and it was wonderful! tiring but wonderful, and i am so pleased that I did it without having my brace on and suffered very little other than some sore muscles the next day, and well some minor humiliation. As we went back into the water to return to the boat we needed to back in with our flippers on and catch the wave to take us out, well I was not paying attention or something and got wiped out by said wave, and essentially a** surfed back to shore, not once , not twice, but 3 times! They say you are not allowed to take souvenirs of sand or rocks from the islands, and I swear I did not intend to,but I am awfully glad the federales were not around to check my swimsuit when I got back to the resort lol !
The return trip had its thrills as well with Wale sightings and a mock rock concert from the crew!
So that about wraps it up, our 2015 trip to Mexico.
and It was... AMAZING!
A little snow tonight but otherwise it looks like spring is finding her way to Alberta, such a nice treat to come home to.
Back to work and into a routine and I am happy to be here, the critters were well cared for by our good friend Mel. So we are rested and rejuvenated and ready to see what 2015 has to bring!
Stay safe my friends
7 comments:
Glad you enjoyed a well-deserved vacation! Looks like a good mix of oolala, authentic, fun adventure, relaxation and natures beauty. Congrats on conquering the swim, they always sound easier then they are!
What's the black thing with the white stripe in the water?
The food looks delicious. Was it as good as it looks?
Looks like a wonderful trip! The pictures are so beautiful!
Ps, is that Dory swimming in the water? From Finding Nemo?
Sounds like a fantastic break from winter! Oh the beaches and ocean I just love that. Your whales are so much closer than the ones we saw. That lady who lost her life was a relative of Neils. Small world, we had no idea until a couple days ago, hes at the funeral today
You have a new photo in your header than when I last had a chance to stop by - I love it, very beautiful.
Hector sounds like a great guy! No wonder you go there every year, what a wonderful reward for all of the hard work of the year.
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