To Puerto Vallarta by Bus

A new experience today when we took our first bus ride down to P.V. A father and son came on and played rousing music for us, just delightful. We walked along the Malacon, the beachfront walkway which is teeming with interesting sculptures, a bride and groom kissing, sand sculpture of Jesus and the 12 apostles, Senor Frogs, the Naval Museum and many activities. The cathedral was beautiful. Being Sat. night there was a bouncy castle music and all sorts of things going on. One of the most interesting was the man balancing very heavy stones. We had supper at Murphy's Irish Pub.

Back to Business

Time for Suz and James to get back to work and Hana and I to do our homework at the pool. Suzanne has me reading a book she wants to discuss, Busting Loose From the Business Game, which is pretty Greek to me, but I persevere. We had a taste test with Jelly Belly Jelly Beans. With 3 kids in an apartment, it's rare for parents to have a quiet moment with coffee, overlooking Banderas Bay. It is one of the deepest and largest natural bays in the world and protects Puerto Vallarta from the worst storms of the Pacific Ocean.
We went to Adriatico's for Italian dinner. The lush gardens and open air buildings are truly a delight.

Last Day for Guests

We enjoyed the restaurant pool until Shannon and kids headed to the airport. It's been fun for the girls to have friends here. Kennedy was fascinated by the seeds in this pod.

Karen's for Dinner

We had a great day at one of the eight pools at Punta Esmerelda, with swimming and sodoku. The girls have all had their hair done in cornbraids.

We went to P.V. for dinner at Karen's right on the beach. We met some Mexican kids who joined them building castles, trying to out race the waves. A man was fishing, horses rode by and another fellow was flying his kite.

Captured by Pirates

Today we were captured by Pirates and taken to their ship. They threw the kids in the brig but let them out and sent us down to the slave hold for breakfast. We were at the mercy of the pirates: they could manhandle you or throw you over the rail. We were attacked by bad pirates so there was a huge fight with swords, guns and cannons but the bad guys were overcome and had to 'walk the plank'. We celebrated by having fierce pirate makeup put on and doing a skit. Katzie was chosen and when her mother wouldn't join her, I was sent. After she did a great dance, she had to feed me chopped oysters and dried fish, but they blindfolded us both. It took me 2 days to get it out of my hair.
We spent the afternoon on a secret beach where we could swim, snorkel, ride banana boats, play volleyball, kayak, go on a treasure hunt and drink pina coladas.

The Beach at Sayulita

This is our last day with the rented Van so we went up to our favorite beach in Sayulita. About a 1/2 hour north, we bend away from the Bay of Banderas, winding through a low range of mountains. This Nayarit coastal forest area is a well watered jungle landscape with lush vine draped trees that create a leafy green tunnel over the highway. The weather is always 27 C., and the ocean is as warm as the pool at our RV park.

We loved the beach, waves and the people -watching is fun, I amazed by the Rastafarian's hair. I went for a walk in the town and saw the cross outside the church in honor of Easter, the 6 foot Iguana at the Iguana reserve in the middle of town and loved the colorful doors and windows.

Puerta Vallarta

I arrived at 3 p.m. and was greeted by the whole family, including a friend, Shannon and her 2 children. We went into P.V. to Miguel's for dinner. The kids were entertained by the parrots, holding the babies, Lexi tried out their skateboard, having the Caesar salad made at the table, there is so much going on. We walked through the market where they dressed me up in a Saskatchewan Roughriders outfit, we visited the church, talked about what religion is, and enjoyed the evening.

On the Move Again

We're sure enjoying being home with all our friends again. We're back to Friday night pool, visiting friends and I've had a lunch with our Realty World ladies from 20+ years ago. I'm off to Puerto Vallarta tomorrow a.m. for 10 days with Suz and family. I'll play nanny and homework overseer. Here's where Hana and I worked last year, fun to do on the beach. And Suzanne and I went out for our Mother's Day dinner last year at Mark's Bar and Grill, sounds lowbrow but very gourmet and delicious.

Spring Chores

This week was time for doctors, dentists and lab work. I've got the income tax organized and off to the accountant. I'm getting back to a regular routine of walking M,W and F when the pool is being cleaned. The walk down O Ave. is beautiful in the spring but I've had to wear my Olympic mittens in the early morning. Not used to the cold.
T, Th and Sat are the days I swim 60 -70 lengths in our beautiful pool.

Japan Earthwake Benefit

We spent Sat. afternoon at the swimming pool in Sechelt and had a wonderful time. It is so cool with the 'lazy river' that floats you around by it's current, jumping off the rope that hangs from the ceiling, going down the 3 story slide and I even had to dive off the diving board to show Hana how to do it.
Sunday we went to the fund raiser in Robert's Creek in aid of Japan. The children have been making 1000 cranes to express their sympathy and good wishes and we made some more. There was a lovely drumming group, Suzanne friend Myuku in Kimono with many children kimonos also displayed with paper cranes. An amazing effort for such a small community.
Monday Suz and I had a quick beach walk before I caught the ferry home.