Back Home in Seattle

I have to say, it did feel good to step off the plane to the cold chill and rain. Though I was just as happy when I landed in Puerto Vallarta leaving the cold and rain behind.

There were some last minute good byes and details that I needed to accomplished prior to leaving for the airport. Stopped by our dear friend Alfredo's office to say "adios" and off to the hardware store to purchase new locks.

The hardware store visit was ...well...interesting. They had what we needed, but in order to get to it I had to skirt the piles of dog poop that was in numerous places on the floor. Strange thing was that I didn't see a dog.

Well, locks in hand and no dog poop on my shoes, it was back to Casa Leo to pack, eat the last of the avocados and mangos and start closing up the house. Laundry done, luggage ready to go, I was good to go and be picked up.

Getting to the airport almost 3 hours early, wasn't bad. Read my book, had a bite to eat and kicked back. The plane was full...full...FULL. First time I ever heard someone tell another passenger that they would pay them not to sit next to them.  Lots of babies on this flight and at various points of the trip, it smelled like I was flying in a diaper pale.

But, thanks to Apple and the magic of the iPod, I was able to muffle the noise.  And thanks to our good folks at Bombay their gin helped to remove the smell of the dirty diapers.

My trip was nothing left than amazing.  I look back with appreciation that I was given the time to enjoy our little paradiase in PV.

New Years

Difficult to believe that 3 weeks have past since returning from Vallarta. Three days prior to leaving, our internet connection went down and so did the opportunity to provide updates.

New Years in Vallarta was one big party. Streets are closed, people are dancing in the streets as everyone welcomes the New Year with drinks and waving 3' sparklers. We decided to take a low key approach to the holiday and have dinner at home and then head out at 10 pm to enjoy cocktails at a long time friend martini bar on Olas Altas; a busy street that runs parallel to the beach and right through Old Town.

We enjoyed Cosmo's at the outdoor lounge meeting new people and watching the crowd stroll (and sometime stumble) by. Long before midnight the celebration kicked into full gear. Fireworks going off, the music going, big screens erected with music videos and people dancing in the streets. It was time to celebrate and usher in 2010. By 1:00 am, we were losing steam and began our short journey back to Casa Leo and called it a night.

As most do, we reflected on the year that just past. Challenge, uncertainty, anxiety and frustration were words that fit the year that just past. Seeing the year end and a new year begin was welcomed.

In retrospect, the time in Vallarta flew by. But during the weeks there, we were able to get some needed repairs completed, a new management company in place, spend time getting to know the other owners of Casas del Zodiaco and best of all enjoy our friend, the sights, sounds, smells and amazing culture that Mexico has to offer. It is truly magical.