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.

New Construction

After a lazy morning, we headed out to take a look at one of the newest residential development about 5 blocks from Casa Leo. Called the Rio Cuale  www.riveracuale.com the developers did a beautiful job constructing an environmentally friendly complex. They restored a large portion of the Rio Cuale,  used water saving fixtures, installed all energy star rated appliances and took advantage of naturally occurring breezes to cool each unit.

After an exhausting tour, we needed some energy ourselves and stopped by one our favorites, El Brujo, for a bowl of tortilla soup and a new discovery. Sorry...I can't recall the name of the it, but they took cheese, fried it somewhat crispy with jumbo shrimp and served it on a warm fresh made tortilla. A bit of a jolt to the heart and arteries, but oh so good. Two each were ordered, but one would have been more than enough, Not being one to see anything go to waste, I ate them both.

Shopping for Casa Leo

Time to do some furniture upgrades for the house. Ventured out on the Blue Bus to some local shops for a new dining room table/chairs, lights and more dishes.

Though we didn't find exactly what we were looking for (we need something termite proof) we did come across some points of interest:

We did a quick run through Wal-Mart (not sure exactly what we were looking for there since we left empty handed) and noticed an interesting way to promote tequila sales.....how else...by offering shots! What could be better for the exhausted Christmas shopper than a nice tequila shot to help them deal with the madness and maybe sell a bottle or two. Or maybe, just take a bottle, crack it open by the can goods and take a swig.

In search for our table, we headed to the large department store called Liverpool. Though our table expedition ended in failure, we did come across this sassy little washer and dryer. Betcha' you can't find something like this in the States.

Sunset Supervision

Robbie arrived today and tradition is on the first day in Vallarta we supervise the sunset. It is important to be able to report back that the sunsets are still an amazing sight to behold.

This requires several important steps.

1) Make your way to the beach at approximately 6:00 pm
2) Secure a table and chair on the beach. Many think you can do this without being ON the beach. I respectfully disagree. A person must be able to wiggle their toes in the sand
3) Order a margarita. I suggest the margaritas at La Palapa http://www.lapalapapv.com/site/ . Important that they are made with the right blend of fresh lime juice, sugar and tequila.

Follow these three easy rules, sit back and enjoy Mother Nature's display

Glenda this one is for you

Bimbo is the bakery in Vallarta. Their specialty white bread. No fiber, no nutrients ...just white bread. Back in April of this year, when a group of us were in Vallarta, Glenda (a life long friend) tried to slip a loaf of this stuff in our cart while provisioning the house. Let's just say it was soon discovered and removed.

Friends from the States

Sunday afternoon, my friend Cindi and her husband Jim arrived in Vallarta for Christmas. Once my termite fumigation folks arrived, I met Cindi and Jim for breakfast down on the beach. Nothing like it. Great company, beautiful surroundings and a traditional Mexican breakfast. Life is good!

They decided to spend the day at the beach (Mexicans refer to newly arrived, pasty white Americans as "Frozen Chicken") and get some color. It is hard to understand how exhausting lying in the sun, drinking cold beverages and reading can be!

Last night, they ventured over to Casa Leo, where I hosted a little get together with fresh mango, papaya, guacamole & chips along with margaritas and beer.  After a decision about SKYPE, I showed them how it worked by calling my parents. The surprise and excitment was evident when Cindi appeared on the screen. It was a highlight for all.

After, we went out for a nightcap at a favorite restaurant on the Rio Cuale. A duo were playing original tunes that were extraordinary. One on the guitar the other on violin. The two together...amazing! What a wonderful way to end the day.

Pictures to follow!