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!

Hair Cut

Easy huh? At least it is back home. But when a language barrier exists, the simplest of everyday tasks can be challenging.  It had been about 5 weeks since I last had my hair cut and given that I would normally have it cut every 3, it was getting pretty long and a bit wild looking. I was beginning to look like those ex-pats that run to Mexico to escape from something. Don't think I am quite ready for a pony tail or dreadlocks. 


After securing a recommendation from my friend Alfredo, I ventured out to find the barber shop. Only about 5 blocks from the house, I found it without a problem. I arrived at 2:15...and of coarse it was closed. Though most shops are open all day and into the evening, several adhere to closing at 2:00 and reopening at 4:00 and staying open until 8:00 pm.  Happy to come back the next day, I arrived at 10:30 and asked for a haircut (Quiero un corte de pelo). His response,  corto o medio? (Short or medium?) I thought it was best to go medium. Turned out to be a wise choose.  His only comment was, "Su peol es muy largo y grueso" (Your hair is very long and thick). I wasn't sure what "grueso" meant; my hope was  it didn't mean "greasy". 


It was a fun adventure and the price was right, $60 pesos...roughly $4.65 USD. 

Time to think

As of today, I will have been in Vallarta for one month. It is hard to believe how quickly the time has gone by.

The time has been productive in terms of projects on the house,  reflecting on where I am at currently in life, thinking about what is ahead, establishing goals and identifying milestones.  The one thing that I realize is with change comes opportunity. But unlike the saying, I have not found "opportunity knocking" on my door. Instead, I likened it to a game of hide and seek.  Opportunity is out there, but you have to go find it.

Since arriving in Vallarta, slowing down sounds easy, but it is easier said then done. One of the most enjoyable ways to start my day and get myself centered (of coarse given it is 75 degrees by 8:00 am does help) is to have breakfast poolside. Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, the sound of the fountain - - what I great way to start the day. I think the coffee even tastes better.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

My last hope to pick up a couple of much needed items for the house was to venture far out to the new Home Depot. I felt like I took the easy road by going there, but I wasn't able to source a bathroom fan, a brass drain cover, wire cutters, and the allusive shelf liner.

Though not far in distance, it does take awhile to get there given you transfer to another bus and depend upon the kindness of strangers for help. In PV, I have always found that kindness abounds and help to the "lost gringo" comes quickly.

Once I arrived, it took me about 2 hours to locate all the items I needed. The things you learn when you are in another country regarding the particular ways of doing things. The old saying of "never assume" is a good thing to keep in mind. For instance, spray paint doesn't come with the spray nozzle. This you have ask for from the cashier (el cajero). I wonder how many people (like myself) leave the store having forgot to ask.  Oh well.  But I was able to check off all the items on my list except for that shelf paper. Add that to Robbie's list when he comes down.

When approaching the Home Depot, I couldn't help but notice the line up of Christmas trees. As pictured, they were a little on the dry side. So dry, that when I walked by the little breeze created caused the needles to cascade off. I can only imagine the look on someone's face when they arrive home only to find what appears to be a fence pole on the roof of their car instead of a symbol of the holidays. The poinsettia weren't faring much better.

Mobile Marketing

Now accepting applications for potential investors.

Taking Time to Take a Look Around

The painting is officially complete and my termites (termitas) are officially on the run. Little turds are making these little mud tunnels in no time at all. They have rebuilt one that I destroyed on Friday and it was back again this morning (about 10 feet). This time I attacked them with some pesticide until the exterminator comes and inject the beams with poison.

The interior looks much better and I am pleased with the results. Because of the high humidity, it takes the paint a LONG time to dry. Since I can't seem to get my clothes dry, why would I expect the paint to dry quickly?

After 6 hours of painting and clean up, it was time for a swim. While floating around, I observed some busy workers poolside. An army of ants was taking advantage of the break in the rain to gather things together. It was fascinating to watch as some overcome by the size of the leaf they were carrying were help by other ants to navigate the bricks and mortar of the patio.  

The rain has started up again. Looks like a good night to read a book.

The Festivals Continue

It is difficult to articulate the sights, sounds and smells that radiate from what I experience. The festivals continue through the end of this week until Saturday. Various groups like the one pictured, "Scouts de Mexico" march with their banners and songs to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral to be blessed and attend Mass. Outside of the Cathedral are booths selling various food items, arts and crafts and others peddling well...junk.

As you walk down the parade route you are able to observe a rich culture that I have come to appreciate more and more. The focus on the value of family is evident everywhere. Lifestyles to the casual observer like myself pulls you back to the core values of family, friends and partners that add so much richness and true happiness to our lives. An appreciation for the finer things in life, but also the enjoyment of the simple things. Both equally appreciated and enjoyed.

I recognized that sound

Sunday morning I woke up (way too early BTW) to a familiar sound. RAIN! And lots of it. Opening the shutters, I relaxed in bed, with a cup of coffee and watch the storm. Rain in Vallarta comes down like no where else I have been. Sheets and sheets of rain that fill the gutters and turn the streets into rivers.

I heard someone coin the phrase, "the skies are pregnant with water." They must of been speaking of Vallarta. The air is full of water to the point that the tile floors in the house have a film of moisture and your clothes are damp to the touch. As I look out the balcony and see laundry hanging on rooftops I wonder how anything ever gets dry. There must be a secret I don't know about.

A Night out on the Town

I was invited to attend a fundraiser for the building of a Long-term Care facility for Puerto Vallarta at one of the local hotel. There were 4 of us that went, Alfredo, Dan, Coastas and myself. The drive is being spearheaded by Alfredo's Mother whose grandfather founded Puerto Vallarta. Deep roots and a strong sense of social responsibility, she is involved in several charities and initiatives. Needless to say, she is an amazing woman.

The event was hosted at one of the local hotels with a casino night theme. They had blackjack, roulette, porker and craps tables set up throughout one of the ballrooms. The hotel was ...well ...AMAZING. Classic Mexican design with 40 foot archways, intricately inlayed tiles and a staff that could write the book on hospitality. With complimentary cocktails and appetizers, we got down to busy. Each of us were given $2000 worth of script which we could cash in (if we had anything left) to enter a raffle for additional prizes.

Ok the games were fun, but the appetizers (I know...more about eating) were out of this world. Brushetti with different kinds of cheeses, tapenade, chicken skews marinated in various sauces from a sweat/sour to smokey with a bit of fire. But my favorite was banana piece wrapped in bacon and then dipped in a mango sauce. I ate too much.

Given I was one of the few "gringo" there, make it all the more enjoyable. I have known Alfredo for many years along with his family so it was nice to have the opportunity to see them again and catch up.

We left at midnight and headed back to Old Town for nightcap at Garbo's. Ordered a glass of wine instead of a gin and found that to be a much better choice. Once they closed at 2:00 am, we had to end the evening having tacos on the street at one of Alfredo's favorite taco carts. There we all were at 2:30 in the morning, in a driving rain storm, eating tacos, laughing and enjoying the company of old and new friends. Home at 3:00 am, and up at 6:30 am, ready for a coffee.

Always something to do

Shopping in Puerto Vallarta can be an adventure. Unlike the States, "big box" stores like Costco and Home Depot are a new concept. Our local paint store carries only paint; no brushes, tape, paint pans and other supplies. Here you have to go to another shop if you want to find the paint supplies. It can be frustrating at times, but you have to realize that is how the market place operates and just calm down.

But in the last year, Costco and a Home Depot have both opened in Vallarta. What can't be found at Costco or Home Depot there is always Wal-Mart. So off I went to our neighborhood (actually about 5 miles away) Wal-Mart on public transportation. 

The bus system is made up of either a "Blue Bus" or "Green Bus". They are independently operated, with no bus schedule, no wheelchair left, cash only (unlike Metro in Seattle...they give you change), plastic seats, sometimes entertainment like someone playing the guitar and from time to time someone with chickens. When you want to get on, you flag them down (no official bus stops) and when you want off, you stand up and it will sorta pull over and let you off. Move quickly.... it waits for no one. 

At home in Seattle, I wouldn't consider myself a regular Wal-Mart shopper only having been there twice. But, drop me in Vallarta and I can push, shove and navigate the narrow aisles with the best of them. Since the Cruise Ships dock just across the street from Wal-Mart, it is filled with Americans shopping for whatever they can find. Listening to people as they shop.... is a reality show in the making. Americans seem to forget they are in a different country and items are in Spanish, not in "American". I overheard a woman frustrated by the fact that she couldn't find ketchup. She turned to her husband and loudly announced, "I AM TRYING to FIND the ketchup, why aren't these things in English?" Ok..honey...you are in Mexico not Bellevue.

My list was a bit more challenging, like finding shelf liner (not successful), sand paper (success), a shop vac (success), clock (oh, please...that's easy; success), paint brushes (success), fluorescent light bulbs (expensive here, but found them), and lastly a six pack of beer (of coarse I found that). Two hours later, I left in a taxi for home. 

So, I am busy painting our living room and dining room. After deciding that we need to have some warmer tones on the walls, I went to our local paint store...remember it is PAINT ONLY and purchased it.  Ready to go, I headed down to the store. We needed to have it to match a color in a pillow (I know...I know...). Quiero que coincida con este color. (I want it to match this color) Y en acabado mate (mate finish) en cinco galones (five gallons). Quanto? How much?

Got what I needed and headed home with my 5 gallons of paint, my pillow and my note pad. 

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 1st begins the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe involves colorful religious processions from the 1st through the 12th.  The Lady of Guadalupe is the patron saint of both Puerto Vallarta and Mexico.

Tonight, I needed to pick up some ground coffee at Starbuck's and fortunately was detained long enough to experience this beautiful celebration. What struck me the most was the blend of traditional Aztec heritage with the Roman Catholic tradition. It was beautiful. It was one of the few times I left my phone at home and unable to capture the images.

But there will be plenty of opportunity given we are in the season of Advent. Here in PV, daily procession occur to celebrate, with each culminating at the Cathedral where the bells are rung rather enthusiastically by young men that ...well...let's just say boys will be boys each trying to outdo the other.

On my own again

Robbie left this morning for the States only to be there about 24 hours and leaving for the Paris Boat Show. He is one that doesn't let any grass grow under his feet. He didn't leave me empty handed though. A large pan of his famous brownies are in the refrigerator (soon to be transported to the freezer). They are delicious all on there own, but with a little Kahlua and whip cream they are over the top.

Lazy Day in the Sun

Sunday morning, we said Adios to Greg and Scott as they head back to Houston. It was a fun time having them here and we look forward to when we can all meet in Vallarta again. 

After waving good-bye, it was time to get ourselves organized and head south to John and Mark's for a day in the sun around their pool. Their home is about 5 miles south of us in the Conchas Chinas neighborhood. It was a relaxing day of conversation, good food and margaritas. 

Heading out to Eat Again

Sometimes it seems that is all we do here is eat and while eating we are thinking about where we are going to eat next. Way too much good food!

Before Greg and Scott packed their bags and headed to the States, we had to squeeze in one last dinner at one of the favorite restaurants in Vallarta. The Red Cabbage (Repollo Rojo) http://www.redcabbagepv.com/index.html is located about 5 blocks from the house (unless you take the goat trail over the hill and down). The Red Cabbage is an unassuming place and easily missed if there wasn't such a crowd standing outside the entrance.

Each item on the menu is amazing, but their Chiles en Nogada is like nothing I have ever had before. A brief history of the dish along with pictures can be seen at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiles_en_nogada. This, along with anything made with their Mole sauce, makes for one great dinner.

After, we headed out to the local piano bar called Garbo for a nightcap. The piano player was loud, the singer even louder and the gin and tonic was undrinkable. The loud piano player and singer I can tolerate, but a bad gin is where I draw the line. We were on our way home shortly.