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.

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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.