Worth the Wait

Most likely by the time this is read, we will either be on our way back to or already in Dallas. From there we have no concrete plans and will travel whichever way the wind blows, eventually winding up at our house.

Monday joy: We woke, got ready for our flight, took the elevator from our hotel floor to the terminal.  We were flying American which was right outside the hotel elevator.
With TSA security next to the American and the train to the various thermals nearby, getting to our gate was a breeze.

The flight was just a flight and American’s in flight entertainment requires a device and earbuds. I had mistakenly packed my earbuds in my suitcase so an inflight movie was a no go for me. I found myself mentally griping and had to stop and realize I was on my way to paradise.  

I decided I had to list 6 things about the day thus far that were good, and it was pretty easy to do.  I am no Pollyanna and am a realist by nature. But there are so many good things I take for granted unless I remind myself to actively appreciate them.

We landed safely, customs was a piece of cake, lucked out with a taxi driver who was part driver, part tour guide, and checked in to a lovely resort.

Our room was not yet ready, and we had not eaten all day, even to have something as simple as a cup of coffee.  Luckily there were many options for meals at the resort. We had decided we would experience cultural foods when possible and both had very different ceviches than we can get at home. 

We had just finished our meals when Pip, Son1 and DIL1 arrived. They were hungry also, so we sat with them and talked while they ate.  We were with family and whatever happened the rest of the week was a bonus.

Monday dinner: The beachside restaurant was calling us. Only posting what I had, since everyone ordered whatever they wanted

Shrimp bisque, veggie tacos

Tuesday joy: We had breakfast from a coffee shop with the family while sitting in an open air lanai.  While we ate we were accompanied by birds and iguanas.  

I think the word of the day was relaxing. TheHub and I both just enjoyed the sea breeze, the sun and the gorgeous surroundings.

Tuesday dinner:  We met Son1’s family along with some of their friends who are also staying here at Brando’s . The food was not good but the company was stellar. I had rather have bad food and great company than great food and bad meal mates any day of the week. Though, I secretly hope for good food and great company the rest of the week.

Supposedly fish tacos, though neither TheHub nor I could tell the difference between my fish ones and his chicken tacos.

Wednesday joy: All of us went to the Malacon in the downtown area. It was a beautiful stroll down the boardwalk, catering to tourists mainly. Us, since that is what we were. There was no end to the number of things we could spend money on, though there were some free things to see. We were able to watch the Papantla Pole Flyers.

 We see an “authentic” Aztec ceremonial dance with people dressed in what was supposed to be authentic clothing ( loincloths, headdresses and shells). While I am unsure about how authentic it was, it was still entertaining. They only charged if you took pictures of/with them.  Instead of paying I took a surreptitious photo from behind them. Essentially I have a photo of Aztec butts. 

Wednesday dinner: El Brugo was the choice for dinner. It was a charming Mexican restaurant in the Romantic zone, specializing in seafood.

Snapper, rice, refried beans, salad

Thursday joy: The Portland crew went on an excursion via boat to a remote beach and a waterfall hike. Most of me would have loved to go along, but my knee said no. Instead, TheHub and I went to a lovely open air restaurant over the water. 

We thought we were there for lunch, silly us. Lunch service did not begin until 1:30. 

Instead we had a delicious and leisurely brunch. 

There are several cultural norms that we are experiencing, neither good nor bad, just different.Worked for me since I never have anything but coffee before noon anyway. 

After a bit TheHub went to the hotel fitness room to work out, then the steam room, followed by a massage because that is what he loves to do.  

I sat on the balcony of our room looking out, enjoying the breeze, and reading because that is what I love to do. 

Yes there is a beautiful gigantic pool, but the water is much too cold for me. Remember, I am from Alabama where the pool water is maybe 7 or 8 degrees cooler than body temperature. I don’t like to hang out by a pool unless I am going to get in it.

Thursday dinner: if you have read my blog before you might have noticed that we are Alabama fans. The resort had a sports bar, and Alabam haa game. I will leave where we ate to your imagination

Nachos, wings, celery sticks
 

Friday joys:  Puerta Vallarta is still a beautiful place and the locals are always welcoming. Of course tourist money makes for a welcoming attitude.

I do like the non-pretentious vibe and feel at home in my knock about normal clothes, even at dinner. I can see us coming back yearly, but staying at a smaller place in town rather than a resort. As it is we either have to uber or taxi anywhere but to the marina. 

We hung around the resort, but if you can’t find anything to do there, you just want to do nothing.

Friday dinner: We had a party of 10 and ate at La Madalena. Excellent food, superb service. Sometimes the old saying “you get what you pay for “is correct. This was one of those times.

Seared tuna, truffle potatoes, asparagus, limoncello cocktails, freshly baked bread.

Saturday joy: Son1 TheHub and I went into town to do a little shopping while all the females went to the botanical gardens, or swimming at a rooftop pool. I found a couple of things I wanted to buy to take home, including bottles of organic vanilla. The town is bustling with things to buy everywhere you turn.After shopping we had a nice al fresco lunch on the Malecon.

Saturday dinner: Alabama was playing basketball again. We found a sports bar in the Marina and went there to watch the game and eat. Good meal, bad game though!

Mexican take on fish and chips, coleslaw

Sunday joy: We were all tired, and just hung around the resort. The vacation was wonderful, and for us will continue through part of the upcoming week.

Sunday dinner: The resort has a Japanese restaurant we had not been to. We went there and sat around the teppanyaki grill, while a very animated cook preformed as he made our meal.  It was a fun final meal together.

Fried rice with vegetables.

I have no plans for meals for the week. We are planning on traveling through the gulf coast from Texas to Alabama, then heading home.  No idea what will happen, where we will be staying, or what we will be eating. All I know is that more adventure awaits.

Have a good week staying on plan, going off plan, or with no plan at all.

May all your weeds be wildflowers.

Anne