So here’s the promised trip report. Sorry it has taken so long but I just couldn’t bring myself to do anything once I got back home. It seemed I dragged my butt from room to room staring aimlessly at nothing wishing I were still in PV. You all know that feeling, I know I’m not alone with it.
This will be a summary seeing as how I kept (somewhat) in touch with previous updates.
This has truly been one of the most wonderful memorable vacations I have ever had. I was extremely fortunate to enjoy 7 glorious weeks in a rented condo downtown. Staying there was very different than the AI we have done in the past, and I must say I much prefer the condo life and would do it again in a heartbeat. Ellen was superb, taking me under her wing for the first few days and then making herself available when I needed advise or guidance. I met some of her friends and acquaintances and she very kindly included me on some of her outings. Thank you Ellen for letting me tag along and showing me the joy of Bubba! She is a real treasure and I miss her and Dave already. (Where’s the Kleenex?)
I think one of my favourite things was sitting on the balcony eating my breakfast and watching and hearing the community come to life. I’d sit there sipping my coffee and watch the sun chase the morning shadows up from the malecon. Sometimes a sailboat would drift lazily and slowly across my view and then disappear from sight, sometimes I would see huge flocks of pelicans high in the sky, hovering or circling in a seemingly endless merry go round high above the water in the bay. Some mornings Jose would turn the water fountain on and the sound of the water softly splashing and tinkling was the perfect music to listen to while eating my breakfast!
My first two visits to the Refugio were humbling and eye opening to say the least. On my third visit one little girl sang my Spanish name to the tune of the Macarena song, complete with all the hand actions! Oh how I laughed! What an angel she was, as well as all the rest. Those children just want someone to pay them some attention and to love them even for just a couple of hours. Coming here to help, even a few times was a very rewarding experience and worthy of repeating.
During my first week I met quiet a few of our old friends from the Canto del Sol as well a few other local friends. A few of them came up to the condo to see where I was staying and I enjoyed entertaining and serving them on my turf for a change.
The first meetup group at El Nido rooftop bar at the Cuatro Los Vientos Hotel on Matamoros, the street behind the church saw Ellen, Dave, Toni, John, Darla and myself get together for a drink or two. We all had a really nice time and then Ellen, Dave and myself went for a bite to eat at a little tapas place. It was delicious but I can’t remember the name of the restaurant. The second meetup group consisted of Sylvia, Mark, Lorette, Jack, Fred and myself. After the sun set we all headed back to the condo and enjoyed a few more drinks and we had a superb time!
I watched the sun cast its nightly golden hued shimmer on gently moving water and across the sky from various locations…El Nido, the Lazy Lizard, Cyc’s, Burro’s, the patio area and the rooftop at the condo and various locations along the malecon, but my favourite place was this one bench on the malecon close to the arches. At this particular spot the rocks bump against each other when the waves recede and the sound is like thunder rumbling faintly in the distance. Listening to this and watching the sunset was a treat for the senses that I just can’t describe. I could sit there for hours with hundreds of people around me and still be completely on my own. I’m homesick for that.
The week my friend arrived was a real treat for me. As she had never traveled anywhere by plane in her life before and certainly not to a tropical location everything she saw and experienced was new to her. It was so much fun seeing PV through her eyes and seeing the wonder, delight and pure joy on her face as we ate strawberries and cream, crepes etc. on the malecon and watched the dancers and all the other entertainment that PV has to offer. I will always remember the wonder on her face as she ventured into the cold water under the waterfall in Yelapa and let the water rain down on her! The hubbub as well as the bright and vivid colours in the market fascinated her but she was timid to barter so I had to help her with that at first but by the end of her trip she ventured out on her own and when she returned she proudly told me she had bartered and bought something. At the end of her trip she tearfully told me that she would not have stepped on a plane for anyone other than me and that this experience had opened up the world for her. She is such a giving person that it was rewarding for me to be on the giving end for once. She also says that she knows she will return to PV. The bug has bitten one more victim!
I entertained various people from back home, a co-worker and his wife, my sister and her husband, neighbours and several friends. Everyone loved the condo but not everyone loved the climb up all those stairs! I did however, and most days I was up and down at least 2 times, sometimes 3 or 4. It kept the butt from expanding seeing as how much food I was eating! Exploring the little side streets and finding new ways home was always fun and exciting. I never felt afraid for my safety or anxious about who or what was around the corner. Of course, I used my common sense and almost always I was back to the condo by 10 or 10:30 if I was out alone after dark. Many afternoons I spent at the condo poolside, reading, napping and soaking up as much warmth as possible.
I enjoyed several outings to Mismaloya where I met up with a friend. The busride was so scenic and entertaining! The hubbub of downtown PV is just a memory here. If you go to Mismaloya try to get to Restaurant de Alba if time permits. Fabulous delicious food at reasonable prices.
When my family arrived my peace and quiet was a thing of the past!!! We had an awesome family vacation. The tours we went on were El Eden Canopy Tour, which was a blast, and I was given the honour of being labelled “the screamer of the day.” Not screams of terror but rather of pure fun and exhilaration! Fred and all three of the kids went para sailing; I’ve already done it so I didn’t go. But they all had a great time even my youngest daughter who didn’t really want to go up but got talked into it by the very charming and persuasive young man! The Marigalante was a hoot as always. We did not get robbed on our horseback-riding trip thank goodness, but we all had very tender bottoms for a day or two after. Just a tip to all future novice horse back riders … bring a thick piece of foam or a pillow along, you will be grateful you did. I shall expect many thank you’s and gifts of cash for that tip! Someone who did get robbed though was Katnsocal and her partner whom we had booked a water excursion with. Someone misled us into thinking we were getting on the right boat when in fact we were not. While we had a wonderful day on the water, Kat and her partner were denied of their income for the day. I guess we were on a real pirate boat that day! Lesson learned but that really really ticked me off when I found out what happened. We enjoyed delicious suppers at various locations and my son stuffed himself with various seafood on sticks at the beach. When the kids found out that they could buy a single beer and then drink it while strolling down the sidewalk they were beside themselves with glee! On their first bus ride ever an off-key guitar-strumming minstrel serenaded them! They didn’t know what to make of it or what was going on. It was too funny!
People that I/we met from this bb that I have not mentioned earlier were:
Corey and Sean whom I had a very enjoyable lunch with at Daiquiri Dicks. Thanks again Corey for lunch and the wonderful company. They are a wonderful couple and I enjoyed getting to know them. I hope we can do it again sometime.
Tom and Lorrie who came to the condo and where we got to know each other over a few drinks and nibbles while the sunset. We never did get to the birthday supper but there’s always next year.
Sandra and Rick whom we shared a fun and entertaining afternoon with in Bucerias taking in Bubba and the Bottom Feeders! What a hoot, and then they surprised us a few days later when they showed up at the condo bearing a six pack of ice-cold beer! Oh yeah, that’s the life!
Sherry and Des who wanted to share their first evening in PV with Ellen, Dave, Fred and I. We met at Cyc’s for drinks, dinner and sunset. What a wonderful couple and I know I will see more of them in the future!
It was also quite stunning to learn that Sylvia is my sister’s friend and neighbour as well as my niece’s sister in law. It really is a small world and we will entertain them at our home this summer, while we sit on my newly upholstered patio furniture! Next week I start sewing.
I hope I’m not forgetting anyone, my apologies if I did.
This is getting way to long again so I’m going to wrap it up, not much of a summary is it? I’ll just end by saying that staying in the condo away from all the hotels I really felt like I was a part of the community. The shopkeepers and locals that I passed on a regular basis always had a friendly smile and greeting when they saw me. Several vendors in the market who befriended me on my many browsing excursions called me by name when I sauntered through and always inquired as to when my family was coming or how much longer till I had to go home. It was not always about making a sale, they seemed genuinely interested. The family whose restaurant in the municipal market I went to several times were always happy to see me and welcomed me back with open arms, beaming faces and delicious food. Chrisanto and his partners who entertained me many many times as they gracefully swung their way back to solid ground and gave me a wonderful gift that I will always treasure and hold dear. The amazing experience my friend in Mismaloya treated me to and who so kindly honoured me by opening the door to his world. But most of all to my new friends Ellen and Dave for all you did for me and for your friendship, I will be eternally grateful and Ellen, don’t forget … next year when I return I expect to see my “Casa de Alegria” sign up at the door when I arrive!
Joyce
Ps Pictures to follow in the near future.
This will be a summary seeing as how I kept (somewhat) in touch with previous updates.
This has truly been one of the most wonderful memorable vacations I have ever had. I was extremely fortunate to enjoy 7 glorious weeks in a rented condo downtown. Staying there was very different than the AI we have done in the past, and I must say I much prefer the condo life and would do it again in a heartbeat. Ellen was superb, taking me under her wing for the first few days and then making herself available when I needed advise or guidance. I met some of her friends and acquaintances and she very kindly included me on some of her outings. Thank you Ellen for letting me tag along and showing me the joy of Bubba! She is a real treasure and I miss her and Dave already. (Where’s the Kleenex?)
I think one of my favourite things was sitting on the balcony eating my breakfast and watching and hearing the community come to life. I’d sit there sipping my coffee and watch the sun chase the morning shadows up from the malecon. Sometimes a sailboat would drift lazily and slowly across my view and then disappear from sight, sometimes I would see huge flocks of pelicans high in the sky, hovering or circling in a seemingly endless merry go round high above the water in the bay. Some mornings Jose would turn the water fountain on and the sound of the water softly splashing and tinkling was the perfect music to listen to while eating my breakfast!
My first two visits to the Refugio were humbling and eye opening to say the least. On my third visit one little girl sang my Spanish name to the tune of the Macarena song, complete with all the hand actions! Oh how I laughed! What an angel she was, as well as all the rest. Those children just want someone to pay them some attention and to love them even for just a couple of hours. Coming here to help, even a few times was a very rewarding experience and worthy of repeating.
During my first week I met quiet a few of our old friends from the Canto del Sol as well a few other local friends. A few of them came up to the condo to see where I was staying and I enjoyed entertaining and serving them on my turf for a change.
The first meetup group at El Nido rooftop bar at the Cuatro Los Vientos Hotel on Matamoros, the street behind the church saw Ellen, Dave, Toni, John, Darla and myself get together for a drink or two. We all had a really nice time and then Ellen, Dave and myself went for a bite to eat at a little tapas place. It was delicious but I can’t remember the name of the restaurant. The second meetup group consisted of Sylvia, Mark, Lorette, Jack, Fred and myself. After the sun set we all headed back to the condo and enjoyed a few more drinks and we had a superb time!
I watched the sun cast its nightly golden hued shimmer on gently moving water and across the sky from various locations…El Nido, the Lazy Lizard, Cyc’s, Burro’s, the patio area and the rooftop at the condo and various locations along the malecon, but my favourite place was this one bench on the malecon close to the arches. At this particular spot the rocks bump against each other when the waves recede and the sound is like thunder rumbling faintly in the distance. Listening to this and watching the sunset was a treat for the senses that I just can’t describe. I could sit there for hours with hundreds of people around me and still be completely on my own. I’m homesick for that.
The week my friend arrived was a real treat for me. As she had never traveled anywhere by plane in her life before and certainly not to a tropical location everything she saw and experienced was new to her. It was so much fun seeing PV through her eyes and seeing the wonder, delight and pure joy on her face as we ate strawberries and cream, crepes etc. on the malecon and watched the dancers and all the other entertainment that PV has to offer. I will always remember the wonder on her face as she ventured into the cold water under the waterfall in Yelapa and let the water rain down on her! The hubbub as well as the bright and vivid colours in the market fascinated her but she was timid to barter so I had to help her with that at first but by the end of her trip she ventured out on her own and when she returned she proudly told me she had bartered and bought something. At the end of her trip she tearfully told me that she would not have stepped on a plane for anyone other than me and that this experience had opened up the world for her. She is such a giving person that it was rewarding for me to be on the giving end for once. She also says that she knows she will return to PV. The bug has bitten one more victim!
I entertained various people from back home, a co-worker and his wife, my sister and her husband, neighbours and several friends. Everyone loved the condo but not everyone loved the climb up all those stairs! I did however, and most days I was up and down at least 2 times, sometimes 3 or 4. It kept the butt from expanding seeing as how much food I was eating! Exploring the little side streets and finding new ways home was always fun and exciting. I never felt afraid for my safety or anxious about who or what was around the corner. Of course, I used my common sense and almost always I was back to the condo by 10 or 10:30 if I was out alone after dark. Many afternoons I spent at the condo poolside, reading, napping and soaking up as much warmth as possible.
I enjoyed several outings to Mismaloya where I met up with a friend. The busride was so scenic and entertaining! The hubbub of downtown PV is just a memory here. If you go to Mismaloya try to get to Restaurant de Alba if time permits. Fabulous delicious food at reasonable prices.
When my family arrived my peace and quiet was a thing of the past!!! We had an awesome family vacation. The tours we went on were El Eden Canopy Tour, which was a blast, and I was given the honour of being labelled “the screamer of the day.” Not screams of terror but rather of pure fun and exhilaration! Fred and all three of the kids went para sailing; I’ve already done it so I didn’t go. But they all had a great time even my youngest daughter who didn’t really want to go up but got talked into it by the very charming and persuasive young man! The Marigalante was a hoot as always. We did not get robbed on our horseback-riding trip thank goodness, but we all had very tender bottoms for a day or two after. Just a tip to all future novice horse back riders … bring a thick piece of foam or a pillow along, you will be grateful you did. I shall expect many thank you’s and gifts of cash for that tip! Someone who did get robbed though was Katnsocal and her partner whom we had booked a water excursion with. Someone misled us into thinking we were getting on the right boat when in fact we were not. While we had a wonderful day on the water, Kat and her partner were denied of their income for the day. I guess we were on a real pirate boat that day! Lesson learned but that really really ticked me off when I found out what happened. We enjoyed delicious suppers at various locations and my son stuffed himself with various seafood on sticks at the beach. When the kids found out that they could buy a single beer and then drink it while strolling down the sidewalk they were beside themselves with glee! On their first bus ride ever an off-key guitar-strumming minstrel serenaded them! They didn’t know what to make of it or what was going on. It was too funny!
People that I/we met from this bb that I have not mentioned earlier were:
Corey and Sean whom I had a very enjoyable lunch with at Daiquiri Dicks. Thanks again Corey for lunch and the wonderful company. They are a wonderful couple and I enjoyed getting to know them. I hope we can do it again sometime.
Tom and Lorrie who came to the condo and where we got to know each other over a few drinks and nibbles while the sunset. We never did get to the birthday supper but there’s always next year.
Sandra and Rick whom we shared a fun and entertaining afternoon with in Bucerias taking in Bubba and the Bottom Feeders! What a hoot, and then they surprised us a few days later when they showed up at the condo bearing a six pack of ice-cold beer! Oh yeah, that’s the life!
Sherry and Des who wanted to share their first evening in PV with Ellen, Dave, Fred and I. We met at Cyc’s for drinks, dinner and sunset. What a wonderful couple and I know I will see more of them in the future!
It was also quite stunning to learn that Sylvia is my sister’s friend and neighbour as well as my niece’s sister in law. It really is a small world and we will entertain them at our home this summer, while we sit on my newly upholstered patio furniture! Next week I start sewing.
I hope I’m not forgetting anyone, my apologies if I did.
This is getting way to long again so I’m going to wrap it up, not much of a summary is it? I’ll just end by saying that staying in the condo away from all the hotels I really felt like I was a part of the community. The shopkeepers and locals that I passed on a regular basis always had a friendly smile and greeting when they saw me. Several vendors in the market who befriended me on my many browsing excursions called me by name when I sauntered through and always inquired as to when my family was coming or how much longer till I had to go home. It was not always about making a sale, they seemed genuinely interested. The family whose restaurant in the municipal market I went to several times were always happy to see me and welcomed me back with open arms, beaming faces and delicious food. Chrisanto and his partners who entertained me many many times as they gracefully swung their way back to solid ground and gave me a wonderful gift that I will always treasure and hold dear. The amazing experience my friend in Mismaloya treated me to and who so kindly honoured me by opening the door to his world. But most of all to my new friends Ellen and Dave for all you did for me and for your friendship, I will be eternally grateful and Ellen, don’t forget … next year when I return I expect to see my “Casa de Alegria” sign up at the door when I arrive!
Joyce
Ps Pictures to follow in the near future.