What to do with all those frequent flyer miles? I know pack up the family and go on a vacation. Where? Hmmm. Ahhh! Mexico, Puerto Vallarta has always been one of my favorite get aways. A quick call to Lexi and then Traci to see who else has any time off. Yeah everybody can go :) Tickets are arranged and we grab some rooms at the beach front Buenaventura hotel. I've been sneaking off to Puerto Vallarta for years and now I have the chance to share it's secrets and fun with two great friends.
The flights to Mexico were smooth since we were able to use my Platinum status with American Airlines to avoid the long lines at check in and board first so we get primo overhead space. I was very proud of the way the girls managed to carry on everything they brought. You would have thought we were going away for months they way they planned. I pack some shorts and a few odds and ends while they brought a combined 7 different swim suites and enough "outfits" for any occasion. My mission was to lie in the sun and do nothing but I didn't want to dampen their enthusiasm. Anywho have you ever tried to tell any woman how to pack?
We landed at 8:00 PM and it was 90 degrees, a hot hot hot 90 degrees. Thankfully the cab ride was quick and before we knew it the nice rush of AC hit us as we entered our rooms. A quick change and off we went. Puerto Vallarta is cool since it still retains a Mexican feel even though it is a resort area. The downtown has the usual Hard Rock and Hooter's but they are inside traditional buildings and the local establishments outnumber the chains. I brought the girls into the village and we even managed to get into the ocean since the water was so very warm.
The
bay keeps the surf nice and gentle, although Lexi will you tell you
otherwise. She got tossed like a rag doll a few times before she
adjusted to the strength of the breakers. It's so nice to be out
walking and just decide to take a swim then continue your night out.
It's so warm that you dry off quickly and since it is tropical the dress
codes are very flexible even at the clubs. Speaking of clubs we did
have one very interesting evening at The Zoo. Apparently the girls had
heard of this place and they really wanted to dance in the cages. Yes
big zoo like cages that you could dance in. Too much fun! Traci
and Lexi got lot's of attention once they got their turn at the cage.
Most of days were
spent poolside until I rented a Jeep. I wanted to show the girls some
of the other fun around. A few years ago I rented a Jeep and
discovered the Predator movie set up in the jungle. There is a road
but it is not for the meek. Lexi called it the Indiana Jones ride.
Located south of our hotel is the town of Mismaloya. Lush jungle along
the hills and a kick ass beach near the water. I turned onto the rough
road up the mountain and we all decided to grab some breakfast. The
Iguana Inn appeared like vision before us. Clean paint, manicured
lawns and a fabulous pool that was not being used. Breakfast turned
into a three hour break since we took over the unused pool. Rested and
ready we drove the kidney busting trail up into the canopy. Passing
horses and crossing streams I clutched and shimmied the Jeep to the top.
Giant iron gates appeared out of no where. Traci asked if I was taking
them to Jurassic Park.
The drive was worth it since at the top was a warm stream with rocks and waterfalls and lots of people. This location was used to make the movie Predator and now it is a restaurant and picnic area. Canopy rides are available as well. It was surreal to be in the water and then hear the wiz of a canopy rider over your head. We skipped the zip line rides but we still enjoyed the afternoon in the cool shade of the jungle. The kids and people who were in the rocks took chances we didn't. Jumping, swinging, and cliff diving in a very small area. This type of place would never open back home. They would never get insurance. The girls had a few cocktails, we enjoyed some fine Cuban cigars and watched the locals cheat major injury over and over with their hijinx.
Warm sunny days, great food and friends to share it with. Along the way we made some new friends too. Carl and Vicki from Boulder joined us for the Jeep adventure and poolside lounging. Vicki had been here a few times and she was giving Carl his primer. It's always a the right time to make new friends.
Stop Staring!
Smelly Bellyman
I think the lesson today
kids is a simple one: Sharing a familiar place with new people can be more
fun than discovering a new place with familiar people... no... familiar
people in a new place that is familiar to one can be more fun than...
unfamiliar people in... oh whatever. I think I'm still vacation, I
hope you are too :)Peace,
Sean