About 18 months ago, whilst enjoying a sunny afternoon at the lake, swimming, sunbathing and enjoy a lovely weekend, my mind turned to winter. It was such a nice day that I wanted to get our winter getaway booked as soon as possible. A couple of hours later after some searching, we had a lovely apartment booked in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for the winter of 2018. Then things went awry. The owner of the Airbnb we had booked cancelled after not answering any of our questions over the next two months. We booked a quaint local hotel instead, but then Buffy got pregnant (it was planned) and because of Zika virus we cancelled Mexico and went to Arizona instead. We had a good time there last year, but it wasn't the pool/beach and relaxing holiday I craved.
Then last summer. one of Buffys old work colleagues met up with her for lunch and during a chat announced she had just bought herself s condo in PV and it was available for rental. Within days we had picked dates, sent our deposit and arranged flights for the week of 11-18 Feb 2019. So, this is why now, I sit here on the 8th floor, relaxing by the pool with a view of the mountain one side and the sea the other. It is glorious and needed. Buffy and Hannah are both amazing, but with winter in full force the last few weeks, they haven't been able to get out as much as they like and to see them here, swimming in the pool, enjoying the sunshine and Buffy with her 'Smug face' on, really warms my cockles!
I am in charge!
Why is there still an ashtray in the plane toilets?
Making friends
Walking up and down the plane
We left yesterday at 5.50am from home in a Tappcar (Like Uber). We knew immediately the holiday would be great as the car turned up 20 minutes early and waited for us to be ready. The airport was a breeze, even with a 7 month old and soon we were halfway through our flight with Hannah making friends as she walked up and down the aisle of the plane. 2 snoozes and an Uber later and we were there. A lovely apartment right in the heart of the old town. Before long we had unpacked, bought beers and were sat on the roof , right where I am now, enjoying the first bit of warm weather we have experienced since last September.
A couple of ladies enjoying the sunshine!
Someone had a long day!
We also hired a stroller for Hannah, booked online last week, and amazingly, it was waiting for us when we arrived at the apartment. So that evening went out for dinner in a nice local restaurant and apart from Hannah losing a bootie, which was fished off a roof by our friendly waiter it was the perfect evening. A stroll along the beach with a stunning sunset added to our happiness and after tucking Hannah into her peapod at least two hours later than normal me and Buff enjoyed a couple of beers to end the night.
The friendly waiter with a stick and paperclip - saving the bootie
A nice lady called Linda, took our photo!
Day 2 was a bit strange - me and Buff are used to travelling together - we know what each other likes to do and have a lot of fun. But now it different because Hannah wrecks everything! We can't go ziplining with her, jet boating or even hiking up mountains (one positive at least :-) )Every two hours or so we have to feed her or put her to sleep. So we have worked out that we should just plan a couple of hours ahead. Maybe a stroll in the morning, then lunch in a pub, then a couple of hours by the pool and finally dinner - a takeaway pizza with a movie and a couple of beers. That all sounds really nice. And that is exactly what we did on day 2. I also fitted in the sunrise at 7.25 when Hannah woke up and we let Buffy have an extra hours sleep (It's my turn for the extra hour tomorrow)
We watched the workman from the roof for a bit
We did have a lovely day today - the stroll was along a path by a small river which runs through the town to the ocean and we found a couple of nice cafes we are going to try later in the week, as well as making lots of friends with the local ladies loving Hannah and lots of dogs lazily snoozing in the street as we walked by.
Climbed a tree
Saw a dog
Found a lamp post - leaned against it
Survived the bridge of doom
Went to a pub
After a good lunch and watching the United game in a local pub, it was swimming in the pool again, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine and trying to get our lazy daughter to crawl instead of rolling over and laughing at us. Also, when she does this her middle finger extends towards us - It really does - I know (or at least hope) she does this by accident and doesn't know what it means. Although I suspect she is a master criminal and knows exactly what she is doing!
The evening was spent with a movie and one of the best pizzas I have ever had from a place just around the corner. Having Hannah with us means there is no longer any late night adventures like me and Buffy enjoyed in Barcelona or Paris, but instead early evenings, putting her to bed and then a movie or relaxing with a beer or wine on the balcony. I tell you what though - It suits me fine! I love it.
Wednesday (was that the day?) was a great day - a lovely stroll along the Malecon, taking in all the ornate sculptures, watching the Pelicans dive for fish and generally enjoying another relaxing warm, sunny day. Later on we took Hannah in the pool again to end the day. She must of been hungry though s she literally tried to eat the pool! Here's some photos o the day...
Buffy had found a nice Taco restaurant that we headed to for dinner. We ordered and then starting eating some great great food. But discovered that payment was by cash only - We didn't have enough. So I went on an adventure - Finding 3 useless ATMs and a woman in a Monet change kiosk who would only take cash - I had a card! So I went back to the apartment grabbed some Canadian money and headed back, only to come across a beautiful gleaming bank with working ATM's and as much Mexican Peso's as I could carry! Back to the restaurant to finish off another Margarita, pay the bill and head home very satisfied!
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